SDSN Youth is excited to unveil the call for applications for the 2024 Local Pathways Fellowship (LPF) program, commencing on Wednesday, December 18, 2023. The LPF program presents an exclusive opportunity for emerging leaders deeply committed to sustainable urban development to contribute significantly to realizing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Local Pathways Fellowship serves as a platform for these young leaders to translate their passion for sustainability into tangible action, catalyzing progress toward the SDGs in their communities and beyond. As we approach Agenda 2030, the Local Pathways Fellowship endeavours to empower the youth, who are formidable change agents, in spearheading the development of sustainable and inclusive cities.

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The LPF program, initiated by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network – Youth Initiative (SDSN Youth), is meticulously crafted to empower and mobilize young individuals to actively localize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN 2030 Agenda within their localities. This fellowship equips them with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to address intricate urban challenges and drive positive change locally and globally. For aspiring urban leaders dedicated to Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, the Local Pathways Fellowship ranks among the world's premier research and training programs. The primary reason is that fellows receive comprehensive and immersive training throughout the lifecycle of their chosen projects, spanning from community initiatives to startup ventures and even policy reforms. To implement this program, a multitude of partners, including MIT Solve, World Urban Campaign, Milan Urban Food Policy Act, and UN-Habitat, offer their support, consultation, critical and creative analysis, and prospective opportunities.

The Local Pathways Fellowship encompasses an online course, facilitates peer-to-peer connections among young changemakers, and provides mentorship from experts worldwide. The program has enjoyed a successful run with six cohorts to date, evolving into a robust knowledge repository. In the last cohort alone, 100 fellows were dispersed across 80 cities worldwide. The selected fellows will become part of a dynamic global community of young leaders, collaborating to transform their cities into more sustainable and resilient environments for all. The Local Pathways Fellowship program is rooted in extensive research. It translates it into real-world impact, guided by young urban enthusiasts who have an opportunity to showcase their work at a global level.

The fellowship targets young leaders aged 18-30, extending invitations to both early-career professionals and students who share a fervour for urban sustainable development. Successful applicants should exhibit at least one year of experience, be it academic or professional, in relevant fields such as urban planning, advocacy, community initiatives, and more. The fellowship requires 4-6 hours per week from February to November 2024. Candidates must demonstrate a profound dedication to sustainable urban development and exhibit the motivation and skills to drive positive change within their local communities. They should also possess a well-defined project idea or initiative aligned with the SDGs.

Applications for the 2024 Local Pathways Fellowship will be accepted from December 18, 2023, to January 22, 2024, until 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time). Successful applicants will be notified by January 28, 2023, and the fellowship will commence on March 1, 2024.

For more information about the Local Pathways Fellowship and to apply, please www.localpathways.org.

About Local Pathways Fellowship

Launched in 2016 in Quito at the UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III), the Local Pathways Fellowship (LPF) was founded to carry forward the adoption of UN Agenda 2030. An amalgamation of sustainability practitioners, innovators, social entrepreneurs, and urban leaders forms a nexus at LPF in each cohort, which promotes awareness, and dialogue. It enables collaboration surrounding Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11). The practically oriented training streamlines the process of “localising” SDGs in a scalable and impactful project. For more, visit www.localpathways.org.

About Sustainable Development Solutions Network Youth

The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network – Youth Initiative (SDSN Youth) is a global movement of young leaders committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and making the world a better place. Founded by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 2015, it empowers and trains young leaders to shape a sustainable society. It is spread over 85 countries and boasts a network of nearly 1,000 organizations. It works with various think tanks, sustainability practitioners, and businesses to provide young people worldwide with tools and resources to act on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For more, visit www.sdsnyouth.org.

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For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact: Cedric Bayiha, Project Officer, Communications, at cedric.bayiha@sdsnyouth.org