With nearly half the world population under the age of 30, intergenerational action is crucial for effective implementation of climate ambition. To enhance financial inclusion, amplify and scale innovative practices, UNDP and the Government of Italy are offering catalytic funding of up to $30,000 per project, along with mentoring, training, and networking opportunities through the Youth4Climate initiative.

Since the first Call for Solutions in 2023, the Youth4Climate initiative has mobilized over 5,000 proposals from young innovators across 130+ countries and awarded 150 youth-led initiatives across 59 countries*, for a total envelope of USD 4 million. Half of these are led by young women and several by Indigenous youth. Funding is accompanied by mentorship, storytelling, and support to participate in relevant policy dialogues.

In 2026, the Youth4Climate Call for Solutions returns with a fresh round of funding opportunities and new thematic priority areas:

• Sustainable Energy
• Food & Agriculture
• Climate Peace and Security
• Oceans & Blue Economy
• Sustainable Fashion & Textiles 
• Architecture for Adaptation

This opportunity is open to young individuals aged 18-29 as well as youth-led CSOs, CBOs, NGOs, and private sector based in all UNDP programme countries. The Call is available in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese and is open until 30 April, 2026. A series of support offers is available to applicants throughout the application period, including 1-1 mentorship on work planning and budgeting delivered in partnership with UNV, and a series of project design bootcamps delivered by UNFCCC.

APPLY HERE

The Youth4Climate Call for Solutions is your opportunity to:

• Channel funds to grassroots climate innovations you consider impactful
• Identify interesting nature and climate solutions that you can leverage in your programmes
• Help us tell the story of how young climate leaders are active contributors to local implementation of the NDCs, CBD targets, national food systems pathways, and other policy commitments

The Call will be open until 30 April. Thank you for joining us in supporting youth to drive positive change in their communities. For any questions about the Youth4Climate initiative, don’t hesitate to contact [email protected] or [email protected].

If you would like to learn more about Youth4Climate, we invite you to watch our latest film-documentary Generation Trust here.  

*Countries where Youth4Climate has already awarded funding to youth through previous Calls: Afghanistan, Argentina, Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, Cambodia,Cameroon, Chile, China, Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire, Dominican Republic, DRC, Ecuador, Egypt, Ghana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Malawi, Mali, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, St Lucia, State of Palestine, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.