SDG Students Program

SDG Students Program

Global Program

|

Education

The Vatican Youth Symposium, organized by the SDSN Youth and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (PASS), is an annual gathering of young leaders and experts from around the world, discussing and generating solutions for the most urgent issues of humanity. 

Passionate about global issues, but don't know where to begin?

Apply to become a
Hub Member

You don't have to memorize all the SDGs

You don't have to study environmental engineering or international relations to make a difference. Build your foundational knowledge in sustainable development by attending locally run workshops or our global webinars.

Meet other passionate young change makers!

Your campus' SDG Coordinator will teach you the basics. Meet and collaborate with like-minded peers in your campus Hub. Join our online network, and also meet our global community!

Focus on what matters to you

Sustainability is relevant to all parts of our lives. It may be the main focus of our work, but we also aim to connect our activities to your priorities as a student. Whether it be exploring green jobs, how to highlight sustainability skills, developing professional skills - we want this experience to be as rewarding as possible for you.

Hub Member

Are you a student leader looking for your next opportunity?

Apply to become a
SDG Coordinator

Strengthen your leadership skills

Learn and build essential professional and personal skills, whilst making a positive impact. Our SDG Coordinators are able to apply skills in stakeholder management, project management, leadership, partnerships, negotiation, marketing and impact assessment.

A life-long community

Community. Friends. People are constantly rated the number one reason why people love being a part of SDSN Youth. We're one team, working towards one goal, of achieving the 17 goals.

Leverage one of the largest SDG focused young organizations in the world

No need to reinvent the wheel. By joining our network, we'll provide the training and resources to set you up for success. Whether it be contacts to faculty, Dean, Vice-Chancellor, government or institutions - we got you.

SDG Coordinator

How to join  

There are two ways to join the SDG Students Program.

  1. Hub Member (learning and community)
  2. SDG Coordinator (leadership role, leading the Hub)

Hub Members

Hub Members join their campus community to learn about the SDGs and participate in group projects to apply their learning. Joining as a Hub Member is a great way to casually introduce yourself to sustainable development.

If you are looking for a more active role, each Hub also has 'Hub Leadership'. These are Hub Members who work closely with the SDG Coordinator to lead certain portfolios i.e. Workshops, Operations, Marketing, etc. Get in touch with your local SDG Coordinator for more detail.

Join a Hub via the SDG Students Program website.

SDG Coordinators

SDG Coordinators support SDSN Youth’s mandate by working in SDSN member universities around the world to mobilize students around the SDGs.

SDG Coordinators will work with local SDSN networks to ensure that all students in their university/campus are aware of the SDGs, understand their importance to the wider community, and have opportunities to take action towards their implementation during their studies, and after they graduate.

Commitment and Expectations

  • Commit 8-10 hours per week to the role
  • Commit to a 2-year term at their institution
  • Complete a 2 month online training course, before commencing their role under the SDG Students Program.  

Full application details will be out during active recruitment cycles (typically May).

Learn more and join us

Your questions about the Youth Membership Program, answered

  • How does the SDSN Youth Executive Team select the member organizations?

    The selection process consists of a criteria list:

    • Youth-led / youth-focused / SDGs
    • A social media platform / established community 
    • Organizational structure / organizational body / team-led structure / designated roles
    • Existing strategic partners/ collaborators
    • Activity and current projects

    Who does the SDSN Youth Membership Program work with?

    Universities, academic and cultural institutions, university teams, student associations, youth-led organizations, research institutions, community initiatives, and digital platforms. 

    What are the benefits of joining the Youth Membership Program?

    • Receive support for promising projects, through research assistance and other means
    • Reach a global audience
    • Get your opinions, campaigns, and initiatives published on our social media, blog, and newsletter, which are distributed to our members and followers worldwide
    • Be recognized as an official Member Organization of SDSN Youth
    • Network with like-minded organizations and individuals
    • Tap into your own potential to optimize your efforts and contribute towards a more sustainable and equal world

    What are some of the opportunities Member Organizations have as part of the program?

    • Attend quarterly conference calls held by Network Coordinators
    • Attend quarterly webinars with leading SDSN figures
    • Actively contribute to the SDSN Youth online platform for Member Organizations
    • Participate in local and global SDSN Youth events, projects, campaigns and initiatives
    • Promote SDSN Youth Membership through your social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) and mailing list
    • Share SDSN Youth's official logo (provided by SDSN Youth) on your website
    • Follow, like, and share SDSN Youth

    Learn more and join us
Latin American Solution to a Climate and Health Crisis

On March 27th, the SDG Students Program, an SDSN Youth initiative, hosted its first non-english event for students in Mexico and Latin America.

