Deadline: Friday, 18 April 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.
Call for Application – United Nations Office Young Leaders of SDGs. United Nations Office Young Leaders of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Program 2025 for Young People isnow open.
The Young Leaders for the SDGs initiative recognizes exceptional young people who are leading efforts to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Every two years, 17 young leaders are selected to work with the United Nations and its partners to accelerate SDG implementation and engage other young people in this crucial work.
From food to fashion to finance, the Young Leaders for the SDGs come from many different backgrounds, represent every region in the world and help young people worldwide in support of the Goals. As a community, they work to support efforts to engage young people in the realization of the SDGs both through strategic opportunities with the UN and through their existing initiatives, platforms and networks. Over their two-year term, they:
Champion the SDGs through high-profile advocacy, storytelling and strategic collaborations in ways most accessible and relatable to young people across different contexts; Engage in global conversations, including at UN and international events, to amplify youth perspectives on sustainable development; Inspire and mobilize their communities, using innovative approaches to drive action toward the Goals; Collaborate with the UN and its partners, contributing to key initiatives and global moments related to youth and the SDGs; Uphold UN values, demonstrating integrity, leadership and accountability in all their engagements.
The initiative offers Young Leaders a range of benefits designed to support and amplify their impact. It provides a global platform to showcase and elevate their existing work, along with access to the United Nations system and its network of partners.
Also Apply:The African Union (AU) Internship Program 2025 Is open
Young Leaders can take advantage of capacity-building opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge, connect with a dynamic network of changemakers, and participate in key events at the UN and beyond.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age at the time of application: 15-35 years old
- Working-level proficiency in English
- We actively seek applications from young people of all backgrounds, particularly young women and girls, youth with disabilities, indigenous youth, LGBTIQ+ youth, refugees and migrants, and rural youth, among others.
Benefits
- Global platform to amplify your work
- Access to UN system and partners
- Capacity-building opportunities
- Join a community of changemakers
- Travel opportunities for key events
United Nations Office Young Leaders of SDGs Key Responsibilities
As a Young Leader for the SDGs, you are expected to:
• Actively represent the Young Leaders for the SDGs initiative by engaging in high-profile activities over the course of the two-year term, including participating in speaking engagements, advocacy campaigns, and other strategic collaborations.
• Participate virtually and/or in-person at select events, both at the United Nations and in other global spaces, to amplify youth perspectives on global issues.
• Serve as a youth advocate in various speaking engagements recommended by the UN Youth Office, championing youth priorities on international platforms.
• Create and share compelling content to highlight your advocacy work and inspire broader engagement.
• Actively engage with the broader cohort and the UN Youth Office throughout the full two-year term.
• Submit biannual progress reports to reflect on your contributions and impact.
• Uphold the highest professional and ethical standards, embodying the values and principles of the United Nations.
United Nations Young Leaders of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Program 2025 Expectations
Two-Year Term (2025-2027)
Raise awareness about the SDGs.
Advocate for young people to meaningfully engage with the UN.
Support relevant UN initiatives and campaigns.
Participate in high-level events.
Approximate Timeline
Phase Date
Applications Open March 2025
Submission Deadline 18 April 2025
Review Process May – June 2025
Final Selection July – August 2025
Announcement September 2025
For more information: Visit the webiste for The Young Leaders for the SDGs