The World Around Young Climate Prize 2026: Empowering Young Climate Innovators
The climate crisis demands urgent action, and young people are at the forefront of developing innovative solutions. The World Around Young Climate Prize 2026 is a global program that recognizes and supports these young leaders. This initiative focuses on individuals under 25 who are already making a difference in their communities through climate action projects. It offers mentorship, training, and a platform to amplify their impact on a global scale.
About The World Around Young Climate Prize
The World Around, an international nonprofit organization, created the Young Climate Prize to identify and support young changemakers. The program specifically targets those who have initiated and are actively running climate-related projects. Every two years, 25 young individuals from diverse backgrounds and regions worldwide are chosen. These participants represent a broad spectrum of climate challenges and solutions.
The program provides a comprehensive package of support, including:
- One-on-one mentorship from experienced professionals.
- Training in climate leadership and project development.
- Masterclasses through the Design Academy.
- Opportunities for international networking.
- Professional development to build essential skills.
- Global visibility for their work.
- Fellowship opportunities for continued growth.
- Chances to present their projects to a global audience.
What Sets the Young Climate Prize Apart
Unlike many competitions that focus solely on ideas, the Young Climate Prize champions real-world action. It supports projects that are already in motion and demonstrating tangible results. This focus on live projects with measurable impact is a key differentiator.
The program’s unique aspects include:
- Prioritizing Real-World Action: It supports projects that are actively addressing climate change.
- Long-Term Support: The program emphasizes mentorship and ongoing assistance.
- Interdisciplinary Solutions: It welcomes a wide range of approaches to climate challenges.
- Design as a Tool: It highlights how design thinking can drive climate innovation.
- Global Network Building: It connects young leaders from around the world.
- Three-Year Fellowship: This provides sustained support beyond the initial program cycle.
The prize acknowledges that young people are not just future leaders but are actively leading climate action today.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
The Young Climate Prize is open to young people globally who are actively involved in climate solutions. To be eligible, applicants must meet specific criteria.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be between 13 and 25 years old when they apply.
- They must be the founder or co-founder of a climate-related project that is currently active.
- Applicants must be actively leading their project at the time of application.
- The project should demonstrate measurable or visible community impact.
- The initiative must focus on addressing climate change mitigation or adaptation.
Team Applications
Groups of up to three people can apply together, provided that every team member meets all individual eligibility requirements. Each participant must be within the specified age range, and all members must actively contribute to the project.
Global Reach
The program welcomes applications from individuals in any country, on any continent, and from any community or region worldwide. This includes participants from urban, rural, Indigenous, coastal, and climate-vulnerable areas, as well as those from marginalized populations.
Eligible Project Types
The Young Climate Prize accepts a broad range of climate-related projects and creative practices. Eligible projects can include:
- Climate advocacy campaigns
- Environmental education initiatives
- Sustainable architecture and building projects
- Circular economy solutions
- Waste reduction systems
- Urban resilience strategies
- Preservation of Indigenous climate knowledge
- Renewable energy innovations
- Community adaptation projects
- Climate storytelling and communication
- Conservation efforts
- Food systems innovation
- Biodiversity protection
- Sustainable fashion and textile projects
- Climate communication platforms
- Ecological design projects
The program places a special emphasis on how design can be a powerful driver for climate solutions.
Program Structure and Benefits
The Young Climate Prize offers a structured approach to supporting young climate leaders. Participants engage in mentorship, learning, and networking opportunities.
One-on-One Mentorship
Each selected participant is paired with an internationally recognized mentor. These mentors have expertise and networks that align with the participant’s project. Mentorship sessions are designed to help participants strengthen their project strategies, improve communication, expand their visibility, and scale their impact.
Young Climate Prize Design Academy
Selected participants also join the Design Academy, a weekly program featuring workshops, masterclasses, and strategy sessions. This academy focuses on developing climate leadership, communication skills, design thinking, public engagement, and project scaling. The masterclasses are led by global experts in design, architecture, sustainability, and climate communication.
Final Awards and Recognition
At the program’s conclusion, an international jury selects winners for categories such as Young Climate Designer, Young Climate Visionary, and Young Climate Voice. These winners gain the opportunity to travel to New York City to present their work at The World Around Summit. This provides significant international exposure and connections with global climate leaders.
Three-Year Fellowship
A distinctive feature of the program is the three-year fellowship that all cohort participants automatically enter after completing the main program. This fellowship offers ongoing support, continued mentorship, access to resources, networking opportunities, and professional growth assistance. This long-term commitment sets the Young Climate Prize apart from short-term awards.
Application Process
Interested individuals must submit specific materials to apply for the Young Climate Prize. The application deadline for Cycle 03 is June 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT.
Submission Requirements
Applicants need to provide:
- A short introductory video about their project.
- Written or visual materials that show evidence of their project’s impact.
- Supporting documentation that demonstrates the work done on the project.
Submissions can be completed in either English or Spanish. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid any last-minute technical issues and to ensure they have sufficient time to prepare a strong application.
Why Young Climate Leaders Should Apply
The Young Climate Prize offers a unique opportunity for young people already engaged in climate action. It provides recognition, expert guidance, and a platform to expand their influence. For those leading climate projects, this program offers the tools, network, and support needed to increase their impact on a global scale. It is a chance to connect with a community of like-minded individuals and influential figures in the climate and design fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the World Around Young Climate Prize?
It’s a global program by The World Around that recognizes and supports young people under 25 who are leading active climate projects.
Who is eligible to apply for the Young Climate Prize?
Applicants must be between 13 and 25 years old, be the founder or co-founder of an active climate-related project with measurable impact, and be actively leading their project.
What kind of projects are accepted?
A wide range of projects are accepted, including advocacy, education, sustainable architecture, circular economy solutions, and conservation efforts, with an emphasis on design thinking.
What are the benefits of participating in the program?
Participants receive one-on-one mentorship, training through the Design Academy, global networking opportunities, and a three-year fellowship for continued support and growth.
