Applications for the Fully Funded UPG Sustainability Leadership Program 2026 open on 1 September 2025. Young adults aged 18–35 worldwide can apply for free sustainability training and compete for a fully funded 1-week experience in the USA.
Overview: UPG Sustainability Leadership Program 2026
The United People Global (UPG) Sustainability Leadership Program 2026 is one of the world’s largest and most impactful sustainability leadership initiatives—empowering young changemakers aged 18–35 from over 150 countries. This global movement offers free virtual training, practical leadership development, and the chance to join a prestigious network of sustainability leaders.
Each year, 500+ young leaders are trained, and a select group earns a fully funded 1-week immersive leadership experience in the USA at the Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership in Maine. All costs—travel, accommodation, meals, and training—are covered.
Applications Open: 1 September 2025
Applications Close: 31 December 2025
About the Program
UPG Sustainability Leadership is designed to help young adults transform ideas into action. The program covers a wide range of sustainability topics aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as:
- Environment and climate action
- Education and health
- Gender equality
- Sustainable jobs and communities
- Innovation, technology and social impact
The program includes:
- A 9-week intensive online leadership training
- Hands-on project development
- Mentorship from global experts
- Access to a worldwide community of 3,500+ UPG leaders
- Opportunity to deliver community training sessions
- Opportunity to compete for the fully funded U.S. experience
Detailed Program Components
1. Free 9-Week Online Training
Participants receive training on:
- Project management
- Community engagement
- Leadership and communication
- Sustainable development principles
- Fundraising
- Digital communication
- Storytelling
- Stakeholder engagement
2. Local Impact Requirement
After completing training, participants must:
- Implement a sustainability project in their community
- Conduct at least one mini-training session locally
3. Fully Funded U.S. Experience (Competitive Selection)
A select number of participants will be chosen for:
- A fully funded one-week immersion on Hurricane Island, Maine
- Team-building, field research and leadership activities
- Training with sustainability experts
- Global networking opportunities
Eligibility Criteria
Age Requirement
- Applicants must be 18–35 years old between 1 March and 31 July 2025.
Who Can Apply
- Applicants from any country worldwide
- No academic or professional experience required
- Must be passionate about community action and sustainability
Personal Requirements
- Strong motivation to lead a sustainability project
- Commitment to complete the program
- Ability to conduct community outreach after certification
Mandatory Application Conditions
- Applicants must pay a CHF 5 application fee
- Must submit their own authentic answers (no AI writing allowed)
- Must be prepared to design or lead a sustainability project
Benefits of the Program
- Free global sustainability leadership training
- International recognition as a UPG Sustainability Leader
- Access to a worldwide network across 150+ countries
- Fully funded travel and participation for selected finalists
- Mentorship from world-class speakers and trainers
- Leadership growth, career visibility, and networking opportunities
- Opportunity to impact your local community and beyond
How to Apply
- Visit the official UPG application page (opens 1 September 2025)
- Prepare answers outlining your motivation and project ideas
- Pay the CHF 5 application fee
- Submit the application before 31 December 2025
- Follow UPG on Instagram or LinkedIn for updates
- Optional but beneficial: Get nominated by an organisation or become a UPG Champion
Important:
- Avoid using AI tools in your application.
- Authenticity and motivation are key selection factors.
Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 1 September 2025 |
| Applications Close | 31 December 2025 |
| Selection Announcement | 16 February 2026 |
| Training Starts | 16 March 2026 |
| Training Ends | 15 May 2026 |
| Certification Period | 16 May – 17 June 2026 |
Summary Table | Fully Funded UPG Sustainability Leadership Program 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | UPG Sustainability Leadership Program 2026 |
| Funding | Fully funded for selected finalists (USA trip) |
| Training Fee | Free (CHF 5 application fee required) |
| Location | Online + USA (Hurricane Island) |
| Age Requirement | 18–35 years |
| Eligibility | Open to all countries |
| Focus Areas | SDGs, leadership, sustainability |
| Application Open | 1 September 2025 |
| Deadline | 31 December 2025 |
| Commitment | Implement a project + mini-training session |
Conclusion
The UPG Sustainability Leadership Program 2026 is a rare opportunity for young leaders worldwide to gain world-class sustainability training at no cost—and potentially travel to the USA fully funded. Whether you’re an aspiring changemaker or an experienced youth leader, this program equips you with the tools, connections, and global platform to make real impact.
