Youth Urban Leadership Fellowship 2026: How to Join the UN Program Shaping Sustainable Cities

If you are the person in your city who keeps saying “We could do this better,” this fellowship is aimed squarely at you.

The UN SDSN Youth Local Pathways Fellowship (LPF) 2026 is not a typical “sit in webinars, print your certificate, and move on” experience. It is a 10‑month, project‑based leadership program for young urban changemakers who want to make Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) real in their own streets, neighborhoods, and transport systems.

There is no stipend or big cheque attached here. The currency is different:
global visibility, access to a worldwide network of urban innovators, direct exposure to UN circles, and the external pressure (in a good way) to actually build and deliver a solution for your city.

If you are between 18 and 30, care deeply about cities, and can point to at least one concrete experience in urban planning, community work, advocacy, or related fields, this is a serious opportunity to level up your impact.

The deadline is December 21, 2025 for the 2026 cohort, and competition will be fierce. But if you prepare well, this fellowship can change how you think, who you know, and what you are capable of delivering.

Local Pathways Fellowship 2026 at a Glance

What This Fellowship Actually Offers (Beyond the Nice Words)

Let’s strip away the buzzwords and talk about what you really get if you are selected.

First, you join a serious global network. Local Pathways has already worked with 750+ fellows from about 180 cities across more than 80 countries. That is not a casual WhatsApp group; it is a ready‑made international peer circle of people wrestling with the same problems you see: unsafe streets, informal settlements, broken public transport, climate risks, unaffordable housing, or public spaces no one uses.

Second, you are expected to build something real. This is a project‑centric fellowship. Over 10 months, you are not just absorbing ideas about urban theory; you are designing and advancing a concrete project that responds to a real need in your city. Think of:

• A neighborhood‑level public space redesign involving local vendors and residents
• A data‑driven map of accessibility gaps for people with disabilities
• A community campaign improving waste separation and recycling in informal settlements
• A digital tool for reporting transit issues or safety concerns

Your project is not just homework; it is the main output of your fellowship. The program is deliberately structured with monthly deliverables so your good intentions do not quietly die in month three.

Third, you get direct input from people who know this field. Through online webinars and mentoring, you interact with experts from urban planning, sustainable development, advocacy, and related sectors. If you have been reading reports and watching YouTube talks about cities, this is your chance to ask questions of the people actually writing those strategies and running those pilots.

Fourth, you gain visibility as an urban leader. LPF fellows are presented as champions of sustainable urban development. That can translate into:

• Being featured on SDSN Youth platforms
• Invitations to speak at conferences or side events
• Connections with UN agencies, NGOs, city offices, and impact‑driven companies

For someone building a career in cities, SDGs, climate, or policy, that visibility is worth a lot more than a small stipend.

Finally, you get a testing ground for your leadership. The environment is described as challenging but flexible: you are supported by a global team, but nobody is going to hand‑hold you. You will need to organize, coordinate, communicate across time zones, and keep your project on track. The relationships you build with your cohort and mentors can easily become the foundation of your next job, startup, or advocacy campaign.

This is not a casual extracurricular. It is closer to a part‑time apprenticeship in global urban change.

Who Should Apply for the Local Pathways Fellowship 2026

You do not need to be a mayor in training or have a degree in urban planning to apply, but you do need to be serious about cities and communities.

To be competitive, you should:

• Be 18–30 years old during the fellowship period. If you are 31 with loads of experience, unfortunately, you are outside the range; this is firmly a youth program.
• Have a strong interest in sustainable development, especially SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities) and broader global agendas like the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
• Bring at least one year of academic or professional experience in a relevant area. That could be formal (e.g., an internship with a city planning office) or more grassroots (e.g., leading a neighborhood clean‑up initiative or working with a housing rights movement).

Your experience can sit in many places:
urban planning, transport, environmental management, urban tech, social innovation, community engagement, housing justice, informal settlement work, public health in urban areas, climate adaptation, advocacy campaigns, and more.

What they are clearly looking for is people already in motion, not those simply curious.

