UN Youth Impact Scholars are selected to solve these pressing problems

UN Youth Impact Scholars are elite young leaders recognized for their measurable contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Operating within the framework of UN ECOSOC’s global objectives, these scholars drive evidence-based initiatives in climate resilience, ethical AI, and social equity. Supported by international mentorship, they transform visionary ideas into scalable global impact.

Take Action for the Sustainable Development Goals

Selected Scholars will receive seed funding and mentorship to advance an independent social impact initiative that advances the Sustainable Development Goals.

The UN SDGs address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. The 17 Goals are all interconnected, and in order to leave no one behind, it is important that we achieve them all by 2030. Click on any specific Goal below to learn more about each issue and take action.

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Climate Change


Climate change is the defining issue of our time and now is the defining moment to do something about it. There is still time to tackle climate change, but it will require an unprecedented effort from all sectors of society

Gender Equality


Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and, therefore, also half of its potential. Gender equality, besides being a fundamental human right, is essential to achieve peaceful societies, with full human potential and sustainable development.

Our Common Agenda


Following up on a pledge made by UN Member States at the UN’s 75th anniversary, the report Our Common Agenda looks ahead to the next 25 years and represents the Secretary-General’s vision on the future of global cooperation. It calls for inclusive, networked, and effective multilateralism to better respond to humanity’s most pressing challenges.

Ending Poverty


While global poverty rates have been cut by more than half since 2000, one in ten people in developing regions still lives on less than US$1.90 a day — the internationally agreed poverty line, and millions of others live on slightly more than this daily amount.