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The SDG Youth Public Policy Innovation Challenge 2025 is a global initiative aimed at empowering young innovators and changemakers to address food security and poverty alleviation through innovative solutions. It provides young people with the opportunity to apply entrepreneurial strategies, technological advancements, and research-driven approaches to real-world challenges.
Competition is scheduled for July 24-28,2025 in Beijing, China


Working in teams, participants will analyze pressing global issues, design innovative solutions and present actionable solutions. Prizes, expert mentorship, along with academic transformation opportunities and research assistance to be won by the best team. Selected applicants will also get to engage in all-expense paid academic exchange, institutional visits and field research programs. Top performers will also receive recommendations for on-the-job training at the UN and recognition by the board of directors of the alliance

    Program Benefits
    • Fully funded program
    • Global recognition and expert support
    • Real-world impact
    • Career Advancement
    • Networking and collaboration

    Eligibility:
    • Youth aged 18-35
    • Team consisting of 3 members
    • University students and young innovators worldwide can apply
    • Proposal submission addressing food security and poverty alleviation based on the contest’s guidelines
    • Ability to present offline (for Category I selection) and present online (for Category II selection)

    Applicants are to note:
    • Only a designated Team Representative is allowed to submit the application on behalf of the team (not forgetting to include accurate information of team members, proposals)
    • Submitting the application is confirmation that team representatives have obtained consent from all team members for their participation and that all the information provided is correct
    • Further program details and proposal criteria can be found here

    Further enquiries are to be directed to jay.ngoun@ungyldc.org

    Submission
    All documents are to be submitted through this form


    Deadline
    April 7,2025(11.59 Beijing Time)

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    The Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens (BKMC) is proud to host the 4th edition of the Youth AgriChampions – a Peer2Peer workshop series on climate adaptation in agriculture. The initiative brings together youth grassroot voices from the world of smallholder farming and agricultural entrepreneurship in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and Zambia, to share their on-the-ground experience with adapting their practices to climate change. During the workshops, the BKMC Youth AgriChampions will develop a youth demand paper to be elevated by BKMC Co-chair and 8th Secretary-General of the UN, Ban Ki-moon, in his advocacy work.  This year’s thematic focus will be on locally-led adaptation for smallholder farming.

    In the past years, selected Youth AgriChampions joined the BKMC delegation on the ground at the African Food System Forum in Rwanda and COP29 in Azerbaijan to launch the Youth AgriChampions Demand Paper and represent farmers’ voices around the world.

    Upon successful completion of the workshop series, participants are awarded certificates signed by Ban Ki-moon himself and become part of our ever-growing BKMC Youth AgriChampions Alumni Network.

    The applications for the 2025 cohort are open from 11th until 24th March 2025. Apply by 24 March 2025 at 23:59 CET.

    Application criteria:

    • Smallholder farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, and youth employed in the agricultural sector who want to share experiences, advocate for smallholder farmers, and work on developing a youth-demand paper for world leaders
    • Age 18-35 years
    • Citizens/nationals of the following countries: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Zambia
    • Working/worked on a climate adaptation project or have expertise in the topic
    • Keen interest in agriculture, climate change, and food systems

    Apply here

    This workshop series allows innovative young minds from the grassroots world of smallholder agriculture to interact and express their wishes for solutions and support on the challenges they face with agricultural adaptation to climate change in their respective countries. Over the course of three workshops, the Youth AgriChampions will discuss and develop a set of demands which will be collated in a paper and presented to the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations and Co-chair of the Ban Ki-moon Centre, Ban Ki-moon, who will use it in his advocacy work.

    During the first two workshops, input will be given by experts in agricultural adaptation to inspire the Youth AgriChampions for the development of their demands. These demands will also be used to advocate on behalf of smallholder farmers and smallholder agriculture stakeholders at COP30 to help support agricultural adaptation efforts.

