Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge

Helping youth turn their ideas into projects with a real-world impact

Over half the world’s population is under 30, yet many youth with solutions for the planet lack support, networks, and funding.

The Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge backs these young leaders, helping them to grow their education projects for a more sustainable future.

Join us and give young people the means to shape tomorrow's world!

A project supported by

What is it about?

The Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge (LPYDC) invites youth aged 15–26 to submit innovative education projects that create real-world impact.

Projects should align with one of the following themes:

Environment & Climate
Flourishing – Well-Being & Socio-Emotional Development
Sustainability – Planetary Health & Circular Economy

Share the challenge with your network Frequently Asked Questions

Benefits of Participation

Training

60 shortlisted projects will benefit from online training, including targeted mentorship, masterclasses and practical tools to develop their project.

Prizes

12 will be selected by the jury as ambassadors and will receive a $1,000 grant to advance their projects.

Recognition

Certification by the United Nations University Hub for Future of Learning with Youth (UNU FLY) .

All 60 shortlisted projects are featured on the Learning Planet Institute projects platform and shared across a global network of education leaders, partners, and changemakers.

The 12 ambassadors will be invited to international events and receive tailored networking to advance their projects.

Timeline

September 2025: Call to submit projects online opens (alongside the UN General Assembly)

January 2026: Call closes (January 15, 2026)

February 2026: 60 projects selected by an international jury

March-June 2026: Online Training & Mentorship for the 60 projects; integration into a global Community of Practice

July 2026: Selection & Celebration of 12 ambassadors

International Jury

Sanaya Bharucha
Global Head, Student Leadership & Voice - Teach For All
Jade Bowler
Author, Education Advocate and Content Creator - UnJaded Jade
Allan Chochinov
Chair, MFA in Products of Design - School of Visual Arts
Serena Coetzee
Professor - UNU-FLORES
Hatim Eltayeb
CEO - African Leadership Academy
Tel Guajajara
Steering Committee Member representing the Continental Latin American and Caribbean Organization of Students (OCLAE) - Global Student Forum
Shihui Liu
Associate Programme Management Officer - United Nations Youth Office
Radha Pillay
Director of Education - United World Colleges International
Guilhem Pradalié
Vice President France - INCO
Dominic Regester
Director of Education and Director of the Center for Education Transformation - Salzburg Global
Ayaan Seshadri
Finalist and Prizewinner, Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge 2024-25 - My Eyes, My Life