Learning Planet
Youth Design Challenge
Supporting youth-led projects with 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 grow their education projects for a more sustainable future.
Join us and empower youth to shape the future of learning!
Applications are open until 15 January 2026
Supported by
What is it about?
The Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge (LPYDC) invites youth aged 15–26 to present innovative education projects that create real-world impact.
Projects should align with one of the following themes:
- Community Impact – Peace, democracy & inclusion
- Flourishing – Well-Being and socio-emotional development
- Sustainability – Planetary health and circular economy
Benefits of Participation
Training
60 shortlisted projects will benefit from targeted mentorship, live 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 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 25: Call for projects opens (alongside the UN General Assembly)
January 26: Call closes (15 January)
February 26: 60 projects selected by an international jury
March-June 26: Training & Mentorship for the 60 projects; integration into a global Community of Practice
July 26 : 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
Innovations Lead – United Nations Youth Office
Radha Pillay
Director of Education – United World Colleges
Guilhem Pradalié
Vice-Président 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
Thank you to all those who have helped to spread the word, including
African Leadership University (ALU)
AIESEC
AIME
Arizona State University
Ashesi University
Eidos Global
Inner Development Goals (IDG)
International Association of Universities
KIDsforSDGs
Oikos Academy
Salzburg Global
United Nations Youth Office
UNESCO
YouthxYouth
Special thanks to
2024-25 edition
In 2024-25
Last year’s ambassadors
Sustainability - Planetary health & Circular economy
Shambhavi
Arora
Canada
Community Impact - Peace, democracy & Inclusion
Md. Sadik Jamal Kowshik
Bangladesh
Flourishing - Well-Being & Socio-emotional development
Submissions from all over the world
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