Earth Day 2026: Our power, our planet — Young entrepreneurs driving climate action

This Earth Day, the theme Our power, our planet highlights both the urgency of global environmental challenges and the opportunity to address them. Across the Youth Business International (YBI) network, young entrepreneurs are already turning that ambition into action — building businesses that put sustainability, inclusion and resilience at their core. For these young entrepreneurs, their commitment to sustainability is year-long, and Earth Day is a moment to celebrate their impact.

From reducing waste to rethinking production systems, youth-led enterprises are showing that economic opportunity and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. Supporting these entrepreneurs is central to YBI’s mission: equipping young people with the skills, networks and confidence to build businesses that deliver lasting impact for economies, people and planet.

As Anna Chojnicka, Head of Responsible Business at Youth Business International, explains:

“At YBI, we see it every day: young entrepreneurs across our global network building businesses with sustainable purpose at their heart, channelling their creativity and resilience into ventures that protect our natural world, strengthen communities, and create opportunity where it’s needed most. From climate-smart agriculture in Africa to green innovation in Asia and beyond, the young people we support are not waiting for change; they are building it. They are proving that a new kind of economy is possible, one where profit and planet go hand in hand. On Earth Day, we celebrate every one of them — their vision, their courage, and the extraordinary impact they are already creating“

Turning ideas into impact

Across YBI’s global network, young entrepreneurs are addressing environmental challenges through solutions that are both locally rooted and globally relevant.

In Vietnam, with support from YBI member Startup Vietnam Foundation (SVF), Nguyen Thi Ngoc Xuan, founder of VECA, is transforming how recycling systems operate. Her digital platform connects households, scrap collectors and recycling facilities, making it easier to recycle while improving efficiency and transparency across the value chain. The result is a more connected circular economy, where materials are kept in use for longer.

Through YBI-supported programmes, Xuan has strengthened her business model, improved customer engagement and built the trust needed to scale. VECA now also supports scrap yard owners in navigating regulations and improving operations, demonstrating how innovation can unlock both environmental and economic value.

In Türkiye, Zeynep Ilgaz Çiftçi, founder of Packoroma, is tackling plastic waste through biodegradable and compostable packaging alternatives. Her business is helping shift consumption patterns while creating jobs and supporting women’s entrepreneurship.

With support from YBI and local member Habitat, Zeynep has refined her production processes, expanded her networks and accelerated growth — positioning her business to scale its impact internationally.

Powering the transition

These stories reflect a wider shift. Young entrepreneurs are not only responding to climate challenges; they are reshaping markets, creating green jobs and influencing how industries operate.

Across the globe, YBI and its members combine global reach with local expertise to support young entrepreneurs in building viable, scalable businesses aligned with climate goals. Through training, mentoring, access to finance and strong networks, these ventures are better equipped to grow sustainably and maximise their impact.

A collective opportunity

Earth Day is a moment to recognise progress and to look ahead.

The transition to a more sustainable and inclusive economy will require continued collaboration across sectors and regions. Young entrepreneurs are already playing a critical role, showing what is possible when innovation is aligned with purpose.

Our power, our planet is more than the theme for this observance day. It is a call to action — and across the YBI network, young entrepreneurs are answering it every day.