Young education leaders wanted: Join the SDG4 Youth & Student Network!

Young education leaders wanted: Join the SDG4 Youth & Student Network!

Are you passionate about education and eager to make a difference? The SDG4 Youth & Student Network, managed by UNESCO, is looking for the next cohort of young education leaders for 2026-2027. Apply now and be part of a global community driving change in education!

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23 April 2025

Last update:25 April 2025

Summary

What is the SDG4 Youth & Student Network?

The SDG4 Youth & Student Networkis 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.

The SDG4 Youth & Student Network is also the official body representing youth and students in the SDG4 High-Level Steering Committee, the global apex body for decision-making in education, composed of Ministers of Education and representatives of civil society, international organizations, donors, private sector and foundations.

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.

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Who can join?

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 studentsworking in a field related to SDG4 - Education 2030.
• Be active in the fields related to SDG4 - Education 2030.
• Have no conflict of interestas 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).

Current and past members of the SDG4 Youth & Student Network are eligible to apply for the new cohort 2026-2027. However, the number of renewed members cannot represent more than 10% of the new cohort.

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What do members do?

Members of the SDG4 Youth & Student Network play an active role in advancing global education objectives. Here are some examples of their work:

• They constitute thematic working groups (such as on inclusive education, education for sustainable development, education in emergencies, global citizenship education, digital learning & AI etc.) to collaborate on a wide range of initiatives, such as writing policy briefs and factsheets, organizing events and webinars, and leading advocacy campaigns to promote inclusive and equitable quality education.
• They elect regional representatives to serve in an Executive Committee. This committee ensures effective coordination and decision-making on all Network-related matters and ensures liaison with UNESCO.
• Additionally, two elected members of the Executive Committee sit in the SDG4 High-Level Steering Committee, serving as youth and student representatives. They are responsible for regularly consulting network members and other youth and students on education topics, to ensure that the voices of these groups are amplified in high-level discussions, and contribute to policy dialogues and decision-making processes.

By joining the Network, members commit to dedicating part of their time to organize and participate in consultations, campaigns and working groups. They also commit to regularly participate in the regular Monthly Network Meetings.

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.

Explore more

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Listen to current members talking about what they do

Ellen Dixon (New Zealand)

Watch the video

Ilan Enverga (Philippines)

Watch the video

Rachel Kamana (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

Watch the video

How to apply?

To apply, please fill in the online Application Form by clicking on the "Apply Now" button below.

Deadline for applications: 10 July 2025(midnight Paris time).

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 (coming soon).

APPLY NOW (Available on 1 May 2025)

What is the 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.

2026-2027 Cohort calendar:

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For more information

Potential candidates are invited to carefully read the SDG4 Youth & Student Network Terms of Reference and Code of Conduct.

Beware of scams ! UNESCO does not charge any feeat any stage of the process.

For more information, don't hesitate to consult our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below. Should you not find the answer you are looking for in the FAQ, you can contact sdg4youth@unesco.org .

General questions

What is the SDG4 Youth & Student Network?

Who can join the Network?

• How is the Network organized?

• Membership & selection process

• How can someone apply to become a member?

• How are members selected?

• What is the calendar of the selection process?

• What is the membership duration and calendar?

• Are members remunerated for their involvement in the Network?

• How can a member withdraw from the Network?

• Can current or past members renew their membership?

• Terms of Reference & Code of Conduct

What are the Network Terms of Reference & Code of Conduct and what happens if a member does not comply with them?

What are Network members allowed to do?

• What are Network members not allowed to do?

• How should Network members conduct themselves in relation to UNESCO?

• What constitutes a conflict of interest for Network members?