The Audi Environmental Foundation offers scholarships for young leaders dedicated to accelerating social and environmental change. The program is open to individuals aged 18 to 30 from all countries who demonstrate leadership skills and a commitment to creating positive impact through new technologies or innovative solutions. Selected scholars receive full funding to participate in the One Young World Summit 2026, including travel, accommodation, and catering, as well as access to a global network of peers and mentors. Applications must be submitted by 01 June 2026. One Young World Scholarship
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United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change — AI for Climate Action Award
The AI for Climate Action Award is a global competition that celebrates the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in tackling climate change. Anyone above the age of 18 years, with an open-source, AI-powered climate solution developed in or for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) or Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is encouraged to apply. Applications are welcome from individuals, teams, start-ups, organizations, or any other type of entity. The submission deadline is 30 June 2026. AI for Climate Action Award
The World Around — Young Climate Prize
The World Around calls for applications to the Young Climate Prize. World Around seeks young people who are working on their self-started projects that address, draw attention to, or mitigate climate change in their communities. The program will provide visibility, support, and mentorship for 25 of the world’s most talented and passionate climate designers. Anyone aged 13-25 from anywhere can submit their work. Nominations and applications are open until 30 June 2026. Young Climate Prize
UNESCO — Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest
UNESCO invites photographers aged 14 to 25 to participate in the Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest. This competition encourages young people to document the shared heritage and cultural interactions along the historic Silk Roads, with the current cycle focusing on the theme “Life on the Silk Roads.” Participation is divided into two categories based on age: 14 to 17 years old and 18 to 25 years old. Three winners from each category will receive professional photography equipment, and approximately 60 selected photographs will be featured in a traveling exhibition and a commemorative photo album. The deadline for submissions is 30 June 2026. Silk Roads Photo Contest
Global Landscapes Forum — Restoration Stewards
The Restoration Stewards program supports the work of young restoration practitioners and their teams through funding, mentorship, and training to deepen the impact of youth-led restoration projects. Teams receive a grant of €5 thousand to develop their restoration project and raise awareness among their local communities about the importance of ecosystem restoration and healthy landscapes. Projects may focus on preventing, halting, and reversing the degradation of ecosystems worldwide. The application deadline is 31 July 2026. Restoration Stewards Program
Let’s Sustain — Youth Climate Project 2026
Let’s Sustain invites applications for the Youth Climate Project 2026 to support young changemakers with innovative climate solutions. The program offers a fully funded seven-day trip across Europe starting from Germany, where participants can choose their own destinations and present their projects to sustainability leaders. Eligibility is open to individuals between the ages of 18 and 50, as well as youth-led organizations or informal youth groups, provided they hold a valid passport and are committed to attending the program. While specific cash grant amounts are not listed, the program covers all travel and participation costs for the international tour. The deadline for applications is 10 May 2026. Youth Climate Project
World Food Forum — Transformative Research Challenge
The Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) is a global competition that empowers young researchers (ages 18–35) to advance applied research into real-world agrifood solutions. The challenge focuses on projects with a tested proof of concept that are ready to be refined for piloting. For the 2026 cycle, prizes are offered in categories such as forest restoration, protein diversification using native crops, and One Health-driven rural transformation. Winning teams receive up to US$10 thousand for prototype validation, with an additional US$10 thousand awarded to the overall global winner. The current application window closes at the end of April 2026. Transformative Research Challenge
Global Environmental Education Partnership — Youth Innovation Challenge 2026
The Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC) invites applicants from 15 to 30 years of age to propose innovative solutions to protect marine resources and support people of all ages to be engaged stewards for marine conservation. Global Environmental Education Partnership seeks solutions that are innovative, feasible, and informed by research. Three solutions will be awarded a US$1000 prize. The deadline to submit proposals is 31 May 2026. Find the challenge
UNESCO MGIEP — Youth Fellowship
The UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) offers a fellowship to empower young leaders to address global issues through peacebuilding and social innovation. The program invites Indian citizens under 30 years of age who have completed an undergraduate degree and currently reside in India to participate in an intensive ten-day residency in South Korea. This fully funded opportunity covers the cost of international airfare, visas, accommodation, and meals for the duration of the fellowship. Selected fellows engage with case studies and digital tools to develop leadership skills aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The deadline for applications is 25 April 2026. Know more
Youth4Climate — Solutions and Climate Action
Youth4Climate supports youth-led projects that address climate change across six thematic areas: sustainable energy, food and agriculture, climate peace and security, oceans and the blue economy, sustainable fashion and textiles, and architecture for adaptation. Individuals aged 18 to 29 and youth-led non-profit or for-profit organizations from 158 eligible countries may apply for seed funding of up to US$30 thousand. In addition to financial support, selected awardees receive technical mentorship and capacity-building opportunities to help scale their innovations. The application deadline is 30 April 2026. Link to Youth4Climate