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Deadline: January 31, 2026
Applications are now open for the United Nations Global Compact Young SDG Innovators Programme (YSIP) 2026, a transformative initiative designed to empower young professionals within participating companies to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through business innovation.
This year-long accelerator program connects young talents (aged 18–35) from Global Compact member companies, equipping them with the tools, mentorship, and collaboration networks to develop innovative solutions that drive both business success and positive social impact.
The YSIP aims to nurture the next generation of business leaders and changemakers, helping them reimagine how companies can contribute to global sustainability. Participants engage in workshops, online sessions, and innovation sprints that blend sustainability principles, entrepreneurship, and corporate leadership.
Benefits
Participant Benefits
- Engage in accelerated learning opportunities including online and in-person workshops, case studies, company visits and forum discussions.
- Collaborate with other businesses on innovative projects tailored to your company and industry.
- Build valuable relationships through coaching, mentoring and peer-to-peer networking.
- Gain insights from leading experts in sustainability and innovation from around the world.
- Join a global network of talented young professionals from top companies across every continent.
Company Benefits
- Apply SDG innovation to address real sustainability challenges your company is currently facing.
- Embed the SDGs into your company’s business strategy through collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing.
- Enhance employee engagement and create professional development opportunities.
- Access a network of experts from some of the world’s leading companies.
- Receive global recognition for your company’s participation in the programme.
SEE ALSO: John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships 2026/2027 at Stanford University, USA ($130,000 Stipend & Fully Funded)
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to young professionals (aged 18–35) working in companies that are members of the UN Global Compact.
- Applicants must demonstrate strong interest in sustainability, innovation, and leadership development.
- Must be nominated or endorsed by their employer to represent the company in the program.
- Fluent in English, as the program is conducted primarily in English.
- Participants should be committed to attending all sessions and completing the program deliverables.
Tracks
Young professionals working at companies participating in the UN Global Compact and based in the following countries can collaborate with their Global Compact Country Network or local office to participate in the programme.
In-Country Track: In-country tracks are facilitated in the local language and local time zone wherever possible. It will feature a series of live and on-demand sessions, hands-on support, workshops, and peer-to-peer networking opportunities.
In addition to the in-country tracks, there will be two other specific tracks:
Africa Track: The Africa track will bring together companies from Egypt and the Indian Ocean Region and will offer the same curriculum as the in-country track delivered through a series of global and on-demand sessions.
Global Track: Facilitated in English, the global track is available for companies that do not have a Country Network running the accelerator. It will offer the same curriculum as the in-country track, and is delivered in English through a series of live and on-demand sessions. All workshops will be held virtually. Please note that space is limited.
