The SDSN Youth Networks have been actively mobilizing young leaders and organizations worldwide to accelerate action toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through their diverse initiatives, these networks foster collaboration, build capacity, and empower youth to create impactful solutions for pressing global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and digital transformation. Below are some of the main activities they've implemented:

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Africa

Selection of the Youth Action Group for SDSN Youth Kenya

From September 1, 2023, to October 7, 2024, SDSN Youth Kenya conducted the selection process for its Youth Action Group, comprising 30 members chosen for their expertise, passion, and commitment to sustainable development. The virtual process was hosted in collaboration with SDSN Kenya and attracted 30 participants. The Youth Action Group Board provides strategic direction, oversight, and support to the group’s advocacy, community engagement, and innovation efforts. Members act as SDG ambassadors, content creators, and social media influencers, raising awareness and promoting the SDGs in their communities. Additionally, they engage in community mobilization, oversee SDG-focused projects, and encourage participation in hacklabs and innovation exercises. The initiative aligns with multiple SDGs, including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Future plans include marking Mazingira Day in collaboration with SDSN Kenya and launching social media campaigns about the SDGs in November.

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Climate Actors Accelerator Programme – Pioneering Solutions for a Resilient Future

The Climate Actors Accelerator Programme (CAAP) is an initiative empowering young innovators and changemakers to take a leading role in combating the global climate crisis. Launched in 2022, the programme aims to build a network of youth climate champions who drive transformative solutions to protect the planet and restore ecosystems.

CAAP’s focus extends beyond basic environmental education; it actively addresses critical issues such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable production practices. The programme also promotes the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, and strategies to combat waste and pollution. By equipping participants with these skills and knowledge, CAAP strives to foster inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities across Nigeria.

Since its inception, the programme has made a significant impact by training 4,500 youths, reaching over 300 schools, and implementing more than 200 community-based projects across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

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Asia

GREEN Olympiad 2024-2025: Empowering Students for a Sustainable Future

The GREEN Olympiad, a flagship initiative by TERI in collaboration with SDSN Youth South Asia, took place online on September 1 (and October 12,) 2024. This school-based competition, supported by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) of India, attracted an impressive 150,000 participants from nearly 2,000 schools across India and abroad. Aimed at students from grades 4 to 12, the Olympiad focuses on building awareness and capacity around environmental issues, sustainability, and green skills. The initiative aligns with several SDGs, including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), among others. The quiz addresses topics such as water, waste, biodiversity, and climate change, testing students’ knowledge and analytical skills while promoting sustainability across the academic community. Future plans include expanding the Olympiad and creating greater alignment with India’s Mission LiFE.

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Youth Climate Conclave 2024 (5th Edition) and Photography Competition Launch

On August 12, 2024, SDSN Youth South Asia, in partnership with TERI, launched the 5th edition of the Youth Climate Conclave (YCC) and a photography competition to mark International Youth Day. Held under the India-EU Clean Energy and Climate Partnership (CECP) and supported by PwC India, EUROCHAMBRES, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the online event brought together 97 young participants. The YCC aims to foster youth collaboration on innovative climate solutions while educating them on sustainability and climate action.

The event serves as a lead-up to the main Youth Climate Conclave scheduled for February 2025. Participants engaged in discussions about climate change, focusing on SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The live-stream of the event is available on YouTube.

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Indonesia Youth Consulting Summit 2024: Fostering Innovation and Sustainability

The Indonesia Youth Consulting Summit, organized by SDSN Youth Indonesia in collaboration with 180Degree Consulting UI, took place on July 20, 2024, in Jakarta and Depok, attracting over 150 participants. The event featured several activities, including a national startup competition focused on the implementation of ESG and SDG principles in Indonesia. With over 60 registrants from across the country, the summit included a seminar, an awards session, and a final judging panel. The key SDGs highlighted were SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

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Americas

Panel “Voluntary Reporting from Youth Perspective” at the 4th National Voluntary Report

On July 11, 2024, SDSN Youth participated as an invited guest in the panel “Voluntary Reporting from Youth Perspective,” hosted by the Executive Secretariat of the National Council of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Mexico City. Held at the Executive Tower of the Secretariat of Economy, the event gathered 40 attendees and featured 5 panelists. The primary objectives were to highlight youth contributions to the 2030 Agenda, identify areas for improvement in the voluntary reports, and explore the role of social networks in promoting and implementing the SDGs. The panel discussion focused on SDG 4 (Quality Education), particularly Indicator 4.4.1 related to ICT skills. Future plans include workshops with high school students and university initiatives on the SDGs.

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Escala contra el Fuego: Raising Funds for Volunteer Firefighters in Bolivia

On September 21, 2024, SDSN Youth Bolivia, in partnership with SDSN Bolivia and the Universidad Privada Boliviana (UPB), organized the event “Escala contra el Fuego” at the postgraduate campus of UPB in La Paz. The wall-climbing sports event, which attracted 45 participants, aimed to raise funds for the GEOS Jucumari Volunteer Firefighters, who have been tirelessly battling wildfires across Bolivia. The event raised approximately 2,600 Bolivianos (around 400 USD) through donations from individuals and institutions, with all proceeds going directly to support the firefighters. SDSN and SDSN Youth volunteers managed the logistics and provided climbing instruction. The initiative supported various SDGs, including SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Future plans include establishing partnerships with youth volunteering organizations in La Paz to streamline collaborative efforts.

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Europe

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F2F: Cycle of Interviews – A New Phase of SDG Engagement

The F2F: Cycle of Interviews project by SDSN Youth Mediterranean aims to build on the network’s previous successes and shift the focus towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative, held online, brought together 34 participants plus a broader audience, focusing on accessible information and how critical the SDGs are for global progress.

The project is designed to spotlight the SDGs and their relevance to poverty eradication, environmental protection, and fostering peace and prosperity by 2030. Through a series of interviews, accomplished speakers from various backgrounds will share their expertise and insights, sparking discussions on strategies for SDG implementation. The initiative also aims to foster partnerships, increase awareness, and promote sustainable solutions that align with the 17 SDGs.

This new phase emphasizes not only raising awareness of the SDGs but also ensuring that their objectives are incorporated into broader strategic planning across different sectors, accelerating progress toward achieving these global goals by 2030. Future activities include a continued series of interviews and the release of two thematic papers that build on insights shared throughout the project.

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Find out more about our Youth Networks Activities here.

For any inquiries, please reach out to youth@unsdsn.org