If you have a big idea to protect or restore the environment; if you have a vision for a more sustainable future; if you have a strong track record of instigating change; if you are unafraid of failure; and if you believe in a bright future for our planet, then you just might have what it takes to become a Young Champion of the Earth.

Each year, six young people – one from each global region – will be named Young Champions of the Earth. These winners receive seed funding, intensive training, and tailored mentorship to help them bring their big environmental ideas to life.

Whose big idea will change the world? The 2017 cohort of 30 Regional Finalists have already been subjected to a public vote. Regional Juries will now select 12 World Finalists to go forth for consideration by the Global Jury.

Each winner will be expected to implement their big idea and keep us updated on their progress by producing videos and blogs that we will share on this website.

Submit an application describing a "big idea" to help protect or restore the environment, create a more sustainable future, or otherwise help the planet. If selected as a finalist, submissions must then be followed up with a plan of action and performance demonstrating your solution. Students will be provided seed grants, and extensive mentorship to help get the solution going.

The 2017 selection process has three stages: preliminary, public, and final. The preliminary application period ran from 22 April to 18 June 2017. Each applicant was required to submit responses to a series of questions and obtain a sponsor’s recommendation. A total of 30 Regional Finalists—five per world region—weere then selected and subjected to a public vote.

The results of the public vote will help to inform the Regional Juries selection of 12 World Finalists in early September. In the final stage of the selection process, a Global Jury will review the World Finalists’ big ideas and choose six Young Champions (one per world region). The winners will be notified by the end of September and invited to attend the Champions of the Earth Gala Dinner in Nairobi on 5 December 2017. At this point, their names will be formally announced to the public and global media.

The winners will be expected to implement their big ideas and provide progress updates in the form of videos and blogs that will be shared on this website.

Website: http://web.unep.org/youngchampions/

Managing Organization: United Nations Environment Programme

Contact:

youngchampions@unep.org

Entry Fee: $0

This competition has not yet posted any deadlines.