The United Nations Younger Leaders For the SDGs Program and Career Opportunities. Check out on to Apply and Application Processes.
The United Nations Young Leaders for the SDGs Program is an initiative under the United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth. It aims to recognize and support exceptional young leaders from around the world who are making significant contributions to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through their innovative solutions and impactful projects.
Key Features of the Program
1. Global Recognition: Every two years, the program selects 17 young leaders (one for each SDG) aged between 18 and 29 who are driving change and inspiring others to take action on the SDGs.
2. Advocacy and Representation: The selected young leaders serve as advocates for sustainable development, amplifying the voice of youth at high-level UN meetings, global forums, and in their communities.
3. Networking and Collaboration: Participants join a network of other changemakers, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector to foster collaboration and scale their impact.
4. Capacity Building: The program provides leadership training, access to mentorship, and resources to help the young leaders maximize their contributions to achieving the SDGs.
Eligibility Criteria
Age: Must be between 18 and 29 years old at the time of application.
Proven Impact: Demonstrated leadership in efforts or projects related to one or more SDGs.
Alignment with SDGs: Activities should align with the principles of the UN and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Innovative Approaches: Focus on solutions that are creative, scalable, and have the potential to inspire others.
Application Process
1. Call for Applications: The program opens applications every two years. Announcements are made on the UN Youth Envoy website and social media channels.
2. Application Form: Candidates submit an online form detailing their work, impact, and vision for sustainable development.
3. Selection Process: Applications are reviewed based on impact, innovation, and alignment with SDGs, followed by interviews for shortlisted candidates.
Impact of the Program
Increased Visibility: Young leaders gain global recognition for their work.
Support for Initiatives: Access to partnerships and opportunities that can scale up their efforts.
Influence Policy Discussions: Amplify youth voices in policymaking processes.
How to Stay Updated
Follow the UN Youth Envoy's official website (SDGs Official Website ) for updates on application timelines.
Monitor the program’s social media handles for announcements.
How to Succeed in Getting into the UN Young Leaders for the SDGs Program
1. Demonstrate Exceptional Impact
Showcase measurable results from your work. Highlight specific achievements such as the number of people impacted, projects completed, or systems improved.
Include testimonials, partnerships, or media coverage to demonstrate credibility.
2. Align Closely with the SDGs
Ensure your work addresses at least one SDG, but broader impact across multiple goals is a bonus.
Provide examples of how your work contributes to global, national, or local sustainable development.
3. Emphasize Innovation and Scalability
Present creative solutions to existing challenges.
Describe how your approach is scalable or replicable in other regions or contexts.
4. Strong Storytelling Skills
Clearly articulate your vision and the journey behind your work.
Highlight the challenges you’ve overcome and the motivation driving your efforts.
5. Demonstrate Leadership
Prove that you are inspiring and mobilizing others to take action.
Show evidence of being a role model in your community, organization, or network.
6. Global Perspective and Inclusivity
Highlight how your work embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Discuss collaborations or partnerships with stakeholders across different sectors and regions.
7. Prepare a Strong Application
Be concise, clear, and authentic. Avoid vague statements.
Provide quantitative data to back up your claims (e.g., “Reached 10,000 people through education programs” instead of “Impacted many lives”).
Tailor your application to reflect the UN's core values and the 2030 Agenda.
Tips for Success
Research Past Young Leaders: Understand the caliber of previous participants and draw lessons from their stories.
Seek Mentorship: Get feedback from colleagues, mentors, or individuals with experience in similar programs.
Engage in Advocacy: Be visible on platforms like social media and events promoting the SDGs to demonstrate your commitment.
Network with Relevant Stakeholders: Collaborate with organizations, governments, or private entities to amplify your impact.
Impact of the Program
1. Global Recognition and Influence
Selected leaders gain international visibility and are positioned as role models for sustainable development.
Their work is showcased at high-profile platforms, including UN General Assembly meetings and global conferences.
2. Opportunities for Collaboration
Young Leaders connect with like-minded advocates, policymakers, and UN agencies to scale their impact.
