Youth-Led Climate Action: UN Women Launches the EmPower Academy — Applications Now Open!
Are you passionate about climate action, tech and making a real impact?
Join UN Women’s EmPower Academy and become part of the change!
About the Academy
The UN Women EmPower Academy is a hands-on online learning experience developed to provide young people across Asia and the Pacific with the technical and transferable skills to lead green and digital transitions. Through a blend of data literacy, AI skills, project management and green entrepreneurship, you will learn to design inclusive, gender-responsive solutions that tackle real environmental problems. Whether you’re a student, activist or aspiring innovator, this is your chance to turn ideas into impact.
What will you learn?
By the end of the school, based on the learning pathway you choose, you will be able to:
- Build core data literacy for climate action, from questions to indicators and insights.
- Learn to use no-code tools (Google Sheets, Web GIS, Teachable Machine, Custom GPTs) to design actionable climate outputs.
- Learn how to use ethical, gender-responsive and inclusive artificial intelligence (AI) practices to promote youth-led climate action.
- Design and pitch feasible, evidence-based projects and business models.
- Translate data and forecasts into youth-led advocacy, briefs and operational checklists.
Who can apply?
We are looking for:
- Young people (aged 15–34) from the Asia-Pacific region engaged in climate advocacy, community work or civic tech.
- Students, activists and early-career professionals eager to grow their impact.
- Young women, gender-diverse youth, persons with disabilities and Indigenous youth are strongly encouraged to apply!
👉 No previous AI or coding background needed: just bring your curiosity and commitment!
Choose your learning pathway!
The EmPower Academy is composed of flexible, interconnected pathways to adapt to your different expertise, interests, schedules and commitments. You can choose your journey or combine them:
1) The Ultimate Green-Skilled Young Professional (3 months)
This is the most complete pathway. You will learn how to master data, AI, project management and green entrepreneurship for youth-led climate action.
📘 Final output: A complete project proposal or green business plan.
2) The Green Data Analyst (1.5 months)
Learn to collect, analyse and visualize data for climate advocacy.
📊 Final output: A data dashboard and advocacy brief.
3) The Green AI Analyst (2 months)
Explore no-code AI tools for forecasting, biodiversity and disaster risk reduction.
🤖 Final output: An AI-powered solution for climate adaptation.
4 The Green Entrepreneur (2 months)
Transform your idea into a sustainable green business plan.
💡 Final output: A business model and 3-slide pitch deck.
Programme availability and commitment
📅 Duration: January–March 2026
⏳ Time commitment: At least 3 hours per week, plus time for pre-readings, assignments and final project work.
🗣️ Language: The programme will be delivered in English.
How to apply?
📌 Deadline: 16 December 2025
💻 Apply now for the course by filling out the Candidate Application Form by 16 December 2026.
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