Global Youth Leadership Programme for Sustainable Prosperity

Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Duration: 12 months (2 June 2025 – 30 April 2026)
Language: English
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Programme Overview

The Global Youth Leadership Programme for Sustainable Prosperity is a transformative, year-long initiative by UNITAR aimed at empowering youth aged 18–24 to become leaders in sustainable development evaluation and advocacy. Designed to bridge local realities with global goals, the program equips participants with the tools, knowledge, and platforms to assess the real-world impact of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their communities and to amplify youth voices in international decision-making spaces.

As the world nears the 2030 deadline for the SDGs, young people are uniquely positioned to both challenge the status quo and accelerate progress. With their creativity, digital fluency, and community insight, youth can act as powerful evaluators, storytellers, and changemakers. This programme not only recognizes that potential—it activates it.

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Programme Goals

By participating in the Global Youth Leadership Programme, young changemakers will:

• Learn to evaluate local progress on the SDGs using citizen-led monitoring tools and community-based data collection.

• Understand how frontier technologies—such as AI, big data, and blockchain—can be used for SDG tracking.

• Develop leadership and communication skills to advocate for evidence-based policies.

• Gain exposure to real-world sustainability challenges and innovations through international study visits.

• Join a global cohort of youth leaders committed to sustainable prosperity and SDG accountability.

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Programme Structure

This blended learning experience combines virtual education, community-based projects, international engagement, and global recognition. Key components include:

1. Monthly eLearning Courses

Participants will join monthly webinars led by global experts and UN officials on topics such as:

• SDG evaluation methodologies

• Digital tools for community-based monitoring

• Citizen engagement in sustainability

• Global trends and local adaptation

2. Field-Based SDG Evaluation Projects

Participants will conduct real-world evaluations in their communities. Using learned methodologies, they will:

• Identify a specific SDG-related issue

• Collect and analyze data

• Submit a detailed 3–5 page evaluation report

• Present findings to peers and mentors

3. International Study Visits

Top-performing participants will have the chance to attend in-person study visits to:

• Geneva – Engage with UN agencies and sustainability experts

• Tokyo & Osaka – Explore technological innovations in sustainability

• Singapore – Learn about smart city design and urban sustainability

Note: Travel expenses are the responsibility of the participants and may vary by location.

4. SDG Evaluation Showcase in Geneva

Outstanding participants will be invited to present their evaluation findings at UNITAR Headquarters in Geneva (February 2026) before UN officials and global stakeholders. Select participants may also represent their work at global events such as COP, the Expo UN Pavilion, and other high-level forums.

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Learning Methodology

The programme adopts an innovative, learner-centered approach that blends digital learning, experiential activities, and collaborative engagement to maximize impact. Participants will benefit from a structured yet flexible learning journey designed to foster practical skills, critical thinking, and global perspectives.

Key components include:

• Interactive Webinars & Expert-Led Dialogues: Live sessions with global experts and practitioners to provide foundational knowledge and real-time insights into SDG evaluation and frontier technologies.
• Real-World Evaluation Challenges: Hands-on assignments that require participants to apply learned concepts to local SDG issues, fostering problem-solving and contextual understanding.
• Case-Based Learning & Digital Resource Access: Curated case studies and multimedia learning materials to deepen understanding of best practices and innovations in sustainable development.
• Individual & Group Mentoring: Regular coaching sessions with experienced mentors to support personal growth, project development, and leadership skills.
• Peer Collaboration & Global Networking: Group activities, feedback sessions, and international networking opportunities that promote cross-cultural exchange and collaborative learning.

This blended methodology ensures that participants not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop practical evaluation skills, leadership capacity, and a deeper commitment to sustainable development through meaningful engagement and reflection.

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Who Should Apply?

The programme is open to youth aged 18–24 from all backgrounds who are passionate about the SDGs and ready to make an impact. Ideal candidates include:

• Students and researchers interested in global issues and community action

• Youth activists and community organizers committed to advancing the SDGs at the grassroots level

• Aspiring policymakers and journalists, and policy enthusiasts

• Young social entrepreneurs and innovators creating SDG-driven solutions

• Youth from undeserved and underrepresented communities and regions

Note: Applicants under 18 will require parental consent.

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How to Apply

• Application Mode: Rolling admissions (apply anytime)

• Selection Process: Application & evaluation based on motivation and alignment with SDG goals

• Fee: Free to participate; some in-person events may require self-funded travel

• Certification: UNITAR Certificate of Completion awarded upon successful participation

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Data Protection

All personal data is processed in accordance with UNITAR’s Data Protection and Privacy Policy. Selected data may be shared with UNITAR’s partner, College Daily, solely for programme-related coordination and improvement.

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Ready to Lead Global Change?

Join a global network of youth determined to hold the world accountable to its sustainability promises. As a participant in the Global Youth Leadership Programme for Sustainable Prosperity, you’ll transform your knowledge into action—and your local insights into global impact.

Apply now and become a voice for sustainable prosperity!

 Visit UNITAR’s website for more information.

For more opportunities, please visit Opportunities For Youth.