ASU WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026

🏫 About ASU WE Empower UN SDG Challenge

The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is a first-of-its-kind global competition recognizing innovative women social entrepreneurs who are advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It aims to mobilize communities toward a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030.

🎁 Benefits of ASU WE Empower UN SDG Challenge

Awardees will enjoy the following benefits:

• Notification Date: Awardees will be notified by mid-July 2026.
• Travel Opportunity: Awardees will travel to New York City during Climate Week and the 81st UN General Assembly from September 19-26, 2026.
• High-Impact Agenda:
  • Pitch workshops.
  • Tailored training sessions from leading partners.
  • Curated networking opportunities with global leaders in business, policy, and philanthropy.
• Pitch Competition: The week concludes with a dynamic pitch competition hosted by fashion icon, philanthropist, and Vital Voices Board Member Diane von Furstenberg at her New York studio. Awardees will present their enterprises to a distinguished panel of judges for a chance to win grant funding.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Please ensure you meet ALL of the following criteria before applying. Finalists will be required to provide audited financial records as part of the vetting process:

• You must be at least 21 years old by August 1, 2026.
• You must identify as a woman entrepreneur.
• You must lead decision-making within your entity.
• Your business or organization must have been in operation for at least three years as of August 1, 2026.
• You must employ at least three full-time employees or full-time equivalents.
• Your business or organization must generate a minimum of USD $75,000 in annual revenue. For nonprofit organizations, revenue may include donations, grants, and funds raised through various fundraising activities.
• You must be professionally proficient in English.

📅 Application Date and Process

• Application Deadline: 08 March, 2026
• Application Portal: ASU WE Empower UN SDG Challenge Details
• Apply Here: ASU WE Empower UN SDG Challenge Application

📢 Important Notes

• Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements before applying.
• Finalists will undergo a vetting process, including submission of audited financial records.

For further details, visit the official application portal linked above.

• Awardees will be notified by mid-July 2026 and will travel to New York City during Climate Week and the 81st UN General Assembly, September 19-26, 2026.
• They will take part in a high-impact agenda featuring pitch workshops, tailored trainings from leading partners, and curated networking with global leaders in business, policy, and philanthropy. The week will conclude with a dynamic pitch competition hosted by fashion icon, philanthropist, and Vital Voices Board Member Diane von Furstenberg at her New York studio, where awardees present their enterprises to a distinguished panel of judges for a chance to win grant funding.