Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals: United Nations Fellowship

The United Nations will announce its first group of Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals in September. The group is made up of 17 young change-makers whose leadership drives progress on the Goals.

They come from many sectors, from food to fashion to finance, and from every region of the world. Their role is to help mobilize millions of young people in support of the Goals.

• Host: United Nations
• Focus: Sustainable Development Goals
• Number of awards: 17
• Age range: 18 to 30 years old (as of 12 August 2016)
• Nominations close: 15 July 2016
• Fellowship starts: September 2016
• Honorary, non-remunerated advocacy role

United Nations

Sustainable Development Goals

17

Young people between 18 and 30 years old (as of 12 August 2016) from around the world.

Selected Young Leaders are expected to keep their current roles and take on the fellowship as an advocacy function. It is not a full-time position and should complement the work they already do.

The function is honorary, non-remunerated and does not entail speaking on behalf of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth or the United Nations.

Nominees must be between 18 and 30 years old (as of August 12, 2016). Selection of successful candidates is based on:

• Proven achievements in promoting and advancing sustainable development;
• The ability to hold an audience, influence peers and inspire the people they represent;
• Personal influence in their own field and a reputation for inclusive and innovative leadership;
• Demonstrated integrity, commitment to the SDGs and the core values of the UN.

Nominations are open to anyone, but you cannot nominate yourself. If you believe you qualify, ask a friend, a mentor or a colleague to put your name forward. The deadline for nominations is 15 July 2016.

Check the official website (link below) for full details on this opportunity.

This opportunity suits young people aged 18 to 30 who are already working on sustainable development and can point to concrete results. It is a good fit if you have influence in your field and a record of inclusive, innovative leadership.

You do not apply directly. You need someone else, such as a mentor or colleague, to nominate you.

• Who can be nominated? Anyone between 18 and 30 years old (as of 12 August 2016) from any region of the world.
• Can I nominate myself? No. You cannot nominate yourself, but anyone else can nominate you.
• Is this a paid position? No. The function is honorary and non-remunerated, and it does not involve speaking for the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth or the United Nations.
• What is the nomination deadline? 15 July 2016.
• When does the fellowship start? The inaugural class is announced in September 2016.

• Read the official nomination guidelines carefully before you ask someone to nominate you.
• Prepare examples of your achievements in sustainable development in advance.
• Choose a nominator who knows your work well and can describe your impact.
• Submit your nomination early so you have time to fix any missing details.