The Young Leaders for the SDGs initiative recognizes young people who are leading efforts to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative offers Young Leaders a range of benefits designed to support and amplify their impact. The United Nations seeks applications from young people of all backgrounds from all around the world. Applications are being accepted until 18 April 2025. Young Leaders for the SDGs
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One Young World — IUCN World Conservation Congress
One Young World provides scholarships to global changemakers to participate in the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. Participants will join global leaders and have the opportunity to present their entrepreneurial solutions to influential decision-makers. Applicants should be between 18 and 35 years and have demonstrated leadership and experience in developing and implementing environmental action projects in the fields of nature conservation, biodiversity, climate change, and / or sustainable development. The application deadline is 27 April 2025. Click here
One Young World — Scholarships to Participate in the One Young World Summit 2025
The One Young World Summit brings together young talents (ages 18-30) from many nationalities to share solutions addressing the world’s pressing issues. To ensure that the most qualified young leaders participate in the Summit, regardless of their ability to pay, fully-funded scholarships are awarded. Each scholarship has its own deadlines and eligibility criteria, please check carefully. More scholarships will become available in the next couple of months. One Young World Scholarships
French-African Foundation — Young Leaders 2025
The French-African Foundation invites applications for Young Leaders 2025. The program recognizes and supports young leaders to become true agents of change in relation to global challenges. Candidates must be between 28 and 40 years old and have French nationality or the nationality of an African country. Successful candidates will spend five days in France, five days in Africa, engage in high-level meetings and receive training and mentorship. Flights and accommodation will be provided. The deadline for applications is 30 March 2025. About the program
OPEC Fund for International Development — Grants
The OPEC Fund provides financial assistance to developing countries, particularly low-income countries, in support of their economic and social development efforts. OPEC will consider requests for (i) grants for country-specific activities and projects; (ii) grants for special development initiatives of global or regional scope; and (iii) emergency aid. In the past, the OPEC Fund has financed projects in agriculture, energy, health, transportation, and water and sanitation sectors. The amount of the contribution will vary according to the scope and the nature of the proposed activity. However, except for emergency aid and small grants in amounts of up to US$100 thousand, OPEC’s contribution should not exceed 50% of the total cost. Eligible partners are any government or non-government entity, including co-financing partners, private sector entities, research entities, UN agencies, and international NGOs. There is no deadline. Know more about the OPEC Fund
European Commission — Young Energy Ambassadors Program 2025
The Young Energy Ambassadors (YEA) program offers individuals aged 18 to 35 the opportunity to engage in EU energy policy making and promote a clean, fair energy transition. Ambassadors will participate in the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) from June 10-12, 2025, and contribute to the European Youth Energy Day. The year-long mandate includes mentorship, workshops, policy dialogues, and media features. Eligible applicants are young professionals, students, activists, and researchers committed to sustainable energy. Applications are open until 01 March 2025. Link to the program
Legacy Project — Global Youth Awards 2025
The Global Youth Awards supports youth aged 11-25 who are leading inspirational projects for social and environmental impact around the world. This includes environmental projects and innovations to restore and regenerate the global ecosystem. The winners receive an invitation to become a Global Change Ambassador for collaborations, events, mentoring, and training. Youth from all around the world can be nominated. Nominations close 14 September 2025. Link
Ashoka — Young Changemakers
Ashoka identifies and supports teenagers who start their own initiatives for addressing social and environmental problems. Selected Changemakers are inducted into a global community and gain access to co-leadership bootcamps, media partnerships, public speaking platforms, exposure visits, strategic allies and more opportunities to grow and to influence youth culture in their countries. Candidates must be under 20 years of age to participate. Ashoka offers youth related activities in Nigeria, Brazil, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the United States. Expressions of interest can be submitted all year-round. Nominations for Ashoka Young Changemakers are accepted year-round. Details
Amos Trust — Climate & Gender Fellowship
The Climate & Gender Fellowship is a 10-month program to improve project management skills and implementation of youth-led climate projects supporting women. The program is open to young women climate activists in Mexico and Central America (Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama). Participants should be between 18 and 35 years old. The application deadline is 09 February 2025. Climate & Gender Fellowship
Siemens — Tech for Sustainability
Tech for Sustainability Campaign is a global initiative for students, researchers, startups and innovative individuals to leverage technology to solve real-world sustainability challenges. Challenges include climate resilience, and global energy. Every challenge listed needs a feasible and technologically viable solution to implement it commercially. Siemens offers €30 thousand in investments. The deadline for applications is 10 March 2025. Link