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Young Nigerians with bold environmental ideas are invited to apply for the 2026 Young Champions of the Earth programme before the deadline of 15 April 2026. This global initiative, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is one of the world’s most prestigious awards for young environmental innovators.
The programme is designed to support young people who are actively working on solutions to environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and sustainable resource use. Selected champions will receive funding, mentorship, global exposure, and access to a powerful international network.
About the Programme
The Young Champions of the Earth initiative identifies and nurtures outstanding young leaders aged 18 to 30 who are driving impactful environmental change. Applicants must already be working on their idea and show clear potential for growth and scalability.
Successful candidates will be supported to develop their ideas further while sharing their journeys with a global audience through storytelling and digital media.
Benefits
Selected Young Champions will receive a wide range of support, including:
- Seed funding of US$10,000 to scale their project
- Opportunity to compete for the Planet A grant of up to US$100,000
- Mentorship from leading environmental experts and innovators
- Participation in workshops and access to a global community
- International visibility through media, interviews, and speaking engagements
- Invitations to high-level events and the official award ceremony
In addition, each winner will receive a smartphone multimedia production kit, along with training to document and share their impact stories professionally.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the programme, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 30 years old by the end of 2026
- Have worked on their environmental project for at least six months
- Submit only one application per year
Previous applicants are allowed to reapply. However, employees of UNEP, Planet A, CoalitionWild, and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate.
What is Expected from Selected Champions
Winners are expected to actively document and share their journey over a period of one year. This includes:
- Creating self-shot video content using devices provided by UNEP
- Publishing short articles and personal stories on UNEP platforms
- Participating in storytelling campaigns across global media channels
- Granting permission for their content to be used across partner platforms, including immersive digital platforms
This storytelling component is a key part of the programme, aimed at inspiring global audiences and showcasing innovative environmental solutions.
Why Nigerians Should Apply
Nigeria faces several environmental challenges, including flooding, waste management issues, deforestation, and climate-related risks. This programme offers young Nigerians an opportunity to present local solutions on a global stage while gaining the resources needed to scale their impact.
If you are building a solution in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, recycling, conservation, or climate advocacy, this is a strong platform to amplify your work.
Application Process
Applications are open globally and must be submitted online before the deadline.
Interested candidates should prepare details about their project, its impact, and future plans. Strong applications typically demonstrate innovation, measurable impact, and a clear vision for growth.
Deadline
All applications must be submitted on or before 15 April 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
Read also: Call for Applications: Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program (FVSP) 2027/2028 (Fully Funded)
