The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has officially opened applications for the YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board 2026–2028, inviting passionate and committed young people from around the world to play a leading role in promoting integrity, ethics, accountability, and anti-corruption efforts at local, regional, and global levels.
Established under the Global Resource for Anti-Corruption Education and Youth Empowerment (GRACE) Initiative, the YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board provides a unique platform for young people to contribute directly to the development and implementation of youth-focused anti-corruption initiatives while working alongside UNODC experts and global stakeholders.
This opportunity recognizes young people not merely as beneficiaries of anti-corruption efforts, but as partners, innovators, leaders, and changemakers capable of driving meaningful action and strengthening integrity in their communities and beyond.
About the UNODC GRACE Initiative
The Global Resource for Anti-Corruption Education and Youth Empowerment (GRACE) Initiative is a flagship programme of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime that seeks to empower young people and educational institutions to build cultures of integrity, transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership.
The initiative supports efforts to:
- Promote anti-corruption education.
- Strengthen ethical leadership.
- Foster civic responsibility.
- Encourage youth participation in governance.
- Build awareness about corruption and its impacts.
- Support community-driven solutions to integrity challenges.
- Advance sustainable development through transparency and accountability.
Through the YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board, the GRACE Initiative places young people at the center of anti-corruption efforts under the guiding principle:
“Nothing about us without us.”
What is the YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board?
The YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board is a global advisory body composed of young people from diverse backgrounds, regions, and experiences who provide strategic guidance and support to UNODC’s youth engagement and anti-corruption initiatives.
The Board serves as a dedicated platform where young leaders can:
- Share perspectives and ideas.
- Influence youth engagement strategies.
- Promote anti-corruption awareness.
- Contribute to policy discussions.
- Support youth-led initiatives.
- Strengthen community participation.
- Help shape future integrity programmes.
Board members work as co-leading partners with UNODC and the GRACE Initiative team to ensure that youth voices are meaningfully integrated into anti-corruption programming and decision-making processes.
Responsibilities of YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board Members
Selected members will play an active role in supporting UNODC’s anti-corruption agenda and youth empowerment efforts.
Core responsibilities include:
1. Advising UNODC on Youth Engagement
Board members will provide recommendations and insights on how to engage young people effectively in anti-corruption initiatives and integrity-building programmes.
2. Contributing to Good Practices
Participants will help develop innovative and youth-centered approaches to integrity, ethics, transparency, and accountability.
3. Supporting Campaigns and Outreach Activities
Members will contribute to:
- Awareness campaigns.
- Regional initiatives.
- Youth workshops.
- Consultations.
- Educational programmes.
- Community engagement activities.
4. Promoting Integrity Within Communities
Board members are expected to champion anti-corruption values within their own communities and networks.
5. Creating Opportunities for Youth Participation
Participants will help identify and create pathways for young people to engage in anti-corruption action and civic participation.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Corruption remains one of the greatest barriers to sustainable development, social justice, good governance, and economic progress worldwide.
Young people are increasingly recognized as powerful agents of change capable of challenging corruption and promoting accountability.
Through the YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board, UNODC aims to:
- Amplify youth voices.
- Support youth-led innovation.
- Encourage civic participation.
- Build leadership capacity.
- Strengthen ethical governance.
- Expand global youth networks focused on integrity and transparency.
The Board offers a rare opportunity for young leaders to directly contribute to international anti-corruption efforts while gaining valuable experience in global governance and advocacy.
Who Should Apply?
UNODC encourages applications from motivated young people who are passionate about integrity, ethics, accountability, and social change.
Applicants do not need prior experience working with the United Nations.
The programme is particularly interested in young people involved in:
- Anti-corruption initiatives.
- Ethics and integrity promotion.
- Peacebuilding.
- Rule of law advocacy.
- Civic engagement.
- Youth participation programmes.
- Community action projects.
- Governance initiatives.
- Social justice movements.
