Empowering Young Leaders: Join the UNESCO SDG4 Youth & Student Network (2026–2027 Cohort)
- Omran Aburayya
- May 6
- 2 min read
UNESCO is inviting passionate young education advocates to apply for the 2026–2027 cohort of the SDG4 Youth & Student Network. This global initiative empowers youth and students to actively contribute to the advancement of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) — Quality Education. Members engage in policy advocacy, thematic collaborations, and global campaigns to promote inclusive and equitable education for all.
💡 About the Network
The SDG4 Youth & Student Network serves as the official platform representing youth and students within the SDG4 High-Level Steering Committee, the global apex body for decision-making in education. Members participate in their personal capacity for a two-year term, from January 2026 to December 2027, with preparatory activities commencing between October and December 2025.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be between 16 and 30 years old at the time of application.
Actively participate in a national, regional, or global non-governmental and not-for-profit youth or student organization focused on education and related fields.
Demonstrate ongoing involvement in activities aligned with SDG4 – Education 2030.
Have no conflicts of interest as per the Network's Code of Conduct (e.g., not hold government positions or employment in for-profit organizations that may generate a conflict of interest).
Current and past members are eligible to reapply; however, returning members will constitute no more than 10% of the new cohort.
🕵🏻 Roles and Responsibilities
Members are expected to:
Participate in thematic working groups focusing on areas such as inclusive education, education for sustainable development, education in emergencies, global citizenship education, and digital learning & AI.
Develop policy briefs, organize events and webinars, and lead advocacy campaigns to promote inclusive and equitable quality education.
Elect regional representatives to serve on the Executive Committee, which ensures effective coordination and decision-making on Network-related matters.
Engage in regular consultations, campaigns, working groups, and monthly Network meetings.
🎁 Benefits
Global Recognition: Opportunity to be part of an internationally recognized UNESCO initiative.
Leadership Development: Involvement in policy development, advocacy, and global education dialogue.
Networking: Collaboration with a global cohort of young changemakers, policymakers, and education stakeholders.
Representation: Chance to influence decisions through direct participation in the SDG4 High-Level Steering Committee.
Capacity Building: Participation in working groups, workshops, and campaigns on key educational themes like digital learning, education in emergencies, and global citizenship.
Visibility: Members may be featured in UNESCO news and events, increasing personal and organizational visibility.
📝 Application Process
Deadline: 10 July 2025 (midnight Paris time).
Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed between July and August 2025 by a Selection Committee comprising UNESCO personnel and volunteer Executive Committee members. An observer from another UN organization with a youth mandate will participate to ensure transparency and fairness. (UNESCO)
Notification: Selected applicants will be notified in September 2025.(UNESCO)
Transition Period: October to December 2025, during which new members will participate in inception activities alongside current members.
How to Apply❓
Interested candidates should:
Review the SDG4 Youth & Student Network Terms of Reference and Code of Conduct.
Prepare detailed information about their current work as SDG4 – Education 2030 advocates.
Complete the online application form
ℹ️ For further information, candidates can consult the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) or contact sdg4youth@unesco.org.
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
