The Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC) 2025 is a prestigious global initiative that recognizes and uplifts the voices and actions of young people who are solving critical environmental and sustainability challenges in their communities. Organized by the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) in collaboration with NAAEE (North American Association for Environmental Education), this challenge is open to youth between the ages of 15 and 30 from around the world, including Nigeria.
The 2025 edition focuses on innovative, community-driven projects that address the pressing issues of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, clean energy, environmental education, and sustainable development. It provides a unique platform for young changemakers to showcase their creativity, leadership, and commitment to building a greener, more equitable planet.
Selected winners will gain international recognition, capacity-building support, and an opportunity to become part of a global network of environmental leaders and educators. This initiative is not just a competition—it’s a movement of young thinkers, doers, and innovators who are reshaping the future of sustainability.
The Youth Innovation Challenge 2025 is not just another competition—it’s a springboard for young innovators with big dreams and bold solutions. If you’re a Nigerian youth who has identified an environmental problem in your community and has a unique solution to address it, this is your chance to make a global impact.
From urban recycling programs to green tech startups, education campaigns to biodiversity restoration—any idea that tackles sustainability challenges in a meaningful, innovative, and actionable way is welcome. And with support from one of the world’s leading environmental education networks, your idea could gain the visibility, resources, and mentorship it needs to thrive.
Name of Organizer
Requirement/Eligibility
The Youth Innovation Challenge 2025 welcomes applicants from all countries and backgrounds, as long as they meet the following criteria:
Age Requirement
Applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 30 as of the application deadline.
Nationality
Open to youth worldwide, including individuals from developing and underrepresented countries such as Nigeria.
Project Requirements
The applicant must propose an innovative, practical, and replicable solution to an environmental or sustainable development issue.
Projects can be at any stage—ideas, pilots, or fully implemented models—but they should be scalable and community-centered.
Projects should align with one or more UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Language
All applications must be submitted in English.
Individual or Group Submissions
Both individual applicants and teams can submit proposals. However, only one submission per applicant or team is allowed.
Supporting Documents
A brief project proposal and impact statement are required.
Visual materials such as images, infographics, or short videos are encouraged but not mandatory.
This challenge is ideal for youth who are already involved in community work, grassroots organizing, school projects, or eco-enterprises—or who have a brilliant idea and the passion to bring it to life.
Prize
Winners of the Youth Innovation Challenge 2024 will receive:
Recognition
International visibility through GEEP and NAAEE global platforms, social media, newsletters, and conferences.
Winning projects will be featured in the GEEP Case Study Library, accessible to educators and leaders around the world.
Professional Development
Mentorship opportunities and exposure to global environmental educators and policymakers.
Access to exclusive workshops and resources on project development, sustainability, and leadership.
Global Networking
Opportunity to join GEEP’s Youth Advisory Council and interact with like-minded changemakers from various countries.
Platform to collaborate with global environmental organizations.
Monetary Grant
Winners may also be eligible to receive a small grant or seed funding to expand their initiative (amounts may vary based on donor support).
The real value lies in the exposure, credibility, and lifelong network the winners gain—tools that can catapult small projects into international movements.
Deadline
May 31, 2025
Apply Now
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