Youth Energy Efficiency Leadership Award 2026

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is currently accepting applications for its Youth Energy Efficiency Leadership Award 2026. This initiative recognizes and showcases youth-led efforts in advancing energy efficiency across diverse contexts.

🏆 About the Award

Young people play a pivotal role in driving change across the energy landscape. To honor and highlight youth leadership, the International Energy Agency (IEA), in collaboration with Natural Resources Canada, has launched the inaugural Youth Energy Efficiency Leadership Award.

Key Highlights:

• The award seeks to recognize youth-led initiatives that contribute meaningfully to energy efficiency.
• Winners will receive full sponsorship to attend the 11th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency in Montreal, Canada, on 29-30 June 2026.
• The conference is the IEA's flagship international event, bringing together ministers, CEOs, and senior leaders from government, finance, and business to share solutions and drive progress on energy efficiency-related topics.

🎁 Benefits

Up to five (5) participants will receive full sponsorship to attend the conference. Benefits include:

• Opportunity to present their projects in a live pitch-style showcase at the event.
• Participation in sessions at the event.
• Engagement with high-level energy experts from around the world.
• Full funding for travel to the event (details to be clarified in writing to winners).
• Coverage for travel, accommodation, and logistical support (details to be communicated to selected participants).
• Visibility for their projects across the IEA's platforms.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Age: 18-29 years old.
• Language: Able to communicate in English or French.
• Availability: Must be able to travel to Montreal, Canada.
• Passport: Valid passport or ability to obtain one in time.

📋 Selection Criteria

The Selection Committee will evaluate submissions based on the following criteria:

1. Problem Definition and Relevance:

   • Identifies a meaningful energy efficiency-related challenge.
   • Explains its significance within the local or community context.

2. Methodology:

   • Presents a clear, coherent, and feasible approach.
   • Includes steps, activities, tools, or methods designed to achieve the project’s objectives.

3. Impact:

   • Shows early evidence of benefits or demonstrates credible potential for positive outcomes.
   • Includes social, behavioral, technical, or economic effects.

4. Representation:

   • Reflects awareness of local needs, conditions, or constraints.
   • Demonstrates adaptability or responsiveness to feedback.

📅 Application Date and Process

• Application Deadline: 30 April 2026
• Interested applicants can apply via the official application website.

🌐 Contact Information

For more details, visit the official IEA Youth Energy Efficiency Leadership Award page.

• Possibility to present their projects in a live pitch-style showcase at the Event
• Possibility to participate in sessions at the Event
• Engage at the Event with high-level energy experts from around the world
• Receive full funding to travel to the event (as to be further clarified in writing to winners)
• Details of travel coverage, accommodation, and logistical support will be communicated in writing to selected participants.
• Gain visibility for their project across the IEA's platforms