The UNESCO-Greece Melina Mercouri International Prize for the Safeguarding and Management of Cultural Landscapes rewards outstanding examples of action to safeguard and enhance the world’s cultural landscapes. The US$30 thousand prize is awarded every two years to one laureate. Governmental agencies from UNESCO Member States, NGOs, and academic and non-governmental organizations active in the field of cultural landscapes are eligible to apply. Nomination forms have to be submitted before 31 May 2021. Link to the Cultural Landscape Prize
awards/prizes
Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park — Online Accelerator Program
The Sharjah Advanced Industry Accelerator seeks innovative startups with a market-proven solution to the challenges of Industry 4.0 interested in entering the UAE and MENA market. Focus areas of the 2021 accelerator include Sustainable Design (optimizing natural resources to reduce environmental damage) and Green Building, among others. The finalists will have investment access in order to scale their project, and the chance to win the US$100 thousand grand prize. The accelerator program is open to entrepreneurs from around the world. The application deadline is 07 August 2021. Link to the accelerator
Future Agro Challenge — Agripreneur Global Championship
The Future Agro Challenge (FAC) is a global competition for food and agribusiness startups. Ideas and ventures will be selected to compete for the title of “Agripreneur of the Year.” The challenge is open to ideas in many areas such as agroforestry, sustainability, agriculture tourism, and others. Selected agripreneurs will gain access to mentors, investors, potential clients, and new market opportunities at the FAC Global Championships, an event at the Global Agripreneurs Summit. The application deadline is 31 August 2021. Application deadline and procedure may vary across countries, please check carefully. Link
International RiverFoundation — Thiess International Riverprize 2021
The Thiess International Riverprize 2021 invites applications from any organization or partnership that has implemented a successful program benefiting a river, lake, wetland, or estuary in any part of the world. This year, the emphasis will be on building community and river resilience rather than recovery. The winner will receive the cash prize and a trophy. The application deadline is 31 May 2021. Find the guidelines
Yunus&Youth — Fellowship Program for Social Entrepreneurs
The Yunus&Youth Fellowship Program is a six-month online program for young social entrepreneurs from all around the world. The program is designed for young early-stage social business leaders that have the potential to solve community-based problems with focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Participants will be matched with a mentor, participate in expert webinars with business professionals and receive help with business plan development. In the final stage of the program, fellows will present their social businesses to a team of real investors to shape their presentation skills and test their pitch decks. The deadline to submit applications is 20 June 2021. Learn about the Y&Y Fellowship Program
Copernicus Masters — ESA Digital Twin Earth Challenge
Copernicus Masters is an international innovation competition that honors the best solutions using earth observation data and applications to solve global challenges. The ESA Digital Twin Earth (DTE) Challenge, sponsored by the European Space Agency, seeks solutions which combine Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data to provide forecasting on the impact of climate change and responding to societal challenges. The winner of the climate challenge receives €10 thousand. All participants have the chance to win an additional €10 thousand if chosen as the overall Copernicus winner. The competition is open to participants worldwide. Submissions are open until 19 July 2021. Find the ESA Challenge
Copernicus Masters — Planet Challenge
Copernicus Masters is an international innovation competition that honors the best solutions using earth observation data and applications to solve global challenges. The Planet Challenge, sponsored by Planet, seeks new ways to help solve climate and environmental challenges through the use of daily satellite imagery, tools and analytics. The winner receives free Planet data for non-commercial purposes, consulting and a trip to San Francisco to Planet’s Explore Conference. All participants have the chance to win an additional €10 thousand if chosen as the overall Copernicus winner. The competition is open to participants worldwide. Submissions are open until 19 July 2021. Find the Planet Challenge
United Nations — Human Rights to Water and Sanitation
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation invites submissions to the 4th Human Rights Youth Challenge. Youth aged between 16 -24 are asked to produce a video (2-5 minutes) on climate change and human rights to water and sanitation. Videos can be submitted in any language with subtitles in English, French, or Spanish. The winner will be invited to join the UN Special Rapporteur to speak at a side-event to the Human Rights Council in September 2021. The submission period ends on 31 May 2021. Link to more details
Because International — Social Innovation Competition
Because International seeks applications for its Pursuit Incubator Program. The Pursuit Incubator was created for early to middle stage entrepreneurs that have ideas for a socially innovative product. Entrepreneurs from all around the world are invited to apply. Participants will receive 10-weeks of online training, coaching, networking opportunities and the opportunity to compete in a pitch event for a cash prize. The application deadline is 18 July 2021. Pursuit Incubator Program
Humanitarian Water Air Food Awards — Youth Climate Awards
The Humanitarian Water Air Food Awards (WAFA) acknowledge and promote individuals and organizations that implement sustainable projects to secure water, clean air, and food — and that empower local communities. WAFA provides expert certification, global recognition, and a cash prize. The deadline for applications and nominations is 31 July 2021. Youth Climate Awards