The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) seek to accelerate climate adaptation action under the African Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP). The program will support the commercialization of climate change adaptation solutions of youth entrepreneurs in Africa. The YouthADAPT Challenge is open to solutions (products, services, tools, or ideas) targeted at climate change adaptation and increasing resilience. AAAP awards a business grant of up to US$100 thousand to further develop the solution. Enterprises must be youth-led (applicants aged between 18 and 35 years) and legally registered and operating in Africa. The application deadline is 05 November 2023. Link to the YouthADAPT Challenge
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U.S. Department of State — Small Grants for Young Leaders in Southeast Asia
The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) is a program of the U.S. government to support bright young leaders ages 18-35 in the ASEAN countries. YSEALI Seeds for the Future is a small grants competition that provides funding of up to $15 thousand for promising young leaders to carry out projects that improve their communities. The four core themes are (1) Civic Engagement, (2) Education, (3) Economic Empowerment and Social Entrepreneurship, and (4) Environmental Issues. The application deadline is 16 November 2023. YSEALI Seeds For the Future
UN Global Compact — Young SDG Innovators Program
The Young SDG Innovators Program is an accelerator program for future business leaders and changemakers to develop and drive innovative SDG solutions through new technologies, initiatives, and business models. Participants participate in online and in-person workshops, case studies, company visits and forum discussions. Companies based in Brazil, China, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Ukraine, United Kingdom or the United States have the opportunity to collaborate with their Global Compact Local Networks to nominate young professionals for the program. The nomination deadline is 31 January 2024. Link to UN Global Compact
U.S. Department of State — Algerian Youth Leadership Program
The Algerian Youth Leadership Program at the University of Nevada (Reno, USA) is a leadership development opportunity for Algerian and American youth. The program offers workshops and activities about civic participation and the role that social enterprises play in a community. Youth who are eligible to apply must be a legal citizen of Algeria, be 15-17 years old and have at least one year of high school remaining after the program. Youth participants have to apply by 21 October 2023. Access here
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change — Global Climate Action Awards
The United Nations (UN) welcomes the submission activities that serve as examples of what people around the world are doing to address climate change. For 2023, the Awards seek to highlight the innovative climate action that young people around the world are undertaking to ensure their communities are more sustainable, resilient, and equitable places to live. The winners will receive a range of benefits, including fully-paid participation at the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The deadline for applications is 15 October 2023. UN Global Climate Action Awards
The Commonwealth Secretary-General — Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards
Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards recognize ground-breaking innovations from Commonwealth countries that contribute to one or more of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Each winner will receive a trophy, a certificate and a cash prize of £3,000. Nominees can be individuals, organizations, companies, charities or government bodies. Entries must be received by 15 October 2023. Know more
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification — Land Heroes
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) supports young individuals and youth-led/based organizations making positive impacts against desertification, land degradation, and drought. Participants are invited to share transformative journeys through social media, videos, blogs, and the dedicated website, amplifying their contributions and recognizing both young men and women as critical forces for positive change. The contest is open to youth (15-35 years old) worldwide. Top finalists in each category receive a grant of US$1,000. The submission deadline is 15 October 2023. Link to contest rules
U.S. African Development Foundation — Agricultural Cooperatives in Uganda
The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) , invites applications for grant financing and local support from enterprises, cooperatives, and producer groups. Proposals will be accepted from registered agricultural cooperatives, producer groups, youth-led enterprises, and small- and medium-sized enterprises in Uganda. Grant awards are up to US$40 thousand. Organizations must be 100% African-owned and led. Applications have to be submitted by 08 September 2023. USADF Uganda
Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition — Children and Youth Challenge
The Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition (CSET) wants children and young people to come up with ideas for how we can teach people about sustainable energy in our communities in fun and easy to understand ways, and ways we can use sustainable energy. All individuals and team members must be a resident in a Commonwealth member country. The winning entries (one per five Commonwealth regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and Canada, Caribbean, and Pacific) will be offered the chance to pitch their ideas to their local governments and policymakers. Deadline for submissions is 31 August 2023. CSET Children and Youth Challenge
Rome MED Dialogues — Youth-led Policy Lab
The Youth Policy Lab supports youth-led climate solutions in the Mediterranean by showcasing innovative ideas globally. Selected participants will draft actionable policies shared with high-level policymakers at the 2023 Rome MED Dialogues and potentially presented at the UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP28). Eligibility to participate extends to young experts, scholars, and students from North Africa, Middle East, or Europe. Applications are open until 01 September 2023. Youth-led Policy Lab