Applications are open for the Ban Ki-moon Foundation Your Future in Green Jobs - Mentorship Program 2026. Organised by the Ban Ki-moon Foundation (BKMF) with support from Dubai Cares, Plan International, and Unbounded Associates, this fully funded virtual mentorship empowers young people aged 14 to 20 to turn their passions into impactful green careers.
Fifty candidates from around the world will be selected for tailored 1-on-1 mentorship, expert workshops, and the hands-on rollout of an SDG Changemaker Project from December 2026 to June 2027. Application deadline: 25 October 2026, 23:55 CEST.
This Opportunity Station guide is original editorial copy based on official BKMF documentation. It is not a reproduction of any third-party publication.
Quick Facts - Your Future in Green Jobs Mentorship Program 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organiser | Ban Ki-moon Foundation (BKMF) |
| Partners | Dubai Cares, Plan International & Unbounded Associates |
| Headquarters | Vienna, Austria (Global outreach) |
| Format | 100% Virtual / Online |
| Cohort size | 50 mentees selected globally |
| Age limit | 14 to 20 years old |
| Cost | 100% Free / Fully Funded (No participation fee) |
| Programme duration | December 2026 - June 2027 (approx. 7 months) |
| Application deadline | 25 October 2026, 23:55 CEST |
| Official portal | bankimoon.submit.com/show/31 |
About the Programme
The "Your Future in Green Jobs" initiative bridges youth enthusiasm and practical climate solutions. Building upon the foundational 6-module online course, the mentorship pairs emerging leaders with experienced professionals across renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, environmental policy, ecopreneurship, and circular economy sectors.
Selected mentees receive tailored coaching, develop essential soft and technical skills, and implement a local SDG Changemaker Project tackling pressing climate and sustainability challenges in their home communities.
Key Benefits
- One-on-One Mentorship: Direct guidance from established international green job practitioners and sustainability leaders.
- Interactive Masterclasses: Virtual workshops focused on project management, storytelling, pitching, climate justice, education, and gender equity.
- Changemaker Project: Design and execute a grassroots community micro-project advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with ongoing feedback from mentors and BKMF trainers.
- Global Peer Community: Join an inspiring, diverse cohort of 50 youth innovators from dozens of countries.
- Career Roadmapping: Actionable advice and strategic direction for entering university degrees, internships, and careers in the green economy.
- Certificate of Completion: Official graduation credential from the Ban Ki-moon Foundation.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:
- Be between 14 and 20 years old at the time of application.
- Have completed (or commit to completing before the December 2026 kick-off) the free self-paced Your Future in Green Jobs Online Course.
- Demonstrate keen motivation and proven interest in sustainable development, environmental protection, or green professions.
- Have upper-intermediate working proficiency in English (all sessions and materials are conducted in English).
- Have reliable access to a computer or smartphone with a stable internet connection.
- Commit to active participation in live virtual workshops, regular mentor sessions, and community project delivery between December 2026 and June 2027.
Programme Timeline
- 25 October 2026 (23:55 CEST): Application deadline
- November 2026: Selection results announced & mentee onboarding
- December 2026: Virtual Kick-off Ceremony
- January - March 2027: Interactive expert workshops
- February - June 2027: Self-paced Changemaker Project execution with mentor meetings and BKMF check-ins
- June 2027: Online Graduation Ceremony
What You Need to Apply
The online submission via the Ban Ki-moon Foundation portal requires:
- Personal contact details and country of residence
- Educational background and English self-assessment
- Motivation statement describing your interest in green careers
- Initial ideas or problem statement for your local community Changemaker Project
- A recent portrait photo (JPEG or PNG)
- A 1-minute video introduction (MP4 or MOV format, max. 100MB) speaking about yourself and your motivations
How to Apply
- Visit the official application portal on bankimoon.submit.com.
- Create or log into your Submit.com account.
- Complete the multi-step form, upload your headshot and 1-minute video.
- Submit before 25 October 2026, 23:55 CEST.
Official Links
Apply on Ban Ki-moon Submit Portal
Official Announcement on Ban Ki-moon Foundation
Your Future in Green Jobs Initiative Overview
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the program free of charge?
Yes. Participation in the mentorship program and access to the online course are 100% free, supported by Dubai Cares and partners.
Do I need to live in Austria?
No. The program is fully virtual and open to eligible youth worldwide.
What if I haven't finished the online course yet?
You can still apply now, provided you complete the free 6-module course before the December 2026 kick-off ceremony.
What is the time commitment?
Mentees typically dedicate approximately 2 to 3 hours per week for live workshops, 1-on-1 mentor calls, and community project milestones.
