Earth Day 2026: Earth Prize flags on Mont Blanc Bridge will put young people at the heart of the climate conversation
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A mockup of the Earth Prize flags on Mont Blanc Bridge in Geneva
This Earth Day week (20–26 April), The Earth Foundation will line Geneva’s Mont Blanc Bridge with Earth Prize flags
Beyond the striking installation, the real story is a new generation creating solutions for our planet
The Earth Prize is the world’s largest environmental competition and incubator for young people, providing mentorship, resources and funding
Since 2021, the Earth Prize has reached 21,000 students, across 169 countries and territories, and awarded over $500K to turn ideas into impact
Geneva, 9 April 2026 - This Earth Day, Geneva’s iconic Mont Blanc Bridge will become a platform for young climate innovators from around the world.
From 20–26 April, The Earth Foundation will line the bridge with flags representing The Earth Prize, transforming one of the city’s busiest crossings into a highly visible showcase for youth-led climate solutions. Overlooking Lake Geneva and crossed daily by tens of thousands of vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, the installation brings global youth innovation into the everyday life of the city.
Now in its fifth year, The Earth Prize supports young people aged 13–19 to move from climate anxiety to concrete action, equipping them with the mentorship, resources and funding needed to develop real-world solutions. While Earth Day often focuses on the challenges, The Earth Prize focuses on what comes next: the solutions, and the young people creating them.
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Team Delavo from Turkiye and team Agripod from the UK - (C)TimonBachmann
From ocean-cleaning robots to fog-powered drinking water, these innovations reflect both the urgency of today’s challenges and the creativity of those stepping up to solve them. Previous winners have been featured in leading international media including Forbes, Business Insider (US and Africa), The Irish Times, and UN Today, with several teams advancing their ideas through patents and corporate partnerships.
The 2026 edition of the Earth Prize is fully underway, with the 35 scholar (semi-finalist) teams having been selected across seven global regions: . The next stage of the competition will see seven Regional Winners announced from 11–17 May, each representing one of the seven global regions and receiving $12.5K to accelerate their innovation. This will be followed by a public vote, with the global winner announced on Friday 29 May.
Peter McGarry, Founder of the Earth Foundation, who is based in Geneva, explained:
Earth Day is a moment to reflect on the challenges facing our planet, but also to recognise those working to change its future. This year’s Earth Prize applicants are developing bold, deeply personal solutions, rooted in the real challenges they experience every day. By flying these flags across the Mont Blanc Bridge, we bring their work into the public eye. These flags represent a generation that is not waiting for change, but actively building it.
As the Earth Prize flags line Mont Blanc Bridge this Earth Day, they will make one thing clear: the next generation of climate solutions is already here.
Top Earth Prize alumni pitch eco-innovations to expert jury at Sharks for a Sustainable Future, gaining feedback and guidance for real-world environmental impact.
Empower students with The Earth Prize’s Action4Earth Week 2025 - five themed online events on sustainability, climate action, and classroom challenges to inspire change.
Connect with our media team
Our team is here to help you craft stories that go beyond press releases - tailored, human-led features. Request an exclusive interview with The Earth Prize winners or founder Peter McGarry, get access to our insights on youth eco-anxiety, or brainstorm a feature idea with us.
