Deadline:
May 05, 2024
Location(s)
Germany United States of America Worldwide
Overview
Are you a change-maker, rain-maker, ground-breaker? Do you see opportunity, where others see crisis? Do you want to change the world? Young Champions of the Earth aims to celebrate and support individuals aged between 18 and 30 who have outstanding potential to create a positive environmental impact.
Details
ABOUT THE AWARD
From grassroots champions and corporate leaders to political pioneers, we celebrate champions taking bold action for our world.
Every year, we celebrate individuals, groups and institutions. They are transforming our economies, shaping new and sustainable technology and leading political change. They fight environmental injustice, protect our environment and defend our natural resources.
The UN Environment Programme’s Champions of the Earth award is the UN's highest environmental honor. Since 2005, we have recognized heroes who inspire, encourage others to join them, and defend a cleaner future.
Champions of the Earth are celebrated in four categories:
- Policy leadership – individuals or organizations in the public sector leading global or national action for the environment. They shape dialogue, lead commitments and act for the good of the planet.
- Inspiration and action – individuals or organizations taking bold steps to inspire positive change to protect our world. They lead by example, challenge behavior and inspire millions.
- Entrepreneurial vision – individuals or organizations challenging the status quo to build a cleaner future. They build systems, create new technology and spearhead a groundbreaking vision.
- Science and innovation – individuals or organizations who push the boundaries of technology for profound environmental benefit. They invent possibilities for a more sustainable world.
Since 2005, the Champions of the Earth has recognized 106 laureates, ranging from world leaders to technology inventors. They include 26 world leaders, 64 individuals and 16 groups or organizations.
These trailblazers are making a difference to protect our planet for the next generation.
The world needs champions such as these more than ever, as we race to decisively cut carbon emissions before the worst effects of global warming and environmental destruction become inevitable.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Champions are selected from nominations received from across the worlds. A team of UNEP staff and subject experts review and consider each nomination, creating a list of finalists.
The criteria for selection are:
- Impact - Have the nominee’s actions resulted in profound environmental gains or demonstrated significant potential for replication and scaling?
- Novelty - Has the nominee done or achieved something new and innovative?
- Power of the story - How compelling and inspiring is the nominee’s story?
Dates
Deadline: May 05, 2024
Cost/funding for participants
What do the Young Champions receive?
The Prize
The Young Champions of the Earth will be selected from each global region: one from each of Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, West Asia, and two from Asia and the Pacific. Each winner will receive the following:
- US$15,000 in seed funding;
- US$ 9,000 in funding 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 Covestro experts offering insights and mentoring; and
- Participation in an entrepreneurial training program.
The Young Champions will be required to share their journeys through blogs and vlogs posted on this website for a period of up to one year.
The community
More than just an honorary title, Young Champions of the Earth Prize aims to nurture the next generation of environmental leaders. Applicants who demonstrate a strong willingness to learn will be granted access to mentorship and skills building opportunities and access to a community of likeminded entrepreneurs and experts.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
