The Young Leaders for the SDGs initiative recognizes exceptional young people who are leading efforts to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Every two years, 17 young leaders are selected to work with the United Nations and its partners to accelerate SDG implementation and engage other young people in this crucial work.
From food to fashion to finance, the Young Leaders for the SDGs come from many different backgrounds, represent every region in the world, and help young people worldwide in support of the Goals. As a community, they work to support efforts to engage young people in the realization of the SDGs both through strategic opportunities with the UN and through their existing initiatives, platforms, and networks.
Over their two-year term, they:
– Champion the SDGs through high-profile advocacy, storytelling, and strategic collaborations in ways most accessible and relatable to young people across different contexts.
– Engage in global conversations, including at UN and international events, to amplify youth perspectives on sustainable development.
– Inspire and mobilize their communities, using innovative approaches to drive action toward the Goals.
– Collaborate with the UN and its partners, contributing to key initiatives and global moments related to youth and the SDGs.
– Uphold UN values, demonstrating integrity, leadership, and accountability in all their engagements.
The initiative offers Young Leaders a range of benefits designed to support and amplify their impact. It provides a global platform to showcase and elevate their existing work, along with access to the United Nations system and its network of partners. Young Leaders can take advantage of capacity-building opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge, connect with a dynamic network of changemakers, and participate in key events at the UN and beyond.
ABOUT THE UNITED NATIONS
The English language component of the Indigenous Fellowship Programme (IFP) was established in 1997. It takes place at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, Switzerland, and lasts for four weeks, usually coinciding with the annual meeting of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP). The objective of this training program is to enhance the knowledge of indigenous peoples on existing international human rights instruments and mechanisms so they can use them to more effectively advocate for the rights of their communities.
UN YOUNG LEADERS FOR THE SDGS PROGRAMME
– Application Deadline: April 18, 2025
– Type: Entrepreneurs
– Sponsor: United Nations
– Gender: Men and Women
AIM AND BENEFITS OF UN YOUNG LEADERS FOR THE SDGS PROGRAMME
– Global platform to amplify your work
– Access to the UN system and partners
– Capacity-building opportunities
– Join a community of changemakers
– Travel opportunities for key events
REQUIREMENTS FOR UN YOUNG LEADERS FOR THE SDGS PROGRAMME QUALIFICATION
– Age at the time of application: 15-35 years old
– Working-level proficiency in English
– The program actively seeks applications from young people of all backgrounds, particularly young women and girls, youth with disabilities, indigenous youth, LGBTIQ+ youth, refugees and migrants, and rural youth, among others.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
April 18, 2025
