International Energy Agency calls for applications to Youth Energy Efficiency Leadership Award

This competition seeks to award youth-led initiatives that are making meaningful contributions across diverse contexts.

The winners will receive full sponsorship to attend and take part in the '11th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency' co-hosted by the Government of Canada and the International Energy Agency (IEA) in Montreal, Canada, on 29-30 June 2026. 

The event will bring together ministers, CEOs and senior leaders from government, finance and business to share solutions on energy efficiency-related topics and drive progress forward. 

Eligible projects may include, for instance, online or in-person capacity building to promote energy-saving behaviours, hands-on trainings for installing energy efficient technology, campaigns raising awareness about the benefits of efficiency, community engagement to design innovative energy solutions, and grassroots actions improving access to efficient technologies. Both fully established programmes, early‑stage or testing‑phase ideas are welcome.  

Projects should demonstrate on‑the‑ground action addressing local challenges and can be led by individuals, informal groups, or formally registered entities, regardless of scale, funding level, or stage of development. 

Entry is free of charge. The proposal submissions deadline is 30 April 2026.