- Youth-led networks and organizations.
Applicants from marginalized, underrepresented, and diverse communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
Age Requirement
- Be between 18 and 29 years old at the time of application.
Language Requirement
- Be able to communicate effectively in English.
- All Board activities, communications, meetings, and documents are conducted in English.
Interest Requirement
Applicants should demonstrate interest, involvement, or commitment to areas such as:
- Integrity.
- Ethics.
- Anti-corruption.
- Rule of law.
- Justice.
- Civic engagement.
- Community leadership.
- Youth empowerment.
Board Term and Commitment
Selected members will serve:
Initial Appointment
- Minimum of one year.
Overall Mandate
- Two-year mandate (2026–2028).
Renewal Opportunity
The mandate may be renewed once for an additional period of up to two years.
Maximum Service Period
- Up to four years total service.
Monthly Time Commitment
Board members should dedicate approximately:
- Three days per month.
Activities may include:
- Participating in meetings.
- Reviewing documents.
- Supporting campaigns.
- Contributing to consultations.
- Engaging in community outreach.
- Assisting with youth-focused initiatives.
Is the Position Paid?
Participation on the YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board is entirely voluntary.
Board members:
- Do not receive financial compensation.
- Serve in a volunteer capacity.
- Gain valuable leadership, networking, advocacy, and international engagement opportunities.
Application Requirements
Applicants must complete the official application form and submit the following materials:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A current CV highlighting educational background, leadership experience, community engagement, and relevant activities.
Motivation Letter
Applicants must submit:
- One-page motivation letter.
- Maximum 500 words (excluding spaces).
The letter should explain:
- Why they wish to join the Board.
- Their commitment to integrity and anti-corruption.
- How they can contribute to the Board’s work.
Short Video Submission
Applicants must record and submit:
- A video of up to 90 seconds.
The video should introduce the applicant and demonstrate motivation, passion, and commitment to anti-corruption and youth engagement.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Motivation and commitment.
- Availability.
- Relevant experience or demonstrated interest.
- Community engagement.
- Youth leadership potential.
- Diversity considerations.
- Geographic representation.
- Community reach and influence.
- Ability to contribute meaningfully to anti-corruption efforts.
Special consideration will be given to applicants from countries that have not previously been represented on the YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board.
Previously Represented Countries
Current and former YouthLED Board members have come from countries including:
Argentina, Bangladesh, Benin, Brazil, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, India, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Lebanon, Liberia, Mongolia, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Rwanda, El Salvador, South Africa, Sudan, Trinidad and Tobago, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, United States of America, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.
Application Timeline
Application Deadline
14 August 2026
Review Period
15 August – 25 September 2026
During this phase, applications will be reviewed and shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews.
Notification of Selected Candidates
5 October 2026
Start of New Board Members’ Term
30 October 2026
See the Terms of Reference and Code of Conduct
Benefits of Joining the YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board
Selected members will gain:
- Direct engagement with UNODC.
- Global leadership experience.
- International visibility.
- Opportunities to shape anti-corruption initiatives.
- Access to global youth networks.
- Experience in policy discussions and consultations.
- Capacity-building and professional development opportunities.
- Opportunities to support global awareness campaigns.
- Enhanced advocacy and communication skills.
- Exposure to international governance processes.
Visit HERE to learn more about the UNODC YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board 2026–2028.
Conclusion
The UNODC YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board 2026–2028 offers a remarkable opportunity for young leaders who are passionate about integrity, ethics, accountability, and anti-corruption. Through this unique platform, selected members will work alongside the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to strengthen youth participation in global anti-corruption efforts, contribute innovative ideas, and inspire action within their communities. For young changemakers seeking to expand their leadership, influence international conversations, and help build a more transparent and accountable future, this opportunity provides an exceptional pathway to make a meaningful and lasting impact on a global scale.
Discover more global Fellowship, Leadership Development and UN opportunities on Opportunities For Youth (OFY).
