The SDG4 Youth & Student Network, managed by UNESCO, is looking for the next cohort of young education leaders for 2026-2027.
The SDG4 Youth & Student Network is a global community of young leaders and experts dedicated to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4)—Quality Education. Managed by UNESCO, this Network empowers youth and students to contribute to educational policy, advocacy, and innovation. Members engage in various activities, including workshops, conferences, and collaborative projects, to promote inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
Program Details
Members participate in the Network in their personal capacity and serve for a period of 2 years: from January 2026 to December 2027.
New members will also participate in inception activities together with current members between October and December 2025.
Requirements
To join the SDG4 Youth & Student Network you need to meet the following criteria:
Between the ages of 16 and 30.
Be an active member of a national, regional and/or global non-governmental and not-for-profit organization of youth and students working in a field related to SDG4 – Education 2030.
Be active in the fields related to SDG4 – Education 2030.
Have no conflict of interest as per the Network Code of Conduct (e.g. hold government positions or employment in for-profit organizations and companies that may generate a conflict of interest).
Membership is free and unremunerated. Joining the Network does not create any work relation with UNESCO nor any right to use UNESCO’s name and logo.
Selection Process
The 2026-2027 cohort will be composed of 60 to 100 members. The selection will be carried out as follows:
May-July 2025: Call for applications
July-August 2025: Analysis of applications by a Selection Committee composed of UNESCO personnel and volunteer SDG4 Youth & Student Network Executive Committee members. At least another UN organization or office with a mandate on Youth will participate as observer to ensure transparency and fairness.
September 2025: Notification of selection
In analyzing the applications, the Selection Committee will pay particular attention to the following aspects:
Strong interest and expertise in education and sustainable development, at grassroots level.
Leadership qualities.
Active involvement in candidates’ communities or educational institutions.
Commitment to participating in the network for a two-year period (2026-2027).
Diversity, inclusion, geographical and gender balance.
How to Apply
Throughout the application, you will need to provide detailed information about your current work as SDG4 – Education 2030 advocate. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the questions ahead of starting the application process. A fac-simile of the Application Form is available at this link.
