Application Deadline: May 18, 2026 (23:59 CEST)
Applications are now open for the 2026 UNDP Youth4Climate Mentorship Programme. Youth4Climate is launching a global call for mentors to support youth-led climate innovators through one-to-one mentorship, technical assistance, masterclasses and scale-up pathways.
The UNDP Youth4Climate Programme is looking for mid- and senior-level professionals with at least 5 years of relevant work experience who are interested in sharing practical expertise with young climate leaders working across regions and sectors. These include initiatives such as solar-powered cold storage solutions that help reduce food loss for smallholder farmers, digital tools that support more climate-resilient agriculture, clean energy alternatives for underserved communities, and circular economy models that turn waste into useful products.
The Youth4Climate Mentorship Programme connects awardees with experienced professionals who can offer practical guidance, technical insight, and real-world perspectives to help strengthen and grow their climate solutions.
The core and mandatory component of the programme is one-to-one mentorship. Selected mentors are expected to commit to a minimum of 2 hours per month, which can be spread flexibly across the month based on mutual availability and the needs of the awardee.
Programme Details
- One-to-one mentorship (mandatory)
Tailored support for awardees seeking practical guidance on project development, implementation, problem-solving, and growth. This can include specialised support for projects that need stronger business, operational, financial, or investment readiness foundations. - Core commitment: minimum of 2 hours per month, scheduled flexibly.
Masterclasses
- Small-group sessions led by practitioners on topics such as climate innovation, entrepreneurship, communications, operational readiness and business growth.
Theory in Practice talks
- Inspirational and practical sessions featuring experienced professionals sharing lessons from their own work and scaling journeys.
Investor Showcases & Scaling Pathways
- Support for more mature projects looking to strengthen their business case, refine their pitch, scale their solutions and increase readiness for funding and partnerships.
Requirements
The UNDP Youth4Climate is seeking mid- and senior-level professionals, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, investors, academics, and technical experts with 5+ years of relevant work experience and proven expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Climate finance and fundraising
- Investment readiness and pitching
- Startup scaling and business development
- Storytelling, communications, and advocacy
- Sustainable energy, food systems, nature-based solutions, or digital innovation
- Impact measurement and theory of change
Mentors will primarily support awardees from the most recent Youth4Climate Call for Solutions, working across thematic areas such as:
Benefits
- Selected mentors will join a 6-month engagement running from June 2026 to December 2026 and contribute to a growing support ecosystem designed to help Youth4Climate awardees strengthen project implementation, navigate key operational and strategic challenges and build pathways for long-term sustainability and scale.
- This is an opportunity to support real climate solutions, join and connect with a curated network of experts and practitioners, and contribute to a UNDP-backed initiative working to strengthen youth-led innovation around the world, while gaining visibility and recognition through your engagement.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the UNDP Youth4Climate Mentorship Programme