    Upon successful completion of the workshop series, participants are invited to attend the online closing ceremony during which they will be awarded certificates signed by Ban Ki-moon himself. Furthermore, five best practice examples of the Youth AgriChampions’ current work on adapting to climate change will also be showcased on the Ban Ki-moon Centre’s platforms.

    The workshop series is hosted and created by the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens, under the framework of the Elevating Agricultural Adaptation program. Find the workshop series dates below. 100% participation in the workshops is required.

    • Workshop 1: 14th May, 16:30 – 18:30 CEST
    • Workshop 2: 21st May, 16:30 – 18:30 CEST
    • Workshop 3: 28th May, 16:30 – 18:30 CEST
    • Closing Ceremony: 10th July, 16:30 – 18:30 CEST

    READ MORE HERE FIRST BEFORE APPLYING

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    In: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia/Oceania, Entrepreneurship, Europe, Fellowships, South America, Volunteering

    Global Fellows in Courage (GFiC) is a 6-month accelerator program (via Zoom) designed for social entrepreneurs aged 25-35 who are working to advocate for human rights and gender justice. The mission of the fellowship program is to help emerging leaders drive bold and courageous social change, improve their effectiveness, and advance their missions throughout the world.

    Application Deadline:
    April 1, 2025

    Fellowship:
    July — December, 2025

    Sessions:
    Twice monthly 3-hour virtual sessions with assigned homework (combined 10-12 hours per month)

    Program Overview

    GFiC believes in the power of knowledge and networks, and access to resources and aims to equip Fellows with:

    Concepts

    Fellows gain access to an online curriculum and meet twice monthly via Zoom.

    Cohort

    Fellows gain access to a global community of human rights leaders. They remain engaged as alumni of both GFiC and the Brown University’s Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies.

    Connections

    Fellows gain access to GFiC’s global network of experts who support the advancement of their mission and impact.

    GFIC Stipend

    Each Fellow will receive a $2,500 stipend upon successful completion of the program, acknowledging their dedication, active participation, and commitment to the fellowship.

    GFiC Grant Program

    Upon Successful completion, Fellows are eligible to apply for up to $10,000 to support progress on their projects.

    Certificate

    Fellows receive a certificate of completion from GFiC and Brown University Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies.

    Candidate Profile

    The program is designed for emerging leaders (target age 25 to 35) who have demonstrated leadership experience and extraordinary potential. Ideal candidates have already made an impact in human rights advocacy through entrepreneurship, showcasing a strong track record of success and the potential to achieve much more. A strong command of English language is required.  We will recruit 45 Fellows in 2025.

    Requirements:

    • Applicants are between the ages of 25 and 35, with exceptions possible.
    • A minimum of 3 years of experience in human rights advocacy, activism, community organizing, or social entrepreneurship.
    • Demonstrated engagement in Gender Justice or related areas.
    • Proficiency in English is mandatory.

    Program Expectatations

    Applicants should have sufficient control of their time/schedule, being able to commit to program expectations. Failure to meet program commitments may result in ineligibility for the grant program.
    ‍
    GFiC Fellows are expected to:

    Attend Synchronous Sessions

    Two 3-hour Zoom sessions per month, engaging in discussions, skill-building, and real-world applications.

    Complete all pre-work

    Including videos, reading and short assignments. Up to 4-6 hours per month.

    Work on a Project

    Make progress on a project throughout the course of the program and pitch the project during the final cohort session.

    Access Coaching

    Participate in group coaching sessions and meet with your individual coach at least twice monthly.

    NOTE: PLEASE CLICK HERE AND READ MORE FROM THE MAIN WEBSITE BEFORE APPLYING

    CLICK HERE TO APPLY

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    Supporting innovative startups accelerating the shift toward sustainable development across Africa.

    Greentech Africa 2025: The Future of Sustainability is an investment-readiness accelerator program that will support 10-15 startups in Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa with innovative solutions for sustainable development.

