At COP29 in Azerbaijan this week, the World Bank Group pavilion played host to a special Connect4Climate event where C4C announced, in collaboration with the Global Youth Climate Network (a program of the World Bank Group's Youth-to-Youth Community), the continuation of the Max Thabiso Edkins Climate Ambassador Program for a fourth edition and the launch of a brand-new call for applications! Max Thabiso Edkins was an inspiration to all who knew him with an abiding passion for empowering youth, and this program seeks to carry forward his legacy.
The Max Thabiso Edkins Climate Ambassador Program is a six-month online program that helps participants level up their climate leadership by enabling them to: connect with one another; learn from World Bank Group experts as well as GYCN, Y2Y, and C4C partners; and take meaningful climate action in their communities and at scale. A combination of technical and hands-on sessions equips ambassadors with in-depth knowledge and understanding of climate change as well as guidance on how to creatively convey this knowledge to audiences both local and global.
If you’re 18-35 years old, fluent in English, internet-savvy, and committed to taking action for the planet in your community, this could be the perfect opportunity for you! If selected to be ambassador, you’ll be expected to: Learn from experts on climate-related topics, innovative climate communication techniques, and other essential areas to develop new skills and effective strategies; Act in your community using the techniques you study; Network with the other ambassadors in your cohort; and Engage in an active Global Alumni Community of Max Thabiso Edkins Climate Ambassadors to help you continue your climate journey and stay connected beyond the program.
By the end of the six months, you will need to have attended a specified number of learning sessions and implemented three concrete actions in your community. Meet these criteria and you will graduate the program, earn a certificate of completion, and join the ever-expanding Ambassador alumni network!
Additional details on eligibility requirements and expectations upon admission to the program can be found in the application form. We can't wait to hear why you’d make an excellent addition to our vibrant Max Thabiso Edkins Climate Ambassador community.
Note: GYCN-Y2Y is a volunteer program and, as such, does not provide funding. The Max Thabiso Edkins Climate Ambassador Program is a capacity-building initiative designed strictly to impart knowledge and provide skills to young leaders interested in climate action.
Banner image courtesy of Beatrice, 2024 Max Thabiso Edkins Climate Ambassador.
