Apply Now: Ban Ki-moon Foundation Green Jobs Mentorship Programme 2026
Young people interested in climate action, environmental sustainability and future careers in the green economy can now apply for the 2026 Your Future in Green Jobs Mentorship Programme.
This is an international initiative led by the Ban Ki-moon Foundation (BKMF).
The programme aims to help young people connect their interests, talents and skills with meaningful career opportunities that contribute to sustainable development. Supported by Dubai Cares and implemented in collaboration with Plan International and Unbounded Associates, the initiative combines expert mentorship, practical training and community-focused climate action.
According to the foundation, 50 young people aged 14 to 20 from around the world will be selected through a competitive application process. Successful candidates will participate in virtual programme activities from December 2026 to June 2027.
About the Your Future in Green Jobs Mentorship Programme
The initiative is designed to equip young people with the knowledge, guidance and practical experience needed to explore careers that support environmental protection and sustainable economic growth.
Selected participants will receive tailored mentorship from professionals working in green jobs and sustainability-related fields. They will also participate in expert-led workshops covering project management, pitching, presentation skills, education, gender and climate issues.
A major component of the programme is the development and implementation of a personal Changemaker Project. With guidance from their mentors and support from the foundation’s trainers, participants will design and implement initiatives addressing one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within their communities.
The programme is intended to help participants translate their interests in sustainability into practical solutions while strengthening their leadership, networking and project-management skills.
Benefits of the Programme
Participants selected for the 2026 cohort will have the opportunity to:
- Receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced green jobs professionals.
- Develop a better understanding of green careers and the skills required to pursue them.
- Attend specialised workshops on project management, pitching, presentation skills and sustainability-related issues.
- Design and implement a community-focused Changemaker Project aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Gain practical experience in climate action and sustainable development.
- Build professional connections and strengthen their networking and project-management abilities.
- Develop actionable career plans and identify opportunities for further education, training or entrepreneurship.
The programme also complements the foundation’s free, self-paced Your Future in Green Jobs online course, which introduces learners to climate change, green skills and potential career pathways.
Eligibility Requirements
The programme is open to applicants from around the world, including eligible young people in Nigeria, provided they can participate in the online activities.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be between 14 and 20 years old.
- Have successfully completed the Your Future in Green Jobs online course, or be prepared to complete it before the programme’s December kickoff.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in sustainable development and green careers.
- Show a commitment to creating positive change at local or global levels.
- Possess upper-intermediate English-language skills.
- Have access to a stable internet connection and be able to participate in virtual meetings.
Although completing the online course is a requirement, the foundation states that applicants who have not yet finished it can still do so before the kickoff ceremony. Obtaining the course completion certificate can improve an applicant’s chances of selection.
Programme Timeline
The 2026 mentorship programme is scheduled to run from December 2026 to June 2027.
The foundation’s published schedule includes the announcement of selected candidates and initial email exchanges in November 2026, an online kickoff ceremony in December, and virtual expert workshops between January and March 2027.
From February to June 2027, participants will work on their Changemaker Projects with regular mentor meetings and check-ins with the foundation. An online graduation ceremony is scheduled for June 2027.
Required Application Materials
Applicants should be prepared to provide personal information, educational details, language proficiency, a short personal profile and information about their professional interests and career aspirations.
The application also asks candidates to explain their motivation for joining the programme, the sustainability challenges they care about and their initial ideas for a Changemaker Project.
At the final stage, applicants will be asked to submit a portrait photograph in JPEG or PNG format and an introduction video of no more than one minute in MP4 or MOV format. A simple CV is optional.
Applicants should ensure that their submissions clearly communicate their interests, motivation and potential to contribute to sustainable development.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Ban Ki-moon Foundation’s Your Future in Green Jobs Mentorship Programme 2026 close on October 25, 2026, at 11:55 p.m. Central European Time (CET).
Interested candidates are encouraged to begin the application process early and complete the free online course before the programme’s kickoff.
How to Apply
Eligible applicants should visit the foundation’s official programme page to review the requirements, access the online course and proceed to the application portal.
Apply here: https://bankimoon.submit.com/show/31
Official programme details: https://bankimoon.org/our-work/your-future-in-green-jobs/
The mentorship programme offers young people an opportunity to explore emerging green career pathways, receive professional guidance and turn sustainability ideas into practical community projects.
