2025 UN Youth Affairs Young Leaders for the SDGs Programme

Published: 20 Mar 2025

We are now accepting applications for the next cohort of Young Leaders for the SDGs!

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. 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.

UN Young Leaders for the SDGs Programme

Application Deadline	April 18, 2025
Type	College School
Sponsor	United Nations
Gender	Men and Women

Benefits of UN Young Leaders for the SDGs Programme

• 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

Requirements for UN Young Leaders for the SDGs Programme

• 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.

Application Deadline

April 18, 2025

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to United Nations on forms.office.com to apply