SDG Students Program

Our members come from different parts of Africa, the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific.

See all Member Organizations
Explore our impact stories
Latin American Solution to a Climate and Health Crisis

Latin American Solution to a Climate and Health Crisis

On March 27th, the SDG Students Program, an SDSN Youth initiative, hosted its first non-english event for students in Mexico and Latin America.

Learn more
Climate Justice as Health Equity - Regional Seminar with Young Professionals

Climate Justice as Health Equity - Regional Seminar with Young Professionals

On April 2nd, our student network joined six young health advocates for an interactive discussion on the intersectionality of climate justice and health equity.

Learn more
GOALs Live! Social Media for Activism

GOALs Live! Social Media for Activism

LIVE NOW: How can we leverage digital and social media for activism, action, and sustainable development?

Join our conversation with Michael Morgan to discuss!

Learn more

Explore more resources

Highlights of the Vatican Youth Symposium 2021

The eighth annual Vatican Youth Symposium, co-hosted by SDSN Youth and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (PASS), gathered youth and world renowned leaders virtually December 15 - 17, 2021. 

Read more

The Vatican Youth Symposium is back online for 2021!

Co-hosted by SDSN Youth and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (PASS), the Vatican Youth Symposium (VYS) brings together youth leaders and experts to strengthen the global movement for sustainable development.

Read more

Vatican Youth Symposium 2016 - Youth and the Sustainable Development Goals: Challenges and Opportunities

On 30-31 October 2016, SDSN Youth assembled young leaders from a variety of disciplines including tech, advocacy, research and policy to the Vatican for a series of interactive workshops to trade knowledge, co-generate ideas and operationalize solutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Read more

Vatican Youth Symposium 2020 Goes Virtual!

Traditionally held at the Casina Pio IV in Vatican City, the 2020 VYS will take on a virtual format due to the constraints of the global pandemic. While we will miss convening within the walls of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, and the ability to connect in-person, this virtual format has granted us with the opportunity to reach an even greater audience. 

Read more

Vatican Youth Symposium 2019 Brings Together 85 Leaders to Develop Solutions for the SDGs

The Vatican Youth Symposium 2019 will take place at the Casina Pio IV in Vatican City on October 16. This year, it gathers more than 85 leaders and innovators to develop solutions and partnerships for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Read more

Vatican Youth Symposium 2017

The Vatican Youth Symposium served as a forum for intellectual and innovative discussion, on universal inequality, and the critical shift that is not only required but one that must be pragmatically driven by young people. Rather than mere symbolism and idealistic commentary, challenges within local contexts were considered, solutions were posed and action commenced.

Read more

Vatican Youth Symposium 2018: Youth Leadership for Integral Human Development - Laudato Si

SDSN Youth in collaboration with the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (PAS), will host the Vatican Youth Symposium at the Casina Pio IV in Vatican City. Youth Leadership for Integral Human Development - Laudato Si’ and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Read more

Un tiempo para la juventud: el Simposio de los Jóvenes en el Vaticano 2016

En el Simposio de los Jóvenes en el Vaticano, tuvimos la ocasión de escuchar 47 propuestas, presentadas por parte de otros tantos delegados con edades comprendidas entre los 18 y 30 años, que ya se están llevando a cabo de forma efectiva o están en las primeras fases de implementación, en materias tan relevantes como el tráfico de personas, la salud, la mejora de las condiciones laborales y la promoción de la cultura. Como parte de SDSN Youth, la cual organizó junto a la Pontificia Academia de las Ciencias el mencionado Simposio, fue un honor para mí y para el resto de miembros del equipo moderar los debates entre tan brillantes candidatos, liderar los grupos de trabajo y proveer a los delegados con las herramientas necesarias para que pudieran desarrollar al máximo su potencial.

Read more

Recap of the Vatican Youth Symposium 2018

The 2018 Vatican Youth Symposium, which was jointly convened by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (PAS) and SDSN Youth, brought together youth entrepreneurs, activists, and innovators for training in global development. The theme of the conference, which was Youth Leadership for Integral Human Development: Laudato Si’ and the Sustainable Development Goals, motivated participants to recommit themselves to partnerships for the 2030 Agenda and to their role as youth leaders for a brighter, better future.

Read more

Vatican Youth Symposium 2017: Young Leaders Gather in the Vatican City to Tackle the World’s Biggest Challenges

Vatican City: On October 14-15, 2017 the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (PAS), in collaboration with the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and its Youth Initiative (SDSN Youth), will host the fourth edition of the Vatican Youth Symposium within the headquarters of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, the Casina Pio in the Vatican City.

Read more
Text Link