Events

Five YAS Laureates are selected each year. They come from different regions of the world and work on different causes. What they all have in common is real impact and the potential to grow their work.

YAS supports its activists and amplifies their projects through various means including:

o   Recognition and Award: Laureates are publicly recognized for their achievements and receive the YAS Award during an Official Summit at the United Nations in Geneva, held at the Palais des Nations.

o   Visibility: YAS amplifies each Laureate’s work through a mixed media campaign, including filmed content, an online campaign, and media interviews around the Summit.

o   Networking:Strategic meetings and VIP events connect activists with key decision-makers, such as diplomats, international organization and NGO representatives linked to their work.

o   Training: Experts provide practical training on topics such as fundraising, public speaking, mental health, and digital and physical safety.

o   Tailored support: Each Laureate receives personalized support to help move their projects forward.

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o  15 March 2026 – Application/Nomination deadline  

o  April / May 2026 – Interviews with shortlisted candidates

o  October 2026 – Announcement of the YAS Laureates

o   December 2026 – Official Summit  at United Nations Geneva

All Laureates join the YAS Alumni Community. YAS continues to share relevant opportunities, provide support based on individual needs, and collaborate with alumni when appropriate opportunities arise.

Anyone 30 years old or younger may apply. Anyone may also nominate a young activist. Applicants and nominees must have clear, concrete impact in their community or on the environment.

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To be eligible, the applicant or nominee (the young activist who is nominated) must:

o Be 30 years old or younger

o Show clear, concrete impact in their community or on the environment

Yes. Young activists are encouraged to apply themselves.

YAS accepts nominations in any language, but an English transcription or translation is required to support the review process.

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Yes. You can nominate a young activist whose work you believe should be considered.

Simply fill out the nomination form above.

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To help you prepare your submission, download this checklist. It outlines everything you'll need to include in your submission.

It outlines all the information required, whether you are applying yourself or nominating a young activist.

In your submission, please provide evidence of impact. This can include a description of the work carried out, as well as web links, articles, or supporting documents that help illustrate the scale and significance of the impact.

You can complete the form as you go, but please note that there is no option to save your progress.

The YAS Jury is composed of a diverse group of human rights and environmental advocates, experts, and thought leaders from all over the world. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from various fields to ensure a fair and thorough evaluation of all submissions.

All applications and nominations are reviewed by the YAS Jury, a group of human rights and environmental experts from around the world. In their assessment, the Jury looks at the impact of the work, the quality and meaning of the initiative, and its potential to grow and reach more people. Global reach or international recognition is not required.

Once your nomination is submitted, you will receive a confirmation. However, YAS does not provide status updates during the judging process.

If you or your nominee is pre-selected as a potential Laureate, YAS will reach out to the candidate to conduct online interviews and a background check before the official announcement.

Unfortunately, if you or your nominee is not selected, you will not receive further communication, as YAS is unable to follow up on individual submissions.