UN Launches Search for Exceptional Young Leaders On SDGs

The United Nations on Thursday launched a new initiative to recognize exceptional young people who are leaders in the effort to end poverty, combat climate change and reduce inequalities.

Spear-headed by the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, the UN Young Leaders Initiative will recognize on an annual basis17 young leaders who are driving change to help realize the Sustainable Development Goals.

A first of its kind at the UN, the initiative will showcase the outstanding leadership that young people are demonstrating to put the world on a more sustainable course.

Between 2016 and 2030, when the Goals aim to be reached, a new “Class” of 17 Young Leaders will be announced following an open call for nominations. During their term, the Young Leaders will work with the Envoy on Youth and the United Nations to help galvanize other young people around achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The first class of Young Leaders will be announced in September, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly.

“Last year Member States committed to the Sustainable Development Goals, an ambitious agenda for people and planet. In order to achieve these ambitious Goals, we must engage today’s youth and empower a generation which knows about the Goals, cares about their success and actively works toward their realization”, said Mr. Ahmad Alhendawi, UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth.

Nominations are now open via the Young Leaders website. Categories for nomination include Advocacy, the Arts, Business, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Media, Philanthropy, Policy, Science, Sport, Technology and others.  The call for nominations aims to unearth young people between the ages of 18 -30 from around the world, and across multiple sectors, who are leading positive change towards a sustainable future.

“With this call, I invite people around the world to nominate those young people who have demonstrated exceptional ingenuity, ambition and leadership to put the world on a more sustainable course. This is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the young leaders who are changing our world for the better”,said Alhendawi.

Nominations will be open from June 15th to July 15th 2016 and can be made online at www.SDGYoungLeaders.orgThe Class of 2016 will be announced ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2016.