UNFAO’s King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award The 6th GSP Plenary Assembly endorsed the establishment of the annual King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award (WSDA), as a recognition tool for individuals and/or institutions that have made an effort to organize successful celebrations. The objective of the WSDA is to encourage organizers of WSD events at all levels to facilitate challenging and outstanding celebrations around the globe. The Award is sponsored by the Kingdom of Thailand, the champion country in the establishment of the now-famous World Soil Day. This Award is decided by The UN General Assembly along with Food and Agriculture of the United Nations (UNFAO) It was decided in December 2013 to officially designate 5 December as World Soil Day to acknowledge the lifelong work and commitment of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand who has significantly contributed to improving the quality of lives of millions through sustainable soil management. Eligibility The Award may be granted to individuals, institutions, NGOs, academia, colleges and universities, private companies, or any other entities; A wide range of WSD events can be considered for the award. The event has to follow the WSD theme of the year and has to take place between 1 – 15 Dec. Also, Read about Human Centered Design (HCD) for Startups Benefits The award consists of a medal, a USD 15 000 cheques, as well as a trip to Thailand (if feasible) to receive the prize. Application Process Click here to apply After the completion of the event, the organizers should submit the WSD report (Download the call for application 2021) to the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) Secretariat (GSP- [email protected]) in any of the official UN languages; Along with the report, WSD organizers are invited to complete their application by sending to the Secretariat: high-quality photographs (preferably accompanied by captions); videos (showing the work-in-progress and the results); communication material or any related publications, digital coverage (website/web stories/blog/ social media); and demonstrated wide appeal in the media (i.e. media coverage and press release); Pictures taken throughout the event must be shared on social media(Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn) with the hashtags #WorldSoilDay and #GlobalSoilPartnership #UNFAO. It is crucial that the organizers submit testimony or proof of the success of the World Soil Day celebration, and of the impact that the event had on raising awareness for the cause of healthy soils. For more Interesting Content and other Opportunities Visit and Follow/Like Us On Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram United Nations Environment Program: Seed Funding Challenge The seed funding challenge is created by the United Nations Environment Program as a “Young Champions of the Earth” that is looking for the ambitions of brilliant young environmentalists aged 18 – 30. The challenge is described well below: Invent the future Are you a change-maker, rain-maker, ground-breaker? Do you see opportunity where others see a crisis? Do you want to change the world? Young Champions of the Earth aims to celebrate and support individuals aged between 18 and 30 who have outstanding potential to create a positive environmental impact. Lead a new wave Global warming is forcing our societies, our economies and our world to change. Our ways of doing business, our careers and our job opportunities need to change, too. With this change comes an unprecedented opportunity for brave entrepreneurs and trendsetting role models to take action, to carve their place in a new and greener economy, to pioneer revolutionary technology and radical innovations, and to lead a new wave of green careers. In 2020, seven young people selected from every global region will be named Young Champions of the Earth. These winners receive seed funding, intensive training and tailored mentoring to bring their big environmental ideas to life. The program is looking for artists, scientists, economists, communicators and entrepreneurs from all walks of life who have big, bold ideas for the environment, for humanity, for a greener future. More than just an honorary title, the Young Champions of the Earth prize aims to nurture the next generation of environmental leaders. Applicants who demonstrate a strong willingness to learn will be granted access to mentoring and skill-building opportunities and to a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and experts. Eligibility Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30. Each applicant must have at least six months of prior experience working on their environmental project. Only one entry is allowed per person per year. Selection criteria: In the first stage of the selection process, all applications will be judged by United Nations experts according to the following criteria: The 3 Ps – The positive impact your big idea could have on the environment (planet), society (people) and its financial viability (prosperity). The 3 Cs – Evidence that you are a curious, courageous and colorful individual. Demonstrated commitment – It is important that you have already attempted to implement your big idea for at least six months and can outline achievements and developments to date. Endorsement – The strength of your referee’s recommendation. Benefits In 2020, seven Young Champions of the Earth will be selected from each global region: Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, West Asia and two from Asia and the Pacific. Each winner will receive: US$15,000 in seed funding US$9,000 to communicate and capture your idea and document and broadcast the stories of hope and change that you’re catalyzing on the ground Attendance at a high-level UN meeting An introduction to dignitaries at the Champions of the Earth award ceremony Publicity and recognition through interviews and online and global media Access to a community of experts offering insights and mentoring Participation in an entrepreneurial training program The 2020 Young Champions of the Earth will be required to share their journeys through videos and blogs on the website for up to one year. Application process For the application process click here. .