Open Call for the Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge 2025 – Empowering Young Changemakers Worldwide

Application Deadline:January 15, 2026

The Learning Planet Institute, in partnership with UNESCO and the United Nations University, invites youth innovators worldwide to participate in the Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge 2025. This global initiative is designed to empower young changemakers to reimagine education and create impactful solutions for their communities and the planet.

Through the Challenge, the Learning Planet Institute is cultivating a new generation of creative thinkers and problem-solvers who are shaping the future of learning, sustainability, and social innovation. The call is now open, and the submission deadline is January 15, 2026.

A Global Movement for Transformative Learning

The Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge forms part of a wider movement to build a Learning Planet Academy — a collaborative, intergenerational community that supports innovation and transformation in education systems around the world. The initiative focuses on addressing global transitions through creativity, collaboration, and purpose-driven design.

Participants are encouraged to design projects that align with one of three thematic areas:

• Community Impact: Projects that foster peace, inclusion, civic participation, and democratic engagement within communities.
• Flourishing: Initiatives that advance mental health, well-being, and socio-emotional growth, enabling young people to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
• Sustainability: Solutions that promote environmental awareness, circular economy principles, and actions for planetary health.

These focus areas provide young innovators with the framework to design solutions that are both locally relevant and globally significant.

Grant and Recognition

From the submitted projects, twelve outstanding initiatives will each receive a $1,000 grant to help scale their work and increase their positive impact. In addition to financial support, these projects will gain global visibility through publication on the Learning Planet Projects Platform.

Selected changemakers will also join an international network of education leaders, organizations, and peers working together to shape a sustainable and inclusive future for all. This exposure helps participants grow their initiatives, attract collaborations, and strengthen their leadership capacity.

Mentorship and Training Opportunities

Beyond funding, the Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge offers participants valuable professional development opportunities. Sixty shortlisted projects will benefit from mentorship and thematic training led by global experts in innovation, education, and sustainability.

The mentorship phase covers essential topics such as:

• Designing scalable and sustainable solutions
• Community engagement and stakeholder collaboration
• Leveraging AI tools to improve educational outcomes and impact measurement

This capacity-building component ensures that participants not only receive recognition but also gain the knowledge and tools needed to bring their ideas to life.

Why the Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge Matters

This Challenge embodies the spirit of youth-driven transformation. It encourages young people to take ownership of their learning journeys and become active contributors to global problem-solving. By connecting participants to an ecosystem of mentors, educators, and global organizations, the Learning Planet Institute is creating pathways for sustainable innovation and social change.

For many participants, this experience serves as a stepping stone toward becoming lifelong advocates for education, equality, and environmental stewardship.

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About the Learning Planet Institute

The Learning Planet Institute, co-founded with UNESCO, is dedicated to building learning ecosystems that empower individuals and communities to tackle global challenges collaboratively. Through research, innovation, and partnerships, the Institute supports educational transformation and lifelong learning for sustainable development.

Application Deadline and Submission Details

Interested participants must submit their proposals by January 15, 2026. Applications should reflect creativity, social impact, and alignment with at least one of the key themes.

For detailed eligibility criteria, guidelines, and application instructions, CLICK HERE