Calling on climate warriors and champions around the world to join the 2022 Max Thabiso Edkins Climate Ambassador Program.
There is no Planet B! Climate change is the defining issue of our generation and we need to take bold action now. We are calling on young people everywhere to amplify awareness and take action. Climate Ambassadors have the opportunity to act as youth catalysts throughout the world, working together on initiatives that raise awareness and mitigate climate change.
If you are between the ages of 18 and 35 and are enthusiastic about climate solutions and #sustainabledevelopment, here’s a chance to interact with others who share your interests in order to learn, exchange ideas, build collaborative initiatives and projects, and expand your influence. What are you waiting for?
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
Max Thabiso Edkins Climate Ambassador Program
The Global Youth Climate Network (GYCN), an initiative of the Youth-to-Youth (Y2Y) Community of young professionals at the World Bank Group*, in collaboration with Connect4Climate (C4C) is excited to launch the 2022 Max Thabiso Edkins Climate Ambassador Program. We seek motivated young leaders across the world with a passion for climate solutions and sustainable development and a proven track record in youth community engagement and empowerment.
The Max Thabiso Edkins Climate Ambassador Program 2022 offers young applicants (aged 18-35) from all over the world the chance to follow in Max’s footsteps across six months of sustained commitment. Those selected to be Ambassadors will take climate action, work towards implementing climate solutions, and launch campaigns in their communities while engaging directly with Connect4Climate and GYCN, broadening their climate knowledge, strengthening their leadership skills,and engaging with GYCN’s ever-expanding network of young climate champions.
The Climate Ambassador Program is a six-month online program that provides an educational and leadership opportunity for young leaders to tap into the WBG global knowledge on climate change and sustainable development, deepen understanding of climate change complexities in a rapidly changing global environment, learn how to design and implement various climate actions and effectively lead initiatives to mitigate climate change and tackle the most pressing issues in their communities. Furthermore, the program provides an excellent opportunity for young leaders to connect and amplify their message and scale up climate action!
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35, have strong conversational English language skills, and have reliable access to the internet. Beyond these foundational requirements, applicants will be evaluated on each of the following criteria:
- Past and current experience as a youth leader in communities at the local, regional, national, or global level. Demonstrated ability to organize community activities is an advantage.
- Passion for climate solutions and sustainable development, and motivation to take action and empower others. We are looking for self-starters willing to take charge.
- Scale and strength of the applicant’s network and active presence on social media.
- The potential impact of the applicant’s proposed contributions to their communities and networks.
If these characteristics describe you and you are ready to make a difference with us, then fill in the form to apply for the Max Thabiso Edkins Climate Ambassador Program NOW!
The evaluation and selection process will also take into account various other factors—such as diversity in age, gender, and geography—to ensure the set of chosen Ambassadors closely reflects the global community.
WHAT ARE THE KEY PILLARS OF THE MAX THABISO EDKINS CLIMATE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM ?
- Learn: learn from World Bank Group experts and knowledge partners on the most pressing climate change issues across various sectors and gain solid leadership skills to inspire and empower others in your communities.
- Act: commit to achieve at least three climate actions in your communities.
- Network: connect with like-minded youth across the globe to learn, exchange ideas, develop joint initiatives and projects, and amplify your impact.
- Engage: join an active and connected Global Alumni Community of Climate Ambassadors upon successful completion of the program.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CLIMATE AMBASSADOR ?
We are looking for Ambassadors who can :
- Commit ~3 hours per week to act in their role between February through July 2022.
- Attend the opening orientation and closing sessions (at the beginning and the end of the program), weekly online learning sessions and climate communications and leadership training offered by Connect4Climate *
- Complete at least three climate-related actions in their communities.
- Join networking sessions and actively participate in GYCN social media campaigns.
* Before applying for the program, please make sure that your calendar allows you to attend one-hour sessions every Thursday in March and April.
HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK ?
- The program is primarily based on the personal initiative of each climate ambassador. It is crucial that the ambassadors are self-driven and motivated.
- Climate Ambassadors must have internet access to participate in online sessions and calls. Also, they must possess good conversational English language skills.
- The learning component of the program includes weekly learning sessions on climate knowledge, communications, and leadership that would cover: (i) Climate Change Learning Series, where experts and practitioners in the field of climate change and sustainable development will provide an overview of different climate change topics; and (ii) Climate Communications and Leadership training offered by the Connect4Climate team.
- Climate Ambassadors will be asked to join a Telegram Channel where the GYCN team will share program updates and opportunities from our partner network.
- During the program, Climate Ambassadors will be featured in Y2Y, GYCN and C4C social media and announcements to recognize their work as young changemakers. Ambassadors may also get visibility with GYCN and C4C knowledge partners.
- To successfully complete the program, Climate Ambassadors are required to attend the orientation and closing sessions, at least 4 online learning sessions (out of 6), take three climate actions, and report to GYCN on their implementation (i.e. share photos or videos).
- Upon successful completion of the program, Climate Ambassadors will receive a certificate outlining their contributions to, and successful completion of the program, join the Climate Ambassadors’ Alumni Community and continue playing an active role in the GYCN.
- Alumni will get access to expert and peer networks, will be able to attend regular leadership and educational events organized by GYCN and C4C, co-host climate discussions, and continue raising awareness and empowering youth to take climate actions.
WHAT CLIMATE ACTIONS CAN YOU TAKE ?
Climate Ambassadors are mandated to take three climate-related actions in their communities. The most impactful actions and initiatives will be featured regularly on GYCN social media channels. Examples of self-selected initiatives may include but are not limited to the following:
- Host a guest speaker at your school, campus, workplace, or in your community
- Visit schools to discuss climate change
- Influence policy by contacting your local government
- Host a film screening of a climate-related movie
- Fundraise for climate-related NGOs
- Organize a beach or litter clean-up
- Promote climate-friendly actions and waste reduction in your community – for example through biking to school/work campaign or plogging (sport while cleaning)
- Organize tree planting or volunteer with a community garden
- Host workshops between corporations and climate-related startups in supporting new ideas on climate change and fundraising for the startups
- Host a clothing donation at your school/workplace and donate to a climate charity
- Convey climate change messages through art and visuals, i.e. organize a photo exhibition, create video clips concerning climate change or on how to conserve the environment, start a blog, etc.
