Apply now for the UN Young Leaders for the SDGs by United Nations Youth Office for a 2 Year Term. Have a great learning experience!
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:
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. 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.
For more information, please read the Overview of the 2025 Call for Applications.
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.
In September 2016, the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth unveiled the Young Leaders for the SDGs — 17 young change-makers whose leadership is catalyzing the achievement of the Goals. Since then, a new cohort of Young Leaders has been selected on a biennial basis for their leadership and contribution to a more sustainable world.
Learn more about previous cohorts of Young Leaders for the SDGs: 2022 cohort, 2020 cohort, 2018 cohort and 2016 cohort.
Complete the application form through this link.
Complete the application form by Friday, 18 April at 11:59 PM EST.
