Applications are now open for the United Nations Development Programme Youth4Climate Mentorship Programme 2026, a global opportunity for experienced professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, academics, and climate experts to support the next generation of youth-led climate innovators.

The Youth4Climate initiative is calling on mid- and senior-level professionals with at least five years of relevant experience to mentor young climate leaders developing innovative solutions to some of the world’s most urgent environmental and sustainability challenges.

This prestigious mentorship programme offers professionals the chance to contribute their expertise, expand their global network, and support impactful climate projects across different regions and sectors.

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About the UNDP Youth4Climate Mentorship Programme 2026

The Youth4Climate Mentorship Programme is designed to connect experienced professionals with young climate innovators who are working on transformative projects focused on sustainability, clean energy, climate resilience, food systems, and circular economy solutions.

Selected mentors will provide practical guidance, technical expertise, and strategic support to help awardees strengthen their projects, overcome operational challenges, and scale their climate solutions successfully.

The programme supports a wide range of impactful initiatives including:

• Solar-powered cold storage systems for smallholder farmers
• Digital tools for climate-smart agriculture
• Clean energy solutions for underserved communities
• Circular economy projects transforming waste into valuable products
• Sustainable innovation projects addressing environmental challenges

Programme Components

One-to-One Mentorship (Mandatory)

The core aspect of the programme is personalized mentorship between mentors and Youth4Climate awardees.

Mentors are expected to:

• Commit a minimum of 2 hours per month
• Provide practical and technical guidance
• Support project development and implementation
• Help awardees improve operational, financial, and investment readiness

Mentorship sessions are scheduled flexibly based on availability and project needs.

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Masterclasses and Expert Sessions

Mentors may also participate in small-group masterclasses covering topics such as:

• Climate innovation
• Entrepreneurship and startup growth
• Business development
• Communications and storytelling
• Operational readiness
• Investment and fundraising strategies

These sessions are designed to provide real-world insights and practical lessons from experienced industry leaders.

Eligibility Requirements

The UNDP Youth4Climate Programme is seeking professionals with:

• Minimum of 5 years relevant work experience
• Proven expertise in climate-related sectors
• Strong leadership and mentorship abilities
• Passion for supporting youth-led innovation

Eligible professionals may include:

• Climate finance experts
• Entrepreneurs and startup founders
• Corporate executives
• Investors
• Academics and researchers
• Technical specialists

Areas of Expertise Required

Applicants should have expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Climate finance and fundraising
• Investment readiness and pitching
• Startup scaling and business development
• Storytelling, advocacy, and communications
• Sustainable energy and food systems
• Nature-based solutions
• Digital innovation
• Impact measurement and theory of change

Benefits of the Programme

Selected mentors will participate in a six-month engagement running from June 2026 to December 2026.

Benefits include:

• Opportunity to support impactful global climate solutions
• Access to an international network of experts and practitioners
• Professional visibility and recognition through UNDP-backed initiatives
• Meaningful contribution to youth-led climate innovation
• Collaboration with emerging climate leaders worldwide

UNDP Youth4Climate Mentorship Programme

Why You Should Apply

The UNDP Youth4Climate Mentorship Programme 2026 offers a unique opportunity for experienced professionals to make a global impact by empowering young innovators tackling climate challenges. It is an excellent platform to share expertise, contribute to sustainable development, and help shape innovative climate solutions for the future.