TORONTO, 28 October 2026 — Four young environmental leaders from across Ontario have been named recipients of the 2026 Youth Champion in Environmental Action & Awareness Award by the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), in partnership with Waterfront Media Group and the International Peace Festival.
The awards were presented on 10 October at the 8th Annual International Peace Festival Gala, held at the Urban Economy Forum's World Urban Pavilion in Toronto under the theme Together for a Sustainable and Peaceful World.
Now in its second year, the award recognizes young people aged 15 to 24 living in Ontario who are demonstrating leadership and measurable impact in addressing climate, water and environmental challenges through research, innovation, advocacy and community engagement.
Selected by a UNU-INWEH Selection Committee from finalists across the province, the four recipients were evaluated based on their leadership, innovation, measurable impact and commitment to environmental action.
"Young people aren't waiting for permission. They understand, often more clearly than the rest of us, that our health, our economies and our futures depend on the environment, and they're stepping up to protect it," said Dr. Rohit Ramchandani, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships Officer at UNU-INWEH, who presented the awards.
"Our job is to make room for that leadership by giving them space, voice, audience and influence. When we do, systems change. These awards are one way we put that into practice."
Meet the 2026 Award Recipients
The four recipients are being recognized for their contributions to environmental sustainability across a range of disciplines, from circular-economy innovation and biodiversity conservation to ecosystem restoration and sustainable urban mobility.
Kobe Li (Hamilton, ON), Age 20
Founder & Executive Director, 20/20 Mission | Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences student, McMaster University
For reimagining the life cycle of eyewear through 20/20 Mission—diverting thousands of glasses from landfill, expanding eye care in underserved communities, and engaging youth in circular-economy research and action
Nicolas Moreno Tanaka (Richmond Hill, ON), Age 17
Youth Ambassador, Bird Friendly Richmond Hill | Member, Climate Action Richmond Hill
For championing bird conservation and climate action—leading bird walks, contributing to citizen science, and inspiring residents to protect biodiversity and healthy ecosystems
Laurel Pierroz-Wong (Waterloo, ON) Age 24
Co-founder & Lead, Pyroneers | Master's student in Civil Engineering, University of Waterloo
For pioneering regenerative climate solutions through Pyroneers—turning invasive buckthorn into biochar for ecosystem restoration, engaging learners of all ages, and preparing future engineers for a changing climate
Jonathan Lee How Cheong (Toronto, ON) Age 18
Transit & climate advocate, More Transit Southern Ontario | Youth Fellow, Urban Minds 1UP Youth City Builders
For advancing climate action through sustainable transportation—championing accessible public transit and cycling, engaging decision-makers at all levels of government, and inspiring youth to build connected, resilient communities
Jonathan Lee How Cheong, age 18, receives his award at the International Peace Festival Gala.
The award ceremony was part of the International Peace Festival Gala, which brought together community leaders, artists, advocates and institutional partners to celebrate peacebuilding, sustainability and international cooperation. The evening featured music, visual arts, fashion, and international cinema, highlighting the role of creativity and cultural exchange in advancing dialogue and collective action.
"The next generation is not waiting for the future to take action. These young leaders are already demonstrating how innovation, determination and community engagement can drive meaningful environmental change," said UNU-INWEH Director Prof. Kaveh Madani.
"At UNU-INWEH, we believe that recognizing and supporting youth leadership is essential to building a more sustainable and resilient world. Their achievements remind us that age is no barrier to making a lasting impact."
Through the Youth Champion in Environmental Action and Awareness Award, UNU-INWEH and its partners aim to recognize emerging environmental leaders, amplify youth-driven solutions and encourage greater participation in addressing interconnected environmental and societal challenges.
As the initiative enters its next chapter, UNU-INWEH welcomes additional collaborators and partners interested in supporting youth environmental leadership and expanding the awards’ reach.
Learn more about the Youth Champion in Environmental Action & Awareness Award and previous recipients here.
About UNU-INWEH
Marking its 30th anniversary of operation in 2026, the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) is one of 13 institutions that make up the United Nations University (UNU), the academic arm of the UN. Known as 'The UN's Think Tank on Water', UNU-INWEH addresses critical water, environmental, and health challenges around the world. Through research, training, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination, the institute contributes to solving pressing global sustainability and human security issues of concern to the UN and its Member States. Headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario, UNU-INWEH has been hosted and supported by the Government of Canada since 1996. With a global mandate and extensive partnerships across UN entities, international organizations, and governments, UNU-INWEH leads UNU Hubs in Calgary, Hamburg, New York, Lund and Pretoria.
About the International Peace Festival
The International Peace Festival Promotes global harmony and community engagement through music, art, and education. Held annually in alignment with the UN International Day of Peace, the Festival provides a platform for intergenerational dialogue and collaborative action toward peace, equity, and sustainability.
About Waterfront Media Group
Waterfront Media Group publishes Toronto Waterfront Magazine, a community-based magazine established in 2003 that offers informed views and current perspectives on local issues and events. Delivered directly to residents and businesses in Toronto’s Waterfront and Downtown communities through The Globe and Mail and Canada Post, each issue reaches more than 100,000 readers, including business leaders, influencers and decision-makers. The Waterfront Media organizes and leads the annual International Peace Festival (IPF) in Toronto.
