Call for Solutions: UNDP Youth4Climate 2025 Global Innovation Challenge for Young People in Cape Verde
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched the Youth4Climate 2025 Global Innovation Challenge, a crucial initiative to boost innovative climate solutions led by young people and youth-led organisations around the world, including Cape Verde. This challenge represents a unique opportunity for young Cape Verdeans with ambitious ideas and projects to combat climate change and build a more sustainable future.
What is the Youth4Climate Challenge?
The Youth4Climate Challenge is a global competition that aims to identify, support and scale up innovative climate solutions developed and led by young people. The main objective is to empower the next generation of climate leaders by providing them with the resources, support and visibility they need to turn their ideas into reality and generate a positive impact on their communities and the world.
Focus on Innovative Solutions
The challenge seeks innovative solutions that address a wide range of challenges related to climate change, including:
- Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions
- Adapting to the impacts of climate change
- Transition to renewable energies
- Sustainable agriculture and food security
- Water resource management
- Circular economy and waste management
- Biodiversity conservation
Why Cape Verde?
Cape Verde, as a small island developing state (SIDS), is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, water scarcity and extreme weather events pose significant threats to the country's economy, society and environment. Therefore, the participation of young Cape Verdeans in the Youth4Climate Challenge is key to finding innovative solutions adapted to the local context.
Who can take part?
The Youth4Climate Challenge is open to:
- Young people aged between 18 and 35
- Youth-led organisations (where the majority of members and leaders are young people)
- Youth teams
Applicants must have an innovative climate solution that is at the prototype, pilot or initial implementation stage. Solutions must be scalable, replicable and have significant potential to generate positive impact.
Benefits for Winners
The winners of the Youth4Climate Challenge will receive:
- Financing to expand your solutions
- Mentoring and training experts
- Access to a global network of climate leaders and investors
- International visibility and recognition
Examples of success
Although specific examples of the Youth4Climate 2025 Challenge are not yet available (as it is a new edition), we can look at similar initiatives by the UNDP and other organisations to illustrate the kind of projects that can be successful. For example, projects focussed on:
- Development of affordable solar energy technologies for rural communities.
- Implementation of efficient irrigation systems to combat drought.
- Creation of mobile applications to monitor water quality and warn of environmental risks.
- Development of circular business models to reduce food waste.
How to apply
The application process for the Youth4Climate Challenge is simple and straightforward. Applicants must fill in an online form, describing their climate solution, the problem it solves, the impact it generates and the plan to scale it up. It is important to provide clear, concise and convincing information.
Tips for a Winning Application
To increase their chances of success, candidates should:
- Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the problem they are addressing.
- Present an innovative and effective solution.
- Show a clear and realistic plan for scaling up the solution.
- Emphasise the positive impact that the solution can generate.
- Demonstrate passion and commitment to the climate cause.
The Potential Impact on Cape Verde
The participation of young Cape Verdeans in the Youth4Climate Challenge can have a significant impact on the country. By supporting and scaling up innovative climate solutions, the challenge can contribute to:
- Reduce Cape Verde's vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.
- Promoting sustainable development and the creation of green jobs.
- Strengthen young Cape Verdeans' capacity for innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Raising awareness about climate change and the importance of climate action.
In addition, the challenge can serve as a platform for young Cape Verdeans to share their ideas and experiences with other young people from around the world, promoting collaboration and mutual learning.
Conclusion
The UNDP's Youth4Climate 2025 Global Innovation Challenge represents an unmissable opportunity for young people and youth-led organisations in Cape Verde. By taking part in this challenge, young Cape Verdeans can contribute to building a more sustainable and resilient future for their country and the world. We encourage all young people with innovative ideas and projects to apply and make a difference.
Don't miss this opportunity to turn your passion into climate action!
Present your innovative climate solutions! UNDP's Youth4Climate 2025 Global Innovation Challenge is open to young people and youth-led organisations. Find out more and apply now: Apply here!
Application deadline: 26 May 2025.
