Applications are now open for the 2026 Max Thabiso Edkins Youth Ambassador Program

Ednah Carrick 2 weeks ago

0 277 2 minutes read

Closing Date: 24 February 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Max Thabiso Edkins Youth Ambassador Program

Applications are now open for the next edition of the Max Thabiso Edkins Youth Ambassador Program; a program delivered in partnership with the The World Bank Groups’s Youth-to-Youth (Y2Y) Community.

Overview

With 1.2 billion young people projected to reach working age in emerging economies over the next decade, green jobs are central to building a sustainable future.

The new edition of the program opens the door to young changemakers, inviting participants from across the globe to reflect on the interconnected development challenges of today and co-create innovative solutions. From energy and water to agribusiness, health, gender equality, tourism, and digital innovation, this edition focuses on priority sectors that help build pathways toward a livable planet – with job creation at the center.

The Max Thabiso Edkins Youth Ambassador Program is looking for its next cohort of global young changemakers to learn about and act on this challenge. Delivered by the World Bank’s Youth2Youth (Y2Y) community in partnership with Connect4Climate (C4C), the program carries forward the legacy of C4C champion Max Thabiso Edkins, who believed that youth inclusion is integral to shaping a resilient future. The fifth edition of this program presents an opportunity for global youth to deepen their knowledge of the world’s most urgent development challenges and work together to innovate responsive solutions.

Young changemakers selected as 2026 Max Thabiso Edkins Youth Ambassadors will have the chance to: Learn from World Bank Group experts and partners on priority sectors including energy, water, agribusiness, gender equality, health, tourism and digital innovation, with job creation at the center; Act to respond to pressing challenges in connection with the World Bank Group’s Health Works, Mission300, Empowering Women, and AgriConnect campaigns; Network with peers and professionals from relevant sectors and regions; and Engage by taking part in a global alumni community and accessing impactful collaboration opportunities throughout the program and beyond graduation.

Whatever region of the world you call home, if you’re a rising changemaker with a keen interest in driving smart development for a livable planet, this is the opportunity for you!

Eligibility Requirements

To apply, you must be:

20-30 years old
Studying, entering the job market, or forging a career in a relevant sector
Interested in advancing sustainable growth for a livable planet in one or more of the following sectors: energy, water, agribusiness, gender equality, health, tourism, and digital innovation
Curious, motivated, and eager to learn and grow
Passionate about sustainability, green jobs, and the future of your community
Committed to collaboration, collective action, and the exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives with peers from across the globe

If selected, you’ll join a brand new cohort of Max Thabiso Edkins Youth Ambassadors and, upon your completion of the program, help grow a dynamic alumni network already more than 600 former ambassadors strong.

Creating sustainable jobs is the surest way to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet, and Max Thabiso Edkins Youth Ambassador Program can’t wait to see what solutions its amazing 2026 ambassadors come up with to deliver on this objective in their home communities and beyond.

IMPORTANT:

While the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools might facilitate data collection and gathering of information, the use of AI tools or automated systems to generate responses for this application form is strictly prohibited. Submissions found to be generated by AI will be disqualified.
As a volunteer community, Y2Y is unable to facilitate the allocation of any funding to Max Thabiso Edkins Youth Ambassadors. The strict focus of the program is non-monetary capacity building.
Previous ambassadors and current World Bank Group employees are not eligible.