Written by Call for Applications: Youth4Climate Global Innovation Challenge2026 (Up to $30,000 in Seed Funding)
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the Youth4Climate initiative, has opened applications for the 2026 Youth4Climate Global Innovation Challenge, inviting young innovators and youth-led organisations to submit climate action solutions with the potential to create real impact.
The Call for Solutions is open to youth from 158 countries and territories supported by UNDP. The initiative seeks to fund innovative climate projects led by young people while also strengthening their ideas through training, mentorship, and partnerships.
Since its launch in 2023, the programme has supported 150 youth-led climate projects across 59 countries, providing a total of $4 million in funding to initiatives addressing climate change challenges.
For the 2026 round, selected applicants can receive up to $30,000 in seed funding to implement or scale their climate solutions.
Why this matters
Young people are increasingly leading climate action efforts across the world, especially in developing regions where communities face growing environmental risks. However, many youth-led ideas struggle to move from concept to implementation due to limited funding and support.
The Youth4Climate Global Innovation Challenge helps bridge this gap by providing financial resources, technical support, and global exposure to promising climate solutions. By empowering young innovators, the programme supports the development of practical solutions that can contribute to climate resilience, sustainable economies, and community development.
Thematic areas
Applicants are expected to submit projects aligned with one of the programme’s focus areas. These include sustainable energy, food and agriculture, climate, peace and security, oceans and blue economy, sustainable fashion and textiles, and architecture for climate adaptation.
Eligibility requirements
- Applicants must be young individuals between the ages of 18 and 29 who meet the programme’s eligibility conditions.
- Youth-led organisations are also eligible to apply if the majority of their leadership consists of individuals aged 18 to 29.
- Eligible organisations may include legally registered civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, community-based organisations, or companies led by young people. For organisational applications, the project lead must be between 18 and 29 years old at the time of submission.
- The proposed project must be implemented in one of the countries listed in the official programme guidelines, and the project lead must be a national of an eligible country.
Benefits
- Successful applicants may receive up to $30,000 in seed funding to implement or scale their climate solutions.
- Beyond financial support, participants will also gain access to learning opportunities, mentorship, and collaboration with programme partners that can help strengthen the impact and sustainability of their projects.
- Through this support system, young innovators will have the opportunity to expand their ideas, connect with global networks, and contribute to climate solutions that can benefit communities and economies.
APPLY HERE:
https://community.youth4climate.info/dashboard/call-solutions-2026-0