Peace Boat US Youth for the SDGs Program 2026: A Transformative Experiential Learning Voyage for Global Youth Leaders Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals

The Peace Boat US Youth for the SDGs Program 2026 is a unique experiential learning and capacity-building opportunity for young activists and scholars engaged in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-related initiatives in the United States and around the world.

Organized by Peace Boat US in partnership with Peace Boat Japan, this immersive program takes place onboard global voyages, combining education, advocacy, international networking, and cross-cultural engagement. Endorsed by IOC UNESCO as a contributor to the UN Ocean Decade, the program strengthens youth leadership in climate action, sustainability, and global development.

Upcoming Program:
Latin America Voyage: June 15 – July 1, 2026

Scholarship opportunities are available for eligible participants.

What Is the Youth for the SDGs Program?

The Youth for the SDGs Program is a two-week experiential education voyage conducted onboard Peace Boat, a large passenger ship that sails regionally and globally while hosting educational and advocacy initiatives.

Peace Boat is a Japan-based organization and a recognized partner of the UN SDG Action Campaign. Its voyages bring together over 1,000 participants per journey, primarily from Japan and other Asian countries, alongside international scholars, activists, and educators.

The program is designed to:

• Promote youth engagement with the UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Strengthen leadership capacity among young change-makers

• Foster cross-cultural collaboration

• Advance advocacy in climate action, nuclear disarmament, sustainability, and social development

• Create a global network of SDG-driven leaders

Why Join the Youth for the SDGs Program?

This program is ideal for youth leaders seeking:

• Immersive international advocacy experience

• Direct exposure to global SDG policy networks

• Leadership development through practice, not theory

• International collaboration opportunities

• A platform to amplify their work on climate, sustainability, and development

By combining travel, education, and activism, the Youth for the SDGs Program represents a rare opportunity to experience global learning at sea.

Program Format: Learning at Sea and in Ports

The Youth for the SDGs Program is structured around two key learning environments:

1. Onboard Programming

Participants engage in:

• Presentations by guest educators from countries visited

• Workshops facilitated by Peace Boat staff

• Specialized training sessions focused on:

  • Media engagement

  • Policy advocacy

  • Public speaking

  • Effective messaging

  • Networking

  • Social media and communication tools

• Participant-led presentations and workshops where each youth shares insights about SDG-related challenges and solutions from their home communities

• Cultural exchange activities and integration into the larger passenger community

2. In-Port Experiential Learning

During port visits, participants:

• Collaborate with NGOs, academic institutions, and governmental bodies

• Engage in field visits focused on SDG-related initiatives

• Explore climate action and sustainable development programs in host countries

• Interact with local communities working on environmental and social justice issues

Programs typically visit three to five countries during the voyage.

Expected Outcomes for Participants

Participants in the Youth for the SDGs Program gain:

• A comprehensive understanding of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

• Practical skills in advocacy, facilitation, communication, and leadership

• Enhanced public speaking and workshop delivery skills

• Cross-cultural competency

• A strengthened global professional network

• Direct engagement experience with diverse SDG stakeholders including governments, NGOs, IGOs, and civil society

• Increased confidence in mobilizing communities around sustainability and climate action

Additionally, Peace Boat passengers benefit from increased awareness of SDG advocacy through interactions with program participants.

Scholarships and Financial Support

Peace Boat US offers a limited number of full and partial scholarships for young activists and scholars aged 18–30 who are currently engaged in SDG-related initiatives.

Scholarships are awarded through a merit- and need-based selection process and may cover:

• Transportation between participants’ homes and embarkation/disembarkation ports

• Onboard accommodation and meals

• Port program costs

Scholarship availability varies by program. Applicants should consult specific program pages for details.

Upcoming Youth for the SDGs Program 2026

Latin America Voyage:
June 15 – July 1, 2026

This voyage will focus on SDGs connected to climate, sustainability, and regional development priorities in the countries visited.

Application deadlines vary by voyage and scholarship category. Applicants should consult the official Peace Boat US website for updated deadlines.

Past Voyage Highlights

Previous voyages have included:

Caribbean & Latin America Voyage: July 2–20, 2025
Patagonia Voyage: January 27–February 13, 2025
Mexico–Vancouver–Alaska Voyage: June 25–July 20, 2024
UN Ocean Decade Arctic Voyage: May 24–June 14, 2023
UN Ocean Decade Latin American Voyage: June 20–July 5, 2023

These voyages have connected youth leaders with policymakers, UN agencies, conservation experts, and grassroots organizations across multiple continents.

Alumni Voices

Participants consistently describe the program as transformative.

Alumni report:

• Life-changing public speaking opportunities

• Meaningful international collaborations

• Exposure to global policy platforms such as the UN CEPAL headquarters

• Renewed commitment to environmental conservation and peace education

• Long-term professional and personal growth

Register by March 1, 2026.

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