Applications Open: Local Pathways Fellowship (2026 Cohort)

Applications for the 2026 Local Pathways Fellowship are officially open. SDSN Youth invites young urban innovators from around the world to apply for a redesigned fellowship experience focused on localized problem-solving, cross-city collaboration, practical workshops and tools, mentorship from practitioners, and project-based outcomes aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 11. If you are between 18 and 30 years old and committed to shaping more sustainable and inclusive cities, this fellowship offers a platform to turn local insights into visible impact. Applications close on 21 December 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.

Location: Worldwide – Remote

Duration: March–December 2026

Deadline: 21 December 2025 (11:59 PM EST)

The Local Pathways Fellowship (LPF) was launched by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network Youth Initiative to equip young urban leaders with the knowledge, resources, and platforms needed to advance progress on SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Representing cities across the globe, fellows learn, collaborate, design solutions, and contribute to a global movement for urban sustainability. SDSN Youth ensures broad geographic diversity among fellows while encouraging applications from all regions.

The fellowship runs for 10 months and guides participants through a structured journey to understand key urban challenges and opportunities. Monthly activities focus on building knowledge, developing a city-focused project, and engaging with an international peer network. Fellows gain access to expert-led sessions, webinars, and a community of more than 750 alumni from 180 cities in over 80 countries.

 

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Role and Responsibilities

Throughout the fellowship, participants will:

• Explore major global and local urban challenges and the critical role of cities in addressing sustainable development.
• Develop a practical, context-specific project aimed at improving sustainability within their own city.
• Engage with a global peer network to exchange insights, share resources, and co-create solutions.
• Participate in the LPF webinar series and receive mentorship from experienced practitioners in the field of urban sustainability.

 

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Qualifications

Applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 30 years old.
• Demonstrate strong interest in sustainable development and alignment with SDSN Youth’s mission.
• Have at least one year of academic or professional experience in urban-related fields such as planning, sustainability, tech, community engagement, or advocacy.
• Possess excellent English communication skills and ideally proficiency in the local language of the city they represent.
• Show strong organizational, leadership, and teamwork abilities.
• Have reliable internet access and the ability to commit 4–6 hours per week.

 

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Commitment and Conditions

• Duration: 10 months (March–December 2026)
• Time Commitment: 4–6 hours weekly
• Compensation: Voluntary role
• Mandatory participation in SDSN Youth online induction and team training
• The fellowship includes a two-month probation period

 

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Benefits

Fellows receive:

• Global visibility as emerging leaders in sustainable urban development
• Opportunities to deepen expertise through training, workshops, and mentorship
• Access to SDSN Youth’s global network of SDG advocates and professionals
• Engagement with international partners across civil society, government, academia, and the UN system
• A unique platform to develop practical skills and deliver real-world urban solutions
• The chance to collaborate with a culturally and geographically diverse cohort
• Potential opportunities to attend or speak at events

 

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How to Apply

Applications for the 2026 cohort close on 21 December 2025 (11:59 PM EST). Candidates from all locations are welcome to apply.

Apply here.

 

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Applications are open for the 2026 Local Pathways Fellowship (LPF), a global program by SDSN Youth that supports young urban leaders working to advance Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Running from March to December 2026, the fellowship offers a redesigned learning experience featuring localized problem-solving, cross-city collaboration, mentorship, practical workshops, and project-based outcomes. Fellows will spend 10 months learning about urban challenges, developing a city-focused SDG 11 project, and connecting with a global network of over 750 peers. The program is open to applicants aged 18–30 worldwide, with at least one year of academic or professional experience in urban development or related fields. The fellowship is voluntary, fully online, and requires a commitment of 4–6 hours per week.

For more opportunities, click here.