About the opportunity
The 12th Japan Youth Environmental Activity Contest is an initiative presented through the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) that empowers high school students to develop practical solutions for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The contest encourages youth-led environmental action and SDG partnerships, offering young innovators a platform to showcase concrete community and ecological projects.
Funding and benefits
- Institutional recognition from United Nations University and SDG partnership networks
- Platform to showcase youth-led practical solutions for sustainability and environmental action
Who can apply?
- Open to high school students
- Submissions must focus on developing practical solutions for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Required documents
- Contest submission describing practical solutions and activities addressing the SDGs
When to apply
- Call for submissions announced: September 30, 2026
- Submission deadline: October 27, 2026
How to apply
- Develop a practical project or action plan that addresses environmental sustainability and the SDGs
- Submit the application and project entry before the October 27, 2026 deadline through the designated UNU-IAS submission portal
Additional information
- Organized in connection with the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)
- Applicants should consult the full UNU-IAS announcement page for specific formatting guidelines and entry categories
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- High school students actively leading or participating in school environmental clubs, local conservation efforts, or community SDG initiatives.
- Student teams seeking institutional recognition from the United Nations University network for practical, locally implemented sustainability projects.
What should you think carefully about?
- The application window between the late-September announcement and the October 27 deadline is short, requiring quick preparation of project documentation.
- The homepage summary does not detail submission languages, presentation formats, or team size constraints, which must be verified on the specific UNU-IAS contest page.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This contest aligns well with immediate goals for high school students looking to demonstrate practical leadership in environmental advocacy, build project portfolios for higher education applications, and gain visibility within global sustainability frameworks.
Our take
High school students with ongoing or well-formulated environmental and SDG solutions should prioritize submitting an entry before October 27, 2026, while university students and postgraduates should look toward UNU degree and fellowship programs instead.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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