Youth-Led Projects Competition 2026 to 2027: Win 3,000 CHF Funding to Build Flood and Drought Resilience in Your Community

Young people are among the groups most affected by climate change, particularly as floods and droughts become increasingly frequent, severe, and unpredictable across the globe. Despite facing significant risks, young people possess the creativity, innovation, technical skills, and local knowledge needed to develop practical solutions that strengthen community resilience and support sustainable development.

Recognizing the vital role of youth in addressing climate-related challenges, the Competition for Youth-Led Projects 2026–2027 is now accepting applications from young leaders with innovative ideas that improve resilience to floods and droughts.

Following the success of previous editions, this international competition will award two youth-led projects with funding of 3,000 Swiss Francs (CHF) each. Selected project leaders will also receive expert guidance and mentorship throughout the implementation of their initiatives.

If you are passionate about disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, sustainable development, or community resilience, this is an excellent opportunity to transform your ideas into impactful action.

About the Competition for Youth-Led Projects 2026–2027

The Competition for Youth-Led Projects is designed to encourage young people to take an active leadership role in developing practical, community-driven solutions that reduce the impacts of floods and droughts.

The initiative recognizes that climate change is intensifying weather-related disasters worldwide and that youth involvement is essential for creating innovative, sustainable, and locally relevant responses.

Rather than focusing only on awareness, the competition supports projects that can be implemented within communities and produce measurable results.

Successful applicants will receive financial support and technical mentorship to help turn their ideas into real-world solutions over a nine-month implementation period.

Why This Competition Matters

Climate change is creating unprecedented challenges for communities around the world.

Floods and droughts continue to affect:

• Food security
• Water availability
• Public health
• Livelihoods
• Agriculture
• Infrastructure
• Local economies

Young people are particularly vulnerable because these disasters affect education, employment opportunities, health, and long-term economic security.

However, youth also represent one of the greatest resources for climate innovation due to their:

• Creativity
• Digital skills
• Community engagement
• Scientific knowledge
• Ability to mobilize peers
• Passion for environmental sustainability

This competition seeks to place youth at the center of climate resilience efforts while supporting the global Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative and broader disaster risk reduction strategies.

Objectives of the Competition

The Competition for Youth-Led Projects aims to achieve several important goals, including:

• Empower young people to design and lead practical climate resilience initiatives.
• Support disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and emergency response at the community level.
• Strengthen resilience against floods and droughts through locally driven solutions.
• Promote meaningful youth participation in climate action and environmental decision-making.
• Demonstrate the positive impact young leaders can make in protecting vulnerable communities.
• Encourage innovative approaches that can be expanded and replicated elsewhere.

Funding Available

The competition will fund two outstanding youth-led initiatives.

Each selected project will receive:

• Funding of 3,000 CHF
• Expert mentoring throughout implementation
• Technical guidance from specialists in flood and drought resilience
• Recognition as a winning youth-led climate resilience initiative
• Opportunities to contribute to global climate adaptation efforts

Project Implementation Period

Awarded projects will be implemented over a maximum period of 9 months.

During this time, project leaders will work closely with technical experts who will provide support, guidance, and feedback to maximize project impact.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy all mandatory eligibility requirements.

Projects Must Be Youth-Led

Projects must be designed and led by:

• Students
• Young professionals
• Young leaders aged 18–35 years

Applicants must also demonstrate the active involvement and participation of young people below the age of 35 throughout the implementation process.

Project Requirements

Eligible projects should:

• Be practical and action-oriented.
• Have clearly defined objectives.
• Include a realistic implementation timeline.
• Clearly define the project’s scope.
• Deliver measurable and tangible outcomes.
• Directly contribute to improving resilience against floods and droughts.
• Be completed within nine months.
• Demonstrate sustainability beyond the funding period.
• Show potential for scaling or replication in other communities.

Innovation Requirements

Projects should include innovative elements that improve resilience through new or creative approaches.

Examples include:

• Combining Indigenous knowledge with scientific approaches.
• Developing innovative community engagement strategies.
• Introducing affordable climate adaptation solutions.
• Promoting strong participation and leadership by women.
• Applying technology to improve disaster preparedness.
• Creating locally adapted resilience models.

What Makes a Strong Proposal?

Successful proposals should demonstrate:

• A clearly identified community need.
• Practical and achievable objectives.
• Strong youth leadership.
• Community participation.
• Innovation.
• Sustainability.
• Scalability.
• Tangible outcomes.
• Realistic budgeting and planning.

Language Options

Applicants may submit proposals in either:

• English
• Spanish

Only one proposal may be submitted per applicant.

Submitting multiple applications or submitting in more than one language will result in disqualification.

How to Apply

Before submitting your proposal, applicants should carefully review the official Submission Guidelines available in both English and Spanish.

After reviewing the guidelines:

• Complete the official submission form.
• Submit your proposal in either English or Spanish.
• Ensure your application is submitted only once.
• Verify that all required information has been completed before submission.

Only proposals submitted through the official submission forms will be considered.

APPLY HERE

Application Deadline

Deadline for submissions: 31 August 2026

Late submissions will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to prepare their proposals well in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Contact Information

For questions regarding the competition or submission process, applicants may contact:

Email: droughtmanagement@wmo.int

Why You Should Apply

This competition provides much more than financial support. It offers young innovators the opportunity to transform local ideas into meaningful climate action while gaining recognition and mentorship from experts working in disaster risk reduction and climate resilience.

Whether your project focuses on community preparedness, sustainable agriculture, innovative water management, climate education, Indigenous knowledge, women’s leadership, or nature-based solutions, this programme offers an ideal platform to demonstrate how youth-led initiatives can contribute to safer and more resilient communities.

By participating, young leaders can strengthen their leadership skills, expand their professional networks, and contribute directly to global efforts aimed at reducing the impacts of floods and droughts.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Youth-Led Projects Competition 2026 to 2027

Conclusion

The Competition for Youth-Led Projects 2026–2027 represents an outstanding opportunity for young changemakers to transform innovative climate resilience ideas into real-world solutions. With funding of 3,000 CHF available for two outstanding projects, along with expert mentorship and international recognition, the programme empowers youth to play a leading role in disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.

If you are a young leader passionate about climate action, community resilience, and disaster preparedness, this competition offers the resources and support needed to create lasting impact. Begin preparing your proposal today and submit your application before the 31 August 2026 deadline.

For more global grants, scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, conferences, competitions, and other career opportunities for young people, visit the Opportunities for Youth (OFY) website at www.opportunitiesforyouth.org