Global Fellowship for Young People: Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education The Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education offers a unique and powerful opportunity for young climate leaders to shape the global response to the climate crisis through education. The fellowship brings together a diverse cohort of individuals dedicated to reimagining how the world equips children and communities with the knowledge, skills, and agency to build a just and sustainable future. UNICEF is inviting young people from around the world, ages 10 to 30, who are driving climate education initiatives in their communities, schools, and countries to apply. Selected fellows will contribute to global thought leadership, shape policy discussions, influence education systems, and receive grant support of up to $20,000 to strengthen their initiatives. A New Vision for Climate Education: Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education The fellowship seeks young innovators who are reshaping what climate education looks like in both formal and informal settings. Fellows will support a global shift toward education systems that prepare every child—everywhere—to understand, navigate, and respond to the climate crisis. A youth-led climate education initiative can include: School system integration: curriculum development, school-based climate clubs, teacher training, or educational networks. Government partnerships: collaboration with ministries of education, policymakers, or local authorities to embed climate education at scale. Rights-based and justice frameworks: initiatives connecting climate literacy with equity, human rights, Indigenous knowledge, and environmental justice. Community resilience and informal education: local workshops, climate action campaigns, storytelling projects, or community learning programs. Digital campaigns and media: online platforms, podcasts, videos, or social media initiatives raising awareness or promoting climate action skills. If an individual or their team is helping others learn, adapt, engage, or mobilize around the climate crisis, this fellowship provides the platform, support, and visibility to amplify their impact. What Fellows Will Do: Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education Fellows will join a dynamic global cohort to support climate education transformation across multiple levels—community, national, and global. Throughout the fellowship period, they will: Document, strengthen, and showcase their climate education “Bright Spot,” capturing lessons, strategies, and impact. Contribute to youth-led research and foresight, developing insights on future climate and education scenarios. Apply systems-thinking approaches to better understand how education, climate, equity, and policy interconnect. Shape policy dialogue and participate in national, regional, and global convenings alongside decision-makers and experts. Co-create stories, tools, and evidence that support education system reform. Co-design and co-host strategic convenings, workshops, or public engagements that advance climate education advocacy. The fellowship integrates learning, leadership, strategic influence, and practical action, enabling fellows to build powerful pathways for change. Why Apply? Fellows receive a comprehensive package of support designed to strengthen their leadership and amplify their initiatives globally. Benefits include: A stipend for work and contributions during the fellowship. Access to technical mentorship from climate, education, and research experts. Visibility and speaking opportunities in global platforms and convenings. Hands-on experience in child rights, foresight, youth engagement, and advocacy. Access to a global network of youth leaders, partners, researchers, and policymakers. Up to $20,000 in grant support to elevate and expand selected climate education initiatives. This fellowship empowers young leaders to influence systems, shape policy agendas, and contribute to global understanding of climate education innovations. Who Can Apply? The fellowship is open to young people who meet the following criteria: Ages 10–30 at the time of application. Leading or representing a climate education initiative, whether individual or team-based. Passionate about climate action, climate education, and driving positive change. Able to commit 4–5 hours per week from February 2026 to July 2027. Comfortable working in English (other UN languages are an asset). Applicants from all regions are encouraged to apply, and representation from historically marginalized groups is strongly supported. More information on requirements and selection can be found in the downloadable FAQs, and prospective applicants may join the upcoming information session for guidance. Apply Now Passionate young leaders ready to transform climate education are invited to submit their applications. Apply now to join a global movement redefining how education prepares children and communities for a changing planet. Questions? For inquiries, applicants may contact:innocentiyouth@unicef.org For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.