• Youth aged 18 to 24 worldwide are invited to apply for the UNITAR Global Youth Scholars Development Programme , a flagship training and evaluation initiative empowering young people to become key contributors in assessing the impact of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The free programme combines online learning, community-based research, international networking, and the opportunity to present evaluation findings to UN officials at UNITAR Headquarters in Geneva.
• The programme runs from April 2025 to February 2026, with monthly e-learning courses, optional study visits to cities including Geneva, Tokyo, Osaka, and Singapore, and a final showcase in Geneva for selected participants.
• Applications are open year-round on a rolling basis.

21 April 2025, Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is pleased to launch the Global Youth Scholars Development Programme , inviting youth aged 18 to 24 worldwide to explore their role as SDG evaluators. Participants will gain the tools, mentorship, and global exposure needed to assess the real-world impact of sustainability efforts within their communities and connect local experiences to global goals.

The registration page can be accessed here.

To mark the launch, Mihoko Kumamoto, Director of the UNITAR Division for Prosperity, delivered words of encouragement to the participants.

• Monthly Online Training (June–December 2025)
  Monthly virtual modules on SDG evaluation methods, citizen-led monitoring, and digital tools taught by UN experts and sustainability professionals.
• Field-Based SDG Evaluations (July–December 2025)
  Participants conduct local case studies to evaluate the progress of SDGs in their communities using tools learned during the online sessions.
• Study Visits (July, August, October and November 2025)
  Optional in-person visits to Geneva, Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, and other cities. Includes institutional tours, global events, and meetings with global leaders.
  Travel fees may apply depending on destination and individual circumstances.
• Evaluation Review & Recognition (December 2025–February 2026)
  Reports are reviewed by the UNITAR committee. Top participants will be invited to Geneva in February 2026 to present their findings and network with global leaders.

We are seeking youth who:

• Are 18–24 years old
• Are passionate about sustainability, policy, or global development
• Demonstrate leadership potential or community engagement
• Have good communication skills in English
• Have access to a device and the internet for online learning
• Are committed to completing the programme and submitting a final evaluation report

• SDG evaluation principles and methodologies
• Community-based data collection and citizen monitoring
• Digital tools for SDG tracking (AI, big data, blockchain)
• Advocacy and accountability mechanisms
• Leadership and social impact
• Innovation in sustainability

• Certification: All participants who complete the programme will receive a Certificate of Completion from UNITAR.
• Programme Fee: Free of charge. (Participants cover their own travel expenses for optional study visits.)
• Language: English
• Application Process: Rolling admission, with the final deadline on October 31.
• Showcase: Top participants will be invited to Geneva in February 2026 to present their findings and network with global leaders.