UNEP opens nominations for 2026 Young Champions of the Earth
UNEP has opened nominations for the 2026 Young Champions of the Earth award, seeking 18–30-year-olds delivering solutions on climate change, biodiversity and nature loss, and pollution and waste. Entries are open from 24 February to 31 March 2026, with winners receiving global recognition, mentorship and US$10,000 seed funding from American cleantech CEO Chris Kemper – UNEP’s Advocate for Partnerships and co-founder of Planet A – and a chance to pitch in New York for a US$100,000 Planet A grant.
Run since 2017, the programme has recognised 33 young innovators worldwide; applicants must show at least six months of progress on their ideas. Recent awardees include India’s Jinali Mody (Banofi Leather), Kenya’s Joseph Nguthiru (HyaPak) and Noemi Florea (Cycleau) – with Nguthiru later securing the US$100,000 grant – while UNEP chief Inger Andersen says tackling climate, nature loss and pollution can deliver tangible economic benefits. The initiative reflects growing demand for sustainability solutions that support destination resilience and lower-impact operations across the tourism sector.
Source: UN Environment Programme
