2025 UNITAR Global Youth Scholars Development Programme
The UNITAR Global Youth Scholars Development Programme is now accepting applications for its 2025 cohort. This flagship initiative empowers young individuals to evaluate the impact of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through training, research, and global networking.
📋 About the Programme
The UNITAR Global Youth Scholars Development Programme is a free initiative designed for youth aged 18 to 24 worldwide. It combines online learning, community-based research, and international networking opportunities. Participants will also have the chance to present their findings to UN officials at UNITAR Headquarters in Geneva.
Key Details:
- Date Published: April 30, 2025
- Application Deadline: Ongoing (Rolling admission, final deadline: October 31, 2025)
- Programme Duration: April 2025 – February 2026
- Location: Switzerland (with optional study visits to Geneva, Tokyo, Osaka, and Singapore)
- Language: English
- Programme Fee: Free of charge (Participants cover their own travel expenses for optional study visits)
- Certification: Certificate of Completion from UNITAR for all participants
🗓️ Programme Phases
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Monthly Online Training (June–December 2025):
- Virtual modules on SDG evaluation methods, citizen-led monitoring, and digital tools taught by UN experts and sustainability professionals.
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Field-Based SDG Evaluations (July–December 2025):
- Participants conduct local case studies to evaluate the progress of SDGs in their communities using tools learned during the online sessions.
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Study Visits (July, August, October, and November 2025):
- Optional in-person visits to cities like Geneva, Tokyo, Osaka, and Singapore.
- Includes institutional tours, global events, and meetings with global leaders.
- Note: Travel fees may apply depending on destination and individual circumstances.
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Evaluation Review & Recognition (December 2025–February 2026):
- Reports are reviewed by the UNITAR committee.
- Top participants will be invited to Geneva in February 2026 to present their findings and network with global leaders.
📚 Learning Topics
Participants will gain knowledge in the following areas:
- SDG evaluation principles and methodologies
- Community-based data collection and citizen monitoring
- Digital tools for SDG tracking (AI, big data, blockchain)
- Advocacy and accountability mechanisms
- Leadership and social impact
- Innovation in sustainability
🎁 Benefits
Participants will:
- Gain tools, mentorship, and global exposure to assess the real-world impact of sustainability efforts.
- Connect local experiences to global goals.
- Receive a Certificate of Completion from UNITAR.
- Top participants will have the opportunity to present their findings in Geneva and network with global leaders.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be aged 18–24 years old.
- Be passionate about sustainability, policy, or global development.
- Demonstrate leadership potential or community engagement.
- Have good communication skills in English.
- Have access to a device and the internet for online learning.
- Be committed to completing the programme and submitting a final evaluation report.
📝 Application Process
- Applications are open year-round on a rolling basis, with the final deadline on October 31, 2025.
- Visit the official UNITAR Global Youth Scholars Development Programme page to learn more and apply.
- Apply directly via the application portal.
🌟 Additional Information
- Sponsor Organisation: United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
- Showcase Opportunity: Top participants will be invited to Geneva in February 2026 to present their findings and network with global leaders.
Take this opportunity to contribute to global sustainability efforts and develop your leadership skills with UNITAR!
- Gain tools, mentorship, and global exposure needed to assess the real-world impact of sustainability efforts
- Connect local experiences to global goals
- Receive a Certificate of Completion from UNITAR
