The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) has announced the launch of its flagship Global Youth Scholars Development Programme for 2025/2026, aimed at empowering young people worldwide to evaluate the impact of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their local communities.
The year-long programme, which is free of charge, invites applications from youth aged 18 to 24 from across the globe. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until October 31, 2025.
Comprehensive Development Initiative
According to UNITAR, the programme represents a significant investment in youth leadership development, combining online learning, field research, international networking, and high-level engagement opportunities.
This initiative stands as UNITAR’s commitment to equipping the next generation with practical tools to assess how global sustainability goals are manifesting in their communities.
The programme will run from April 2025 to February 2026, featuring structured monthly online courses led by UN experts and sustainability professionals. Participants will learn SDG evaluation methodologies, citizen-led monitoring techniques, and digital tools for tracking development progress.
Four-Phase Programme Structure
The initiative is structured in four distinct phases, beginning with monthly online training sessions from June to December 2025. During this period, participants will engage with virtual modules covering various aspects of sustainability assessment.
From July to December 2025, scholars will conduct field-based SDG evaluations in their local communities, applying the methodologies learned during their training.
The programme also includes optional in-person study visits to global cities, including Geneva, Tokyo, Osaka, and Singapore, during July, August, October, and November 2025. These visits will offer participants the opportunity to tour international institutions, attend global events, and meet with influential leaders, though travel fees may apply depending on individual circumstances.
Recognition for Outstanding Participants
The final phase, running from December 2025 to February 2026, will involve a thorough review of participants’ evaluation reports. UNITAR has announced that outstanding scholars will receive an all-expenses-paid invitation to Geneva in February 2026, where they will present their findings to UN officials and network with global leaders.
UNITAR says it is not simply an educational programme, but a platform for identifying and nurturing the next generation of sustainability leaders. The culminating experience in Geneva represents our commitment to elevating youth voices in international policy discussions.”
Eligibility and Focus Areas
The programme targets youth with a passion for sustainability, policy, or global development who demonstrate leadership potential or active community engagement. Candidates must possess strong English communication skills and reliable access to technology for online learning.
Learning topics will span a wide range, including SDG evaluation principles, community-based data collection, digital tools for SDG tracking (such as AI, big data, and blockchain), advocacy mechanisms, leadership development, and sustainability innovation.
Growing Global Reach
UNITAR has established itself as a significant force in global education, training over 550,000 learners worldwide in 2024 alone. With offices in Geneva, Hiroshima, New York, and Bonn, the institute delivers capacity-building initiatives through a vast network of international partners.
Youth interested in applying can visit the Global Youth Scholars Development Programme registration page on the UNITAR website. UNITAR has stated that this is an educational initiative and not a recruitment programme for employment.
The launch comes at a critical time when youth engagement in sustainable development is increasingly recognised as essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
UNITAR says that he insights generated by these young scholars will provide valuable perspectives on implementation gaps and success stories. Their work will inform not only their communities but potentially shape international approaches to measuring development impact.
Applications are now open, with interested candidates encouraged to submit their materials well before the October 31 deadline to maximise their chances of selection.
Follow the AkweyaTV channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7m7dvJuyA7h5XMc22i
