2020 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for Young Leaders Initiative

Call for Application — Image Credit: © Nigerian Law Intellectual Property Watch - NLIPW

Deadline: February 22, 2020

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are focused on addressing some of the challenges we face in today’s world. Some of these challenges include poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, and peace and justice.

Background

The Young Leaders Initiative for the 2020 cycle will take place in Geneva, Switzerland. The Initiative is sponsored by the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth in collaboration with other partners. The Initiative works to support efforts to engage young people in the realization of the SDGs both through strategic opportunities in the United Nations and through their existing initiatives, networks and platforms.

In past cycles, 17 Young Leaders emerge through an open call for applications, which is usually followed by several assessments. Candidates get scored based on their ability to influence and motivate others, innovative nature, and storytelling skills.

Their work based on adaptability, impact, achievement, influence, and integrity. Afterward, a selection committee of leaders from the United Nations, governments, civil society, and the private sector conducts a final analysis of the best candidates.

At the end of the Initiative, the Young Leaders will become still remain in the program as alumni to work together with and teach the current class of Young Leaders.

Eligibility for the United Nations SDG program for Young Leaders Initiative in 2020

Below are the requirements for the United Nations SDG program for young leaders in 2020:

Participants must be between 18 to 30 years of age.
The youth leaders must be leading an exciting initiative that helps to meet one of the SDGs.
The participants must young people that can lead fantastic initiatives which support the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Candidate Eligibility and Selection Criteria

The Young Leaders Initiative is open to applicants from all over the world. Participants are scored based on the following criteria:

Leadership: This will check applicant’s ability to influence and motivate other persons.
Innovation: The committee will examine applicant’s uniqueness and innovation.
Scalability: Applicant’s will be assessed based on your ability to benefit others beyond their current scope of influence.
Impact – Measurable outcomes directly linked to an Applicant’s work.
Presentation – Ability to inspire and motivate others through storytelling.

Additionally, the participants will then be selected by:

Achievement – Demonstrated achievements in promoting and advancing the key areas of the SDGs
Influence – Personal influence within their respective fields and reputation for inclusive and innovative leadership
Integrity – Demonstrated integrity, commitment to the SDGs and core values of the United Nations