Application Deadline:
31 December 2025
About Organisation
United People Global (UPG) is an international community-driven organisation committed to empowering individuals and organisations to create positive social and environmental impact. Its mission focuses on advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through awareness, collaboration, and actionable change. UPG works to strengthen belief in collective responsibility by enabling citizens to actively participate in sustainability leadership and innovation. Through publications, global initiatives, and capacity-building events, UPG fosters inclusive networks of changemakers dedicated to driving measurable progress within their communities. The organisation’s approach combines education, leadership development, and grassroots mobilisation, ensuring that people from all backgrounds can contribute to sustainable transformation. UPG’s programs are rooted in principles of empathy, diversity, and active citizenship, emphasizing that real change begins with empowered individuals who work collaboratively toward common global goals.
About the Grant
The UPG Sustainability Leaders Program aims to train and certify emerging leaders dedicated to advancing sustainability initiatives within their communities. Since 2019, the program has successfully trained over 2,700 leaders worldwide. In 2025, UPG will select and train 500 young changemakers, with 60 of them receiving a fully funded one-week immersive experience at the Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership in the USA. The program focuses on fostering “Positive Citizen Leadership” — equipping participants with the mindset, skills, and networks necessary to implement impactful local projects aligned with global sustainability priorities. Fellows gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and certification as UPG Sustainability Leaders, joining a global network of motivated youth working across diverse fields such as climate action, community empowerment, and innovation. The fellowship encourages collaboration across borders, nurturing a new generation of sustainability advocates who can drive long-term, people-centered impact.
Who can Apply?
The fellowship is open to motivated young individuals aged 18–35, from any nationality, gender, or background. Applicants must be passionate about sustainability, self-driven, and capable of innovative thinking. UPG seeks a diverse pool of candidates — including professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and activists — who are eager to create tangible impact in their communities. Candidates with disabilities and those from underrepresented regions are strongly encouraged to apply. The selection process evaluates four key factors: the applicant’s profile (to ensure diversity and inclusivity), motivation (demonstrating passion and commitment), capabilities (leadership potential and problem-solving skills), and the impact potential of the applicant’s sustainability project or idea. Applicants must show evidence of prior engagement or strong interest in community initiatives, environmental protection, or social innovation. UPG values applicants who embody collaboration, resilience, and creativity in tackling sustainability challenges.
How to Apply?
Applications for the UPG Sustainability Leadership Class of 2026 open on September 1, 2025. Interested candidates must submit an online application detailing their background, motivation, and proposed sustainability initiative. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further evaluation based on their leadership potential, project feasibility, and alignment with UPG’s sustainability mission.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 31 December 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered for the 2026 cohort.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
