UN Young Champions of the Earth is a forward-looking prize designed to breathe life into the ambitions of brilliant young environmentalists.
Are you a change-maker, rain-maker, ground-breaker? Do you see an opportunity, where others see a crisis? Do you want to change the world? Young Champions of the Earth aims to celebrate and support individuals who have outstanding potential to create a positive environmental impact.
More than just an honorary title, Young Champions of the Earth Prize aims to nurture the next generation of environmental leaders. Up to 50 applicants who clearly articulate their skills requirements and demonstrate a strong willingness to learn will be granted privileged access to mentoring opportunities. They will be able to seek technical guidance and professional advice from a broad community of experts drawn from Covestro’s 16,000 global staff members. These mentors will share their experience through webinars, thematic online roundtables, and individual support.
Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.
There is a chance for you!
In 2020, seven young people – selected from every global region – will be named Young Champions of the Earth. These winners receive seed funding, intensive training and tailored mentoring to bring their big environmental ideas to life. UN Environment Program is looking for artists, scientists, economists, communicators and entrepreneurs from all walks of life who have big, bold ideas – for the environment, for humanity, for a greener future.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.
Their mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
Selection process
The selection process has three rounds:
- The open call for applications will run until 10 April 2020. Each applicant will be required to submit responses to a series of questions and upload a referee’s letter of endorsement.
- Finalists drawn from every world region will be shortlisted and requested to submit short videos pitching their big ideas.
- In the final stage, a Global Jury will review the finalists’ big ideas and choose seven Young Champions of the Earth. The winners will be publicly announced and invited to attend the Champions of the Earth award ceremony.
The winners will be expected to implement their big ideas and act as ambassadors of a cause at speaking opportunities while providing regular progress updates in the form of videos and blogs that will be shared on this website.
Apply for the competition and get seed funding!
Benefits
Seven Young Champions of the Earth will be selected from each global region.
- US$15,000 in seed funding
- US$9,000 to communicate and capture your idea and document and broadcast the stories of hope and change that you’re catalyzing on the ground
- Attendance at a high-level UN meeting
- An introduction to dignitaries at the Champions of the Earth award ceremony
- Publicity and recognition through interviews and online and global media
- Access to a community of experts offering insights and mentoring
- Participation in an entrepreneurial training program
Eligibilities
- The 3 Ps – The positive impact your big idea could have on the environment (planet), society (people) and its financial viability (prosperity).
- The 3 Cs – Evidence that you are a curious, courageous and colorful individual.
- Demonstrated commitment – It is important that you have already attempted to implement your big idea for at least six months and can outline achievements and developments to date.
- Endorsement – The strength of your referee’s recommendation.
Other than these criteria, the following rules are a must for participating here:
- Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 on 31 December 2020.
- Each applicant must have at least six months of prior experience working on their environmental project.
- Individuals who submitted applications in the 2019 cycle of the Competition are entitled to do so again in 2020. However, only one entry is allowed per person per year.
Application Process
Apply Online through the given link.
Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.
Application Deadline: April 10, 2020
Application ClosedOfficial link
