Deadline: April 18, 2025
Applications are now open for the United Nations Young Leaders for the SDGs 2025-2027. 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.
What to Expect
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
Initiative 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
For more information, please read the Overview of the 2025 Call for Applications.
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.
Complete the application form by Friday, 18 April at 11:59 PM EST.
APPLY NOW!
Young Leaders Through the Years
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.