    Eligibility

    Eligibility requirements include:

    • Have legal incorporation and operations as a for-profit entity in at least one of these countries: Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, or South Africa. 
    • Have a market-based tech solution that tackles the above-listed challenges. 
    • Be in compliance with local fiscal and business law.
    • Have at least one full-time founder based in Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, or South Africa. 
    • Be in compliance with local fiscal and business law.
    • Have at least a minimum viable product (MVP) and raised less than USD 1M in equity.
    • Have meaningful customer or business validation (not limited to revenue, it can also be successful pilot studies, number of users, and/or strategic partnerships).

    CLICK HERE TO APPLY

    NOTE: READ MORE HERE FIRST BEFORE APPLYING

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    The Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme (GCYLP) is an exciting programme to engage, empower, and inspire young digital leaders and changemakers. GCYLP is supporting young visionaries from around the world who propose creative, far-reaching, innovative, and feasible community-driven projects aimed at creating a more inclusive and empowered digital future.

    ITU in partnership with Huawei, is providing guidance, training, and financial support to 30 young fellows per year to enable them to practically implement digital development projects in their diverse communities across the world. Through this programme, young leaders have the unique opportunity to make new digital development ideas a reality, or to expand the impact of their existing projects!

    Applications are open for the 2nd Cohort of GCYLP fellows!

    Please complete this application form by the deadline of 23:59 CET on Monday 31 March 2025. If you have any questions on the application and selection process and please check the Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]. For any further enquires, email GCYLP@itu.int

    Application link

    Who should apply?

    • Are you a young person aged 18-28?
    • Are you interested in making real impact in your communities by leading your own digital development project?
    • Are you currently enrolled or recently graduated from a tertiary education institution from a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) or a demonstrably STEM-related academic programme?
    • Are you able to communicate in English, the main language of the programme? This language requirement is to ensure that all fellows can benefit from the planned offerings of trainings, networking, and events.

    What will you get?

    • Virtual mentorship and leadership training sessions from ITU and Huawei.
    • Participation in an in-person global Development Week in Geneva Switzerland in July 2025.
    • Up to $10,000 USD grant to implement a digital development project of your choice. All 30 selected fellows will receive an initial $5000 USD grant towards the implementation of a digital development project of their choice. The most impactful projects at the end of the year will receive an extra $5000 USD grant to scale up.

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    In: Africa, Entrepreneurship, Fellowships, Jobs

    This Call for proposals is also based on the Joint Programming Ghana 2021-2027, which mainstream youth empowerment and support to civil society throughout its priority areas. Support measures in favour of Civil Society will contribute to promote civil society as a catalyst for development through active citizen
    participation, as well as to increase civil society’s participation in the formulation and implementation of
    government policies and programmes in Ghana. The Call for Proposals is also built taking into account the Roadmap for European Union’s engagement with Civil Society in Ghana 2021-2024.

    OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME AND PRIORITY ISSUES
    The global objective of this call for proposals is to empower young people to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Ghana.
    The specific objectives of this call for proposals are:
    SO (1): To enhance youth civil society’s engagement in public affair by strengthening individual and
    collective capacities of youth-led and youth-focused organizations.
    SO (2): To increase opportunities for young individuals in Ghana to act as leaders for sustainable development at social, economic, cultural and political level.
    The priorities of this call for proposals are as per the following outputs:
    Outputs contributing to specific objective 1:
    1.1.Capacity building of youth-led and youth-focused Civil Society Organisations tailored on their needs,
    including in management, communication, fundraising, coordination, networking, financial
    accountability, policy dialogue and advocacy.
    1.2.Youth organisations are provided with the necessary financial resources (financial support to third
    parties) to implement projects and activities to contribute to sustainable development and drive positive
    change in their communities.

    Outputs contributing to specific objective 2:
    2.1.Comprehensive programmes empowering social entrepreneurs7 and change-makers, including youth
    incubators for social change, which aims at providing young leaders and entrepreneurs with the necessary
    skills and resources to develop their ideas and social initiatives from planning to implementation are
    supported.

