Deadline: 19 September 2023
Are you a social entrepreneur with an innovative business idea? Do you have an innovative solution to address a social challenge in your community? Are you interested in learning more about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? Do you want to meet other young leaders? If so, then apply now.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Yemen – in partnership with the Youth Leadership Development Foundation (YLDF) – is pleased to launch the ninth edition of the Youth Leadership Programme for the year 2023 (YLP9)!
In 2015, UNDP in the Arab States launched the Youth Leadership Programme to empower young people and support them to design and implement innovative, impactful, and sustainable development solutions – whether in the form of social enterprises, nonprofits, NGOs, initiatives, social entrepreneurship, or campaigns.
As such, UNDP Yemen is looking to engage and nurture young Yemeni entrepreneurs involved in tackling the most difficult challenges of their time and contibuting to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The programme will support and empower Yemen’s young change-makers to design and implement innovative, effective, and sustainable development solutions. It aims to:
- Accelerate implementation of pioneering solutions for sustainable development; and,
- Build networks of young women and men who create change and have a positive, sustainable impact in their communities.
Themes
2023 Theme: Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Green Economy: Towards a Sustainable World
The programme’s theme will focus on the Green Economy, aiming to empower youth to contribute towards achieving a green economy that encompasses social, environmental, and economic sustainable development pillars. The programme will support the youth in two streams: community builders and social entrepreneurs.
- Community builders
- Throughout time, young Yemeni people have developed grassroots innovations that address gaps in the availability of essential services in their communities. Young people have shown that they can play valuable roles as innovators or agents of change, and that their contributions should be actively supported and seen as part of building peaceful communities.
- Social entrepreneurs
- Yemen, as is most of the Arab region, suffers from a high rate of youth unemployment. The United Nations Development Programme recognizes that entrepreneurship and innovation are essential to harness the economic potential of every nation, however, for entrepreneurship to thrive, a conducive business environment is needed. The added value of the programme is the promotion and introduction of metrics geared towards measuring the SDGs in business and promoting more sustainable private sector development over time.
Participation will bring about Opportunities
By joining the programme, you will:
- Be a part of a dynamic network of young and innovative Yemeni leaders who desire to help the country build forward better. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in the programme with other young leaders from the Arab region and will have extensive opportunities to not only implement your ideas for social change but also develop your leadership potential.
- Develop your skills in social innovation approaches and methodologies as well as increase your skills in problem-solving, communication and leadership, strengthen your presentation abilities, and increase your understanding of emotional intelligence.
- Help expand your knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals, and play a role in achieving them.
- Learn more about wellbeing and mental health and its role in creating effective change.
- Receive a participation certificate.
Eligibility Criteria
Both women and men applicants that meet the requirements below are encouraged to apply. Women and people living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Between 19 – 29 years of age
- Fluency in Arabic
- Yemeni nationality living in Seyion or Al-Turbah governorates
- Have an innovative solution or social entrepreneurship idea/project that contributes to achieving the SDGs and 2030 Agenda
- Highly motivated and interested in social change
- No experience necessary to apply
- The ability to commit to participation within the programme period (September-November 2023).
For more information, visit United Nations Development Programme.
