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UNDP Youth4Climate Mentorship Programme 2026
Support youth-led climate solutions with real-world potential
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.
We are 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.
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.
Apply by May 18 (23:59 CEST) to join the Youth4Climate Mentorship Programme 2026!
About Youth4Climate
Youth4Climate is a global initiative that supports youth-led climate action through funding, learning, mentorship, visibility and networking opportunities. Between 2023 and 2025, Youth4Climate:
Beyond seed funding, Youth4Climate works to ensure that awardees have access to the knowledge, tools and networks needed to strengthen their projects and grow their impact over time.
The Mentorship Programme is part of this broader support offer. It connects awardees with experienced professionals who can provide practical guidance, technical insight and exposure to real-world lessons from across climate, business, finance, innovation and development.
What is the Youth4Climate Mentorship Programme?
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.
Beyond this core commitment, mentors may also choose to contribute in additional ways, depending on their expertise, interest and availability.
➡️ 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.
Why join?
As a Youth4Climate mentor, you will have the opportunity to:
Who we are looking for
We are 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:
Prior mentoring, advisory, coaching, teaching, or investment support experience is welcome, though not mandatory.
Apply now
If you have 5+ years of relevant experience and would like to support youth-led climate innovators through practical guidance, technical insight and ecosystem connections, we encourage you to apply.
Deadline: May 18 | 23:59 CEST
What our mentors say
Video Overview of Some of the Youth-Led Solutions
Youth4Climate in Pictures
FAQ
No. This is an unpaid opportunity. However, selected mentors will have opportunities to engage in visibility, networking, and knowledge-sharing activities linked to the programme.
No. Prior mentoring experience is welcome, but what matters most is relevant expertise and the ability to provide practical guidance.
Selected mentors are expected to commit to a minimum of 2 hours per month for one-to-one mentorship, which can be scheduled flexibly across the month based on availability and the needs of the awardee. Mentors may also choose to contribute additional time through optional activities such as masterclasses, Theory in Practice talks, or other expert sessions.
Yes. One-to-one mentorship is the core component of the programme, and all selected mentors will be matched with at least one awardee. Mentors are expected to provide a minimum of 2 hours per month of one-to-one support, scheduled flexibly based on mutual availability and the needs of the awardee.
Yes. Depending on your profile, you may be considered for masterclasses, technical assistance, or other expert contributions.
Mentors will support Youth4Climate awardees working on climate solutions across a range of thematic areas, including sustainable energy, food systems, nature-based solutions, digital innovation, and related fields. Awardees may be at different stages of growth, from piloting to early scale-up. To get a better sense of the kinds of projects and solutions supported through Youth4Climate, you can explore the Youth4Climate Solutions Catalogue here.
Want to see more examples of youth-led climate projects we support? Watch our documentary film Generation Trust here.
