Over the next decade, 1.2 billion young people are projected to reach working age in emerging markets — and if we don’t act now, there won’t be enough jobs for all of them. Jobs are a proven pathway to creating thriving, sustainable economies, and we need to build the capacity of young people today so they can adapt to the future of work.

 

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! Review the eligibility requirements below and submit your application by the February 24 deadline.

 

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 we can’t wait to see what solutions our 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.