UNDP, UNICEF Launch Green Careers Campaign Targeting 500 Million Young People

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have launched a global campaign to help young people discover career opportunities linked to environmental sustainability, biodiversity protection and the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The initiative, called See It, Be It, was announced on 22 October on the sidelines of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17) in Yerevan, Armenia. The campaign aims to reach 500 million young people worldwide by the end of 2027.

Rather than focusing exclusively on conventional environmental jobs, the campaign will showcase professionals working across science, technology, business, agriculture, communications, finance, creative industries and community leadership. Its organisers want young people to see how a range of existing skills can contribute to environmental solutions and sustainable businesses.

Why green careers matter to business

The campaign comes as businesses and governments face pressure to address environmental risks, improve resource efficiency and adapt to changing expectations around sustainability. These shifts can create demand for expertise in areas such as ecosystem restoration, sustainable agriculture, environmental research, clean technology, climate-related finance and communications.

The opportunity is not limited to people studying environmental science. Businesses pursuing sustainability goals also need people who can manage projects, analyse data, develop products, finance investments, communicate with customers and work with communities.

By highlighting different career paths and the people already working in them, See It, Be It aims to make these opportunities more visible to young people who may not know how their interests and qualifications could translate into work connected to nature and sustainability.

UNDP and UNICEF say research points to a gap between the career options young people commonly consider and the opportunities emerging from the green transition. They cite research from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), as well as work by UNICEF and the European Training Foundation, on the limitations of current career guidance.

The gap between awareness and employment

The campaign’s reach target is ambitious, but awareness alone does not guarantee employment. Young people also need relevant training, credible career guidance, access to employers and practical pathways into work.

For businesses, educators and training providers, the initiative could offer a platform to make existing opportunities more visible and connect young people with professionals already working in sustainability-related fields.

However, the campaign announcement does not identify a specific number of jobs to be created, promise placements or set out a dedicated employment programme for Nigeria. Its stated approach centres on sharing stories, showcasing role models and encouraging organisations and networks to participate.

That distinction matters: inspiring young people to consider green careers is an important first step, but the economic value will depend partly on whether awareness leads to skills development, work experience and access to real opportunities.

How employers and educators can participate

The campaign is inviting organisations, youth networks, educators, employers, communicators and sustainability professionals to contribute stories and amplify profiles through their networks.

Its early supporters include the Global Youth Biodiversity Network, the Nature Working Group of YOUNGO—the children and youth constituency associated with the UN climate process—and the Youth Negotiators Academy.

For employers, participation could help introduce young people to roles that are often less visible than traditional career paths. Educators and training providers could use the campaign to broaden career guidance and connect classroom learning with emerging professional fields.

For young people, the initiative provides a way to explore how interests in technology, business, agriculture, finance, communications or community work might translate into careers that contribute to environmental sustainability.

The next test will be whether the campaign’s visibility and partnerships help young people move beyond inspiration towards practical skills, professional networks and employment opportunities.