The Young Climate Prize is a biannual mentorship and award program founded by The World Around to identify, mentor, and empower global climate leaders under 25 who are tackling urgent social and environmental challenges.
About Young Climate Prize
The World Around's Young Climate Prize aims to create a powerful international community of changemakers, whose lived experience and creative vision drive tangible, scalable climate solutions around the world. Since its launch in 2022, the program has supported 50 young innovators from 35 countries, working on solutions ranging from waste management and alternative fuel sources to material innovation and even birdwatching. Nominations for Young Climate Prize Cycle 03 are now open! If you know someone under 25 leading a climate action project with a focus on immediate, local and scalable impact, this is your chance share their project with the world, be mentored by global experts, join an international community and win a trip to present work in New York City. Self-nominations are welcome!
CYCLE 03 OPENS SOON!
The third cycle of the Young Climate Prize will begin accepting applications later this year, and nominations are already open. Don't forget to subscribe to The World Around newsletter and follow @youngclimateprize on Instagram for updates.
CYCLE 03 TIMELINE
APRIL 2026Applications Open
Cycle 03 opens for applications on Earth Day 2026! If you're under 25 leading a climate action project with a focus on immediate, local and scalable impact, this is your chance share your project with the world, be mentored by global experts, join an international community and win a trip to present your work in New York City. Simply share the story of your project in a two-minute video for a chance to win.
JUNE 2026Applications Close
The application period ends. Our team begins reviewing submissions from the next generation of climate pioneers.
SEPTEMBER 202625 Under 25 Announced
During NY Climate Week 25 young changemakers will be announced as finalists for Cycle 03. We welcome the new cohort shaping the future of climate action.
SEPTEMBER 2026Design Academy Begins
Our finalists enter a three-month academy of workshops, lectures, and mentorship guided by global Design Champions.
JANUARY 2027Jury Convenes
The jury reviews each finalist’s progress and project impact to select the next generation of prize honorees.
FEBRUARY 2027Winners Announced
Three prize winners and a special jury honoree are revealed and celebrated for their leadership and innovation.
APRIL 2027Winners Present at Summit 2027
The prize culminates in a public presentation at The World Around Summit during Earth Week in New York City.
YOUNG CLIMATE PRIZE EVENTS
The World Around and its partners curate special invite-only programs for our members and for our Young Climate Prize Community, including film screenings, workshops, tours and networking events.
MEET OUR COMMUNITY
Discover the self-made films from our Young Climate Prize cohorts and experience the powerful voices and ideas of a new generation of global changemakers.
Uru Uru Team
Hyapak
Corn Furniture
GeoTek
LightEd
Nomad Garden
The Color, Green
Climate Words
Women, Climate Change and the Food Industry
Alumni
Meet the brilliant past finalists who participated in Cycles 01 and 02 and continue to lead bold climate action—locally rooted, globally connected, and creatively unstoppable.
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“The World Around creates space for voices, ideas, and solutions that often go unheard, especially from the Global South. Being part of this community reminds me that design isn’t just about structures; it’s about systems, dignity, and justice. I’m hopeful because I see a generation rising, builders, dreamers, and changemakers, who are reimagining both our built and natural environments with empathy, urgency, and care.”
WATCH YOUNG CLIMATE STORIES
Explore Young Climate Stories—our original film series capturing candid conversations between mentors and the youth reshaping our planet.
Bruce Mau & Covalence Global
Paola Antonelli & Alfonse Chiu
Henk Ovink & Namra Khalid
INSIGHTS
Read news, interviews, original work, and other articles featuring our Young Climate Prize alumni.
Past Design Champions
Meet The World Around's global network of leading architects, artists, curators, scientists, and storytellers, who volunteer their time to mentor, teach, and uplift the next generation of climate leaders as part of the Young Climate Prize.
“The World Around provides a powerful source of hope for young people by creating a platform where we can share our work aimed at preserving the planet. In a time when it’s easy to feel disheartened about the future, this space helps us unite our voices, challenge existing boundaries, and inspire new ways of thinking. It has reignited my belief that the Earth can still be saved, and that by amplifying and expanding these efforts globally, we can make a meaningful and lasting impact ”
Partners
Our work is made possible thanks to the support of our generous and engaged community. If you'd like to join in our mission to uplift the next generation of climate leaders, we'd love to hear from you.
Young Climate Prize Design Partner
Young Climate Design Partner
“MillerKnoll Foundation is honored to support the work of The World Around and Young Climate Prize. The truly amazing youth in this program give us hope for the future. Their insights and ideas align with our belief in the collective power of people, partnerships, and philanthropy, fueled by design, to create a better world. ”