UN Young Leaders for the SDGs Programme 2025

Are you a young changemaker passionate about driving sustainable development? The United Nations is now accepting applications for the 2025 cohort of the Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Programme. This prestigious initiative seeks 17 exceptional young individuals committed to advancing the 2030 Agenda and mobilizing their peers towards impactful action. Details in this article.

Programme Summary

Location: Global
Host: United Nations Youth Office
Target Group: Young leaders aged 15-35
Fields of Focus: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Value & Benefits: Honorary position with various non-monetary benefits
Award Duration: Two years (2025-2027)
Application Deadline: 18 April 2025
Start Date: September 2025
Eligible to Apply: Individuals aged 15-35 with working-level proficiency in English

Programme Overview

The Young Leaders for the SDGs initiative recognizes outstanding young people who are leading efforts to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Every two years, 17 young leaders are selected to collaborate with the United Nations and its partners to accelerate SDG implementation and engage other youth in this vital work. These leaders come from diverse backgrounds and regions, contributing to various sectors such as food, fashion, and finance. Throughout their two-year term, they will:

Champion the SDGs through high-profile advocacy, storytelling, and strategic collaborations accessible to young people across different contexts.
Engage in global conversations, including 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.

Programme Benefits

While the position is honorary and non-paid, selected Young Leaders will receive numerous non-monetary benefits, including:

A global platform to showcase and elevate their existing work.
Access to the United Nations system and its network of partners.
Capacity-building opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Connection with a dynamic network of changemakers.
Opportunities to participate in key events at the UN and beyond.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the programme:

Be between 15 and 35 years old at the time of application.
Possess working-level proficiency in English.

ℹ️ The United Nations actively seeks applications from young people of all backgrounds, particularly encouraging young women and girls, youth with disabilities, indigenous youth, LGBTIQ+ youth, refugees and migrants, and rural youth to apply.