They gain partnerships with private and public sectors to expand their initiatives.
3. Enhanced Leadership Skills
The program provides capacity-building sessions, leadership training, and resources to help participants grow professionally.
4. Inspiration and Motivation for Others
By sharing their journeys, Young Leaders inspire thousands of young people globally to take action toward achieving the SDGs.
5. Policy Influence
Leaders amplify youth perspectives in decision-making processes, shaping policies that impact global development.
6. Support for Projects
Participants often receive support or mentorship to advance their existing projects or start new initiatives.
Advice on Crafting an Impactful Application for the UN Young Leaders for the SDGs Program
1. Start with a Compelling Personal Story
Share a personal experience that inspired you to take action on the SDGs.
Highlight a challenge you faced and how it motivated your work.
2. Clearly Define Your Impact
Use specific, measurable outcomes (e.g., “Trained 500 women in sustainable farming techniques” instead of “Helped women improve farming skills”).
Provide evidence such as data, testimonials, or media coverage to validate your achievements.
3. Link Your Work to the SDGs
Show a strong connection between your initiative and one or more SDGs.
Explain how your project addresses the specific targets under the SDGs (e.g., SDG 4: Quality Education, Target 4.5 on gender equality in education).
4. Highlight Innovation
Showcase how your solution is unique or uses creative approaches to tackle challenges.
Mention technologies, strategies, or methods that make your work stand out.
5. Showcase Leadership and Collaboration
Highlight your role in inspiring and mobilizing others.
Discuss partnerships with local or global organizations, governments, or communities.
6. Demonstrate Scalability and Sustainability
Explain how your project can be replicated or scaled to benefit more people.
Highlight strategies for ensuring the long-term sustainability of your work.
7. Be Authentic and Passionate
Use a genuine tone that reflects your commitment and enthusiasm.
Avoid generic statements—tailor your responses to your unique experiences and goals.
8. Provide Proof of Recognition
Mention awards, honors, or acknowledgments you’ve received for your work.
If your work has been featured in the media, include links or details.
9. Include a Strong Vision Statement
Explain how being part of the program will enhance your impact and how you plan to use the platform to advance the SDGs further.
10. Proofread and Seek Feedback
Ensure your application is free of grammatical errors and is well-structured.
Ask mentors, colleagues, or previous program participants to review your application.
Examples of Successful Leaders from Past Cohorts
1. Trisha Shetty (India) – Selected in 2016
Founder of SheSays, a youth-led organization working to end gender-based violence through legal education and advocacy.
Her work aligns with SDG 5 (Gender Equality), impacting over 150,000 individuals.
2. Jayathma Wickramanayake (Sri Lanka) – Selected in 2017
Focused on youth engagement and mobilization for the SDGs.
Later appointed as the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, amplifying youth voices globally.
3. Kehkashan Basu (UAE) – Selected in 2016
Founder of the Green Hope Foundation, which educates and empowers youth on environmental sustainability and climate action.
Her work supports SDGs 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land).
4. Edward Ndopu (Namibia) – Selected in 2016
An advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities in sustainable development initiatives.
Worked on SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) to ensure accessibility and inclusion.
5. Melati Wijsen (Indonesia) – Selected in 2020
Co-founder of Bye Bye Plastic Bags, a youth-driven movement tackling plastic pollution.
Her work directly supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
6. Brittany Trilford (New Zealand) – Selected in 2016
Youth climate advocate who gained prominence for speaking at the Rio+20 Earth Summit.
Advocated for SDG 13 (Climate Action) by mobilizing youth for climate policy change.
Key Takeaways from Past Leaders’ Success
Authenticity and Passion: All selected leaders had a genuine passion for their cause and were able to articulate it effectively.
Demonstrable Impact: They showcased tangible results from their initiatives, proving that they could create real-world change.
Leadership and Advocacy: Their ability to mobilize communities, influence policies, and inspire action stood out.
Alignment with SDGs: Their work closely aligned with specific SDG targets, and they could articulate how it contributed to global goals.
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