UNEP Young Champions of the Earth Prize

Current Context : The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) awarded the 2025 Young Champions of the Earth Prize to three entrepreneurs from India, Kenya, and the United States for innovative environmental solutions.

ABOUT the Prize

• Established: 2017; relaunched in 2025 with Planet A.
• Eligibility: Individuals under 30 years.
• Award: $20,000 seed funding, mentoring, and global platform support.
• Winners 2025:
  • India – Jinali Mody: Banofi Leather (eco-friendly leather from banana waste).
  • Kenya – Joseph Nguthiru: HyaPak (converts invasive water hyacinth into packaging).
  • USA – Noemi Florea: Cycleau (compact greywater-to-drinking water reuse system).

ABOUT UNEP

• Founded: 1972.
• Role: Leading global voice on environment; works with states, civil society, private sector, and UN agencies.