The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) supports young individuals and youth-led/based organizations making positive impacts against desertification, land degradation, and drought. Participants are invited to share transformative journeys through social media, videos, blogs, and the dedicated website, amplifying their contributions and recognizing both young men and women as critical forces for positive change. The contest is open to youth (15-35 years old) worldwide. Top finalists in each category receive a grant of US$1,000. The submission deadline is 15 October 2023. Link to contest rules
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U.S. African Development Foundation — Agricultural Cooperatives in Uganda
The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) , invites applications for grant financing and local support from enterprises, cooperatives, and producer groups. Proposals will be accepted from registered agricultural cooperatives, producer groups, youth-led enterprises, and small- and medium-sized enterprises in Uganda. Grant awards are up to US$40 thousand. Organizations must be 100% African-owned and led. Applications have to be submitted by 08 September 2023. USADF Uganda
Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition — Children and Youth Challenge
The Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition (CSET) wants children and young people to come up with ideas for how we can teach people about sustainable energy in our communities in fun and easy to understand ways, and ways we can use sustainable energy. All individuals and team members must be a resident in a Commonwealth member country. The winning entries (one per five Commonwealth regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and Canada, Caribbean, and Pacific) will be offered the chance to pitch their ideas to their local governments and policymakers. Deadline for submissions is 31 August 2023. CSET Children and Youth Challenge
Rome MED Dialogues — Youth-led Policy Lab
The Youth Policy Lab supports youth-led climate solutions in the Mediterranean by showcasing innovative ideas globally. Selected participants will draft actionable policies shared with high-level policymakers at the 2023 Rome MED Dialogues and potentially presented at the UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP28). Eligibility to participate extends to young experts, scholars, and students from North Africa, Middle East, or Europe. Applications are open until 01 September 2023. Youth-led Policy Lab
Shape-Sea — Essay Writing Competition for Undergraduate Students
Strengthening Human Rights and Peace Research and Education in ASEAN/Southeast Asia (SHAPE-SEA) hosts an essay writing competition for undergraduate students from Southeast Asia. Students are asked to write a paper on the right to a safe, clean, and sustainable environment and raise their voice on diverse issues and lived experiences reflecting the state of the environment and human rights in the region. Eligibility extends to Southeast Asian undergraduate students currently enrolled in a Southeast Asia tertiary academic institution. The winners receive small cash prizes. The deadline for submission is 12 August 2023. Details
Eco-Generation — Youth Ambassadors for Environment
Samsung Engineering Eco-Generation announces the call for applications for the 31st Regional Youth Ambassadors Program. Eco-Generation is a social networking platform offering a range of possibilities for engaging children and young adults to advance their role and commitment in environmental conservation and protection. Youth aged between 13 and 24 qualify to become an ambassador and represent Tunza Eco-Generation. The Ambassador Program provides exceptional experiences with the opportunities to actively plan, to execute or participate in various environmental awareness programs around the world. The deadline for applications is 19 August 2023. Become an Eco-Ambassador
Social Shifters — Global Climate Challenge
Social Shifters announces the Global Innovation Challenge to help young leaders and founders to solve the social or environmental issues that matter to them. The challenge seeks creative ideas, projects, and business solutions to the problems that matter to local communities and welcomes ideas from anywhere in the world. Participants compete for awards of up to US$10 thousand to deliver activities that improve lives, help communities, and protect the planet. All ideas must be led by young people aged between 18-30 years old. The application deadline is 20 August 2023. Link to Social Shifters
CEZ Group — Lead 2030 Challenge for SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)
The Lead 2030 Challenge for SDG 7 aims to identify and support youth-led enterprises that are tackling the energy divide in the worst affected countries and regions. The challenge welcomes innovations for addressing energy needs, for example, providing affordable energy to communities with limited access or clean alternative cooking fuels. The winner will receive a US$50 thousand project grant and 12 months of mentorship from a team of CEZ Group professionals. The initiative must be youth-led (founded by a person aged 18 – 30). The application deadline is 14 July 2023. About the SDG 7 challenge
International Water Resources Association — Publication Mentorship Initiative
The International Water Resources Association (IWRA) invites early-career water professionals to submit applications for the Publication Mentorship Initiative. The program aims to facilitate and encourage mentoring junior water professionals through the development of articles that are publishable in academic journals. Applicants must be academics, advanced post-graduate students, or professionals working in the water sector no older than 35 years. Applications must be submitted no later than 31 July 2023. Publication Mentorship Initiative
Sustainable Energy for All — Sustainable Cooling Solutions
Sustainable Energy for All seeks youth-led sustainable cooling solutions that can improve affordability and increase access to sustainable cooling. Entries may be submitted by individuals or groups, all under 35 years of age. Three teams will receive a cash prize and further support from the competition sponsors. Solutions must be submitted by 15 September 2023. This Is Cool Challenge