UNESCO, Nestlé Expand Climate and Sustainability Grant Program

UNESCO and Nestlé have announced an expanded partnership to support youth-led climate and sustainability initiatives. Nestlé will provide US$1.7 million to fund 100 grants for projects focused on climate mitigation and adaptation across Africa, the Arab States, Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America, and Latin America and the Caribbean. The grants will support initiatives such as sustainable food systems, regenerative agricultural practices, and eco-friendly packaging. A new call for applications has been launched, and the partnership also includes training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, aiming to benefit 500,000 people either directly or indirectly.

The initiative builds on a pilot phase launched in 2023-2024, during which UNESCO and Nestlé allocated US$500,000 in funding to 12 Latin American countries under the Impulso Joven (Youth Boost) program. The pilot provided grants to 20 youth leaders and organizations, impacting over 130,000 people. Three beneficiaries of the pilot program traveled to UNESCO headquarters to share their experiences. Domenica Cobo from Ecuador leads 4WB, a sustainable business supporting mental health services. Gabriella dos Santos Ferreira from Brazil heads AFRORICAS LAB, an initiative that provides financial education and professional development resources to help Black women in Brazil access basic rights and services. Esteban Silva from Argentina runs Protiva Bioinks, a company developing cost-effective, sustainable natural dyes from microorganisms as an alternative to synthetic dyes in the textile industry.

For 20 years, UNESCO has supported youth leadership through policy tools, advocacy networks like the UNESCO Global Youth Community and the Youth for Climate Action Network (YoU-CAN), and capacity-building programs. This latest collaboration with Nestlé aims to expand opportunities for young innovators addressing climate challenges worldwide.