Applications are now open for the 2025 edition of the UNESCO-NESTLÉ Youth Impact – Because You Matter Programme, an initiative designed to empower young people in their efforts to drive environmental sustainability and climate action. Developed through a collaboration between UNESCO and Nestlé, with support from the Nestlé Youth Entrepreneurship Platform, this program provides essential resources and skill-building opportunities for youth committed to implementing impactful community projects.

The program focuses on key areas such as strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate change that benefit local communities, promoting sustainable food production systems, advancing regenerative agriculture, and developing innovative approaches to sustainable packaging. Participants are expected to spearhead initiatives aligned with these themes, ensuring they address pressing environmental concerns within their respective communities.

Eligibility is open to individuals, youth-led organizations, enterprises, associations, and networks that primarily work with young people. Applicants must fall within their country’s definition of “youth” or, in the absence of a national classification, be between 18 and 30 years old from the beginning to the completion of their project. Those applying should be actively engaged in activism, social impact initiatives, or entrepreneurial endeavors, either independently or as part of a recognized entity. Organizations and networks led by young people, whether operating at grassroots, national, regional, or local levels, are encouraged to submit proposals that will be carried out within their home country.

Each proposed project must directly address one of the identified thematic areas, have a duration of no more than six months, operate at either a national or local level, and be executed by a team of at least three individuals, with a clearly designated project leader. The program will provide significant support to 100 selected project leaders across the globe, each receiving a financial grant of $8,500 along with comprehensive training and personalized mentorship throughout the implementation period. The grants will be distributed across five UNESCO regions—Africa, the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and North America, and Latin America and the Caribbean—with 20 recipients per region.

The selected participants will embark on an intensive six-month journey designed to enhance their capabilities through mentorship and training from experts at Nestlé and UNESCO. They will engage in immersive workshops focused on entrepreneurship, project management, and the critical role of youth in driving positive change. Additional training sessions tailored to regional contexts will address local challenges and provide practical solutions. Regular online gatherings will offer insights into effective project management, social impact strategies, and innovation. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore Nestlé’s Innovation Box, where they will learn to develop ideas, validate concepts, create prototypes, and refine their pitching skills. One-on-one mentorship from experienced Nestlé executives will further guide participants in refining and executing their initiatives.

The application period runs from March 18 to April 8, 2025, followed by a rigorous evaluation process from April 9 to June 9, 2025. The selected grantees will be officially recognized during an award ceremony on September 18, 2025, and the capacity-building program will take place between August 2025 and April 2026.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity