Summary
UNESCO’s SDG4 Youth & Student Network is seeking young education leaders (16-30 years old) for its 2026-2027 cohort. This global network empowers youth and students to advance Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by contributing to policy, advocacy, and innovation. Members form working groups, write policy briefs, organize events, and represent youth voices on the SDG4 High-Level Steering Committee. Applicants must be active in non-profit youth/student organizations related to SDG4 and apply by July 10, 2025. Selection prioritizes expertise, leadership, community involvement, commitment, and diversity. Members serve a two-year unremunerated term, adhering to a strict code of conduct.
Young Education Leaders Wanted: Join the UNESCO SDG4 Youth & Student Network:
UNESCO is calling on passionate young education leaders and advocates to join the SDG4 Youth & Student Network for its 2026-2027 cohort. This is a unique opportunity for young people to contribute directly to shaping the future of education and advancing Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) on a global scale.
What is the SDG4 Youth & Student Network?
The SDG4 Youth & Student Network is a dynamic global community of young leaders and experts, expertly managed by UNESCO. Its core mission is to empower youth and students to play a pivotal role in educational policy, advocacy, and innovation worldwide. Beyond its internal initiatives, the network also serves as the official body representing the voices of young people and students within the prestigious SDG4 High-Level Steering Committee, ensuring that youth perspectives are heard and integrated into high-level discussions and decision-making processes.
Who Can Join This Transformative Network?
To be eligible for this impactful two-year term, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Age: Be between 16 and 30 years old.
- Affiliation: Be an active member of a national, regional, or global non-governmental and not-for-profit youth or student organization that is actively involved in SDG4-related fields.
- Integrity: Have no existing conflict of interest that could compromise their role within the network.
- Reapplication: While current and past members are welcome to reapply, renewed members will constitute no more than 10% of the new cohort to ensure fresh perspectives and broader representation.
What Do Members Do?
Members of the SDG4 Youth & Student Network are at the forefront of global education efforts. Their contributions are diverse and impactful:
- Thematic Working Groups: Members collaborate in various thematic working groups, focusing on critical areas such as inclusive education, digital learning, and the impact of Artificial Intelligence on education.
- Policy Briefs & Advocacy: They play a crucial role in writing insightful policy briefs, organizing influential events, and leading targeted advocacy campaigns to promote quality education for all.
- Executive Committee & Representation: Members elect regional representatives who form an Executive Committee. From this committee, two elected individuals go on to represent youth and students directly in the SDG4 High-Level Steering Committee, ensuring that youth voices are not just heard, but amplified at the highest levels of global education governance.
- Commitment: Membership is entirely free and unremunerated, requiring a dedicated commitment of time to participate in consultations, campaigns, working group activities, and monthly meetings.
How to Apply and the Selection Process
Interested and eligible individuals are encouraged to submit their applications through an online Application Form. The deadline for submissions is July 10, 2025, at midnight Paris time.
The selection process for the 2026-2027 cohort, which aims to include between 60 and 100 members, is rigorous and transparent:
- Call for Applications: May to July 2025.
- Application Analysis: A dedicated Selection Committee will meticulously review applications from July to August 2025.
- Notification: Successful candidates will be notified of their selection in September 2025.
The Selection Committee prioritizes candidates demonstrating a strong interest and expertise in education and sustainable development, proven leadership qualities, active involvement in their communities, a clear commitment for the two-year period, and those who contribute to the network’s diversity across geographical regions, gender, and vulnerability contexts.
Membership Duration and Key Documents
Members will serve for a full two calendar years, from January 2026 to December 2027. A crucial transition period for new members runs from September to December 2025, during which they will elect the Executive Committee, prepare for the International Day of Education, and begin attending monthly meetings.
All members are expected to adhere to the network’s Terms of Reference and Code of Conduct. These vital documents outline the framework, roles, activities, membership criteria, and the high standards of behavior expected from all members. Non-compliance can lead to suspension or even termination of membership. It is imperative that members do not use the UNESCO name or logo without explicit consent or imply that they officially represent UNESCO.
Addressing Conflict of Interest
To maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the network, members must avoid any situation where their personal benefit could interfere with their functions within the SDG4 Youth & Student Network. This includes, but is not limited to, holding government positions or employment in for-profit organizations that could create a conflict. Should a conflict arise, members are obligated to immediately inform both the Secretariat and the Executive Committee.
This is a powerful opportunity to join a global movement dedicated to transforming education. If you are a young leader committed to making a difference, apply now and become a part of the SDG4 Youth & Student Network!
For more information on the bursary program and application guidelines, visit the UNESCO SDG4 Youth & Student Network website.
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