Max Thabiso Edkins Youth Ambassador Program 2026 – Apply Now

The Youth Ambassador Program under the Max Thabiso Edkins Youth Ambassador Program 2026 offers young changemakers a powerful opportunity to build skills, expand networks, and contribute to sustainable development worldwide. As global economies evolve, young people must prepare today to adapt to the future of work and drive inclusive growth.

Over the next decade, 1.2 billion young people will enter the workforce in emerging markets. However, without deliberate action, job opportunities may fall short. Therefore, initiatives like the Youth Ambassador Program play a critical role in equipping young leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to create sustainable solutions.

About the Max Thabiso Edkins Youth Ambassador Program

Delivered by the World Bank’s Youth2Youth (Y2Y) Community in partnership with Connect4Climate (C4C), the Max Thabiso Edkins Program honors the legacy of youth inclusion champion Max Thabiso Edkins. He strongly believed that young people must shape policies and solutions for a resilient future.

Now in its fifth edition, the program brings together global youth leaders to learn, collaborate, and act on the world’s most pressing development challenges—especially job creation and sustainability.

Why the Youth Ambassador Program Matters

Jobs remain a proven pathway to sustainable economies and shared prosperity. Consequently, the Youth Ambassador Program places job creation at the center of its learning and action agenda.

Through structured engagement, participants deepen their understanding of development sectors while working together to design innovative responses that benefit their communities and the planet.

What Selected Youth Ambassadors Will Gain

Young changemakers selected for the 2026 Youth Ambassador Program will experience a dynamic mix of learning, action, and collaboration.

Learn

• Engage with World Bank Group experts and partners
• Explore priority sectors such as energy, water, agribusiness, gender equality, health, tourism, and digital innovation
• Understand how job creation drives sustainable development

Act

• Respond to global challenges through World Bank Group campaigns such as Health Works, Mission300, Empowering Women, and AgriConnect
• Apply learning to real-world development challenges

Network and Engage

• Connect with peers and professionals from diverse regions
• Join a global alumni community with ongoing collaboration opportunities

Moreover, participants continue benefiting from the network long after completing the program.

Who Can Apply

The Youth Ambassador Program welcomes applicants from all regions of the world who are passionate about sustainability and development.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply, candidates must:

• Be 20–30 years old
• Be studying, entering the job market, or building a career in a relevant sector
• Show interest in sustainable growth across sectors such as energy, water, agribusiness, gender equality, health, tourism, or digital innovation
• Demonstrate curiosity, motivation, and willingness to learn
• Show commitment to collaboration and global knowledge exchange

As a result, the program attracts diverse voices and perspectives that enrich collective problem-solving.

Important Information for Applicants

Before applying, candidates should carefully review the program guidelines.

Key Notes

• Applications must be submitted by February 24, 2026
• The use of AI tools to generate application responses is strictly prohibited and may result in disqualification
• The program offers non-monetary capacity building only; no funding is provided
• Previous ambassadors and current World Bank Group employees are not eligible

Therefore, applicants should ensure authenticity and originality in all submissions.

Why You Should Apply

By joining the Max Thabiso Edkins Youth Ambassador Program, young leaders gain the skills and confidence to shape sustainable job solutions in their communities. In addition, they become part of an alumni network of over 600 former ambassadors driving change globally.

Creating sustainable jobs remains one of the most effective ways to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. Consequently, this program empowers youth to contribute meaningfully to a livable planet.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should review the eligibility criteria and submit their applications before the deadline.

🗓 Application Deadline: February 24, 2026
🌍 Program Organizer: Connect4Climate & World Bank Youth2Youth