    NOTE: Detailed Information can be found here, please read carefully before applying

    APPLY HERE

    Deadline: 18th FEB, 2025

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    In: Africa, Entrepreneurship

    MEST Africa in partnership with Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is a pioneering initiative aimed at revolutionizing the educational landscape in Ghana through technology-driven solutions. This accelerator program seeks to empower visionary EdTech companies by providing them with the resources, mentorship, and support needed to accelerate their growth and impact.

    By fostering collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship, this accelerator is dedicated to catalyzing positive change in education by equipping the next generation of learners with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

    Is Your Business Eligible?

    To be eligible for the program, Startups, SMEs, and NGOs can apply if they meet the following criteria:

    • Must be incorporated in Ghana
    • Have been in operation for at least 3 years
    • Has a tech or tech-enabled solution designed to improve educational outcomes in Ghana
    • Growth stage – working product with active users
    • Potential to reach at least 8,000 learners
    • Inclusive and diverse team passionate about education

    Timelines

    • Application close: 21st February, 2025
    • 1st Information Session: 16th January, 2025
    • 2nd Information Session: 6th February, 2025
    • Onboarding: 23rd April, 2025
    • Program end: 2nd December, 2025
    MEST Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship

    Click here to apply

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    In: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia/Oceania, Conference, Education, Entrepreneurship, Europe, Jobs, News, North America, South America

    We are looking for disruptive deep-tech solutions that provide scalable and impactful solutions to reduce carbon emissions across diverse industries. Examples of such solutions include, but not limited to: waste-to-resource, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. The top two solutions from either challenge themes will receive S$1 Million in grant funding.

    We are seeking groundbreaking innovations that specifically address the challenges posed by climate-induced extreme weather conditions. Examples of such solutions include, but not limited to: heat mitigation, nature-based solutions. The top two solutions from either challenge themes will receive S$1 Million in grant funding.

    NOTE: PLEASE CLICK HERE AND READ MORE FROM THE MAIN WEBSITE BEFORE APPLYING

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    Eligibility

    • Applicant must be under 30 years of age
    • Applicant must have completed their undergraduate (BSc.) or graduate program (MSc. or MPhil.) which is related to the geospatial field, from a recognized college or university in any of our operational regions.
    • Project work must be socially relevant or technically innovative
    • Project work or Thesis should have been completed using the ArcGIS suite of software.

    Entry Process

    • Export your final year project or thesis in PDF format.
    • Generate a map package for your ArcGIS project.
    • Complete the online form on our YSA Landing page and upload thesis Document. You may include other relevant links to your project, listed in one Word(docs.) document.
    • When shortlisted, our team would contact and guide you to submit your map package

    Prices

    The 2025 Esri Young Scholar will win:

    • A trip to San Diego (USA)
    • A free Entry to the 2025 Esri UC where his or her project would be showcased and winners would be acknowledged personally by Jack Dangermond (Founder and president of Esri)
    • An ArcGIS for Personal Use license valid for 1 year (12 months)

    Deadline

    The scheduled date for submissions falls on February 28, 2025.
    Submissions attempted after this date will be unsuccessful, as the portal will be closed until the next call for projects

    Young Scholar Awards

    APPLY HERE

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    Thank you for your interest in our programme, aimed at supporting businesses in the catering and food retail sectors to reduce reliance on single-use plastics. This initiative is designed to help you transition towards a more sustainable business model by adopting circular economy principles. Through tailored training, technical support and needs assessments, we aim to address your unique challenges and support your business growth beyond the programme.

    Please take a few moments to complete this form. Your input is essential to designing a programme that adds the most value to your business.

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnf_fLXrKDLjbcjO73JvAXWHdTH7B5AdnmBEe6p4v-U1K4TQ/viewformhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnf_fLXrKDLjbcjO73JvAXWHdTH7B5AdnmBEe6p4v-U1K4TQ/viewform