You also need to:

• Show excellent organizational and leadership skills. Maybe you have run community projects, student groups, or a small NGO. They want people who can manage tasks, people, and deadlines.
• Be a team player who can collaborate, coordinate projects, and solve problems instead of just pointing them out.
• Have strong communication skills in English (reading, writing, speaking) and in the local language of the city you will represent. You will be operating in an international setting and simultaneously working with your local community, so both levels matter.
• Demonstrate that you have the time, energy, and a stable internet connection to engage consistently for 10 months. If you are already at breaking point with work, study, and obligations, this might be the wrong year to add a demanding fellowship.

Geographically, applicants from any city and country are welcome. Although the listing tags “Africa,” SDSN Youth aims for a diverse cohort across all regions, so no place is automatically excluded. However, they do actively care about regional balance, so coming from an under‑represented city or country can be an advantage.

If you read all of this and thought, “This sounds exactly like me,” you are the target audience.

How the 10 Month Program Works

The fellowship runs over 10 months, with a structured rhythm. Think of it as a year‑long studio for local SDG 11 projects.

Each month, you will typically be expected to:

• Learn: Through curated readings, webinars, and discussions, you will explore the key challenges of modern cities: infrastructure pressure, inequality, informal settlements, mobility, resilience, culture, housing, and economic opportunity. This is the “big picture” piece, grounding your work in global thinking.

• Apply: You translate that knowledge into your own project, step by step. That may include mapping stakeholders, defining the problem more precisely, building prototypes, testing interventions, or collecting early data. Each stage is usually tied to a concrete deliverable.

• Connect: You interact with your global peer group—other fellows working in very different contexts—and with mentors and experts in the field through online sessions and networking activities.

The structure is intentional: you are constantly moving between theory, practice, and feedback. Done well, this rhythm keeps you from getting stuck in the classic trap of having either big ideas with no implementation, or local efforts with no wider understanding.

Insider Tips for a Winning Application

A lot of passionate people will click “apply.” Far fewer will submit an application that makes reviewers think, “We cannot skip this person.” Here is how to land in that second group.

1. Show that you already act locally

Do not just narrate how concerned you are about climate change or inequality. Demonstrate specific action.

Instead of writing:
“I care about sustainable cities and have always wanted to improve my community.”

Write something like:
“Over the last 18 months, I coordinated a weekly street‑cleaning and recycling campaign involving more than 60 residents in Ward X. We reduced visible waste in the area by approximately 40 percent and secured the city councils commitment to provide collection bins at three new points.”

Concrete examples make you look like someone who can actually use a 10‑month fellowship.

2. Connect your experience to SDG 11 in plain language

Reviewers see a lot of generic “I support the SDGs” statements. Go further. Show that you understand how your work links specifically to SDG 11 targets (e.g., housing, transport, inclusive public spaces, resilience, heritage, waste, planning).

Spell it out:

• “My work on informal transport directly ties to SDG 11.2 on providing access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, with a focus on vulnerable groups.”

You are not writing a UN report, but a clear connection shows maturity and strategic thinking.

3. Bring a project idea that is ambitious but realistic

You do not need a finished project plan, but you should have a clear idea of the type of initiative you want to develop.

Weak: “I want to improve my citys environment.”
Strong: “I plan to design and pilot a community‑run micro‑park on an underused plot in District Y, with local waste collectors providing recycled materials for building seating and shading structures.”

Avoid mega‑projects that would take 5 years and a municipal budget to complete. Focus on something that fits into a 10‑month window, even if it is a pilot or prototype that can later scale.

4. Make your city context vivid

Reviewers may never have heard of your neighborhood or town. Briefly show them what makes your context interesting and why your work matters.

Two or three sentences about:

• The main urban challenge you see daily (housing, transport, waste, safety, air quality, flooding, etc.)
• Who is most affected
• How your proposed project fits into that reality

This situates your idea and makes it memorable.

5. Prove you can handle remote collaboration

Because the program runs across time zones, your reliability is just as important as your brilliance.

In your application, give examples of how you have previously:

• Coordinated projects while juggling multiple responsibilities
• Met deadlines without heavy supervision
• Worked with people from different backgrounds or countries

They are asking for people who answer emails, show up to calls, and follow through. Make it obvious you are that person.

6. Write clearly and sharply in English

The application itself is part of your communication test. Rambling, jargon‑heavy, or error‑filled answers will hurt you.

Draft your responses, then:

• Cut unnecessary phrases
• Replace jargon with simple words
• Ask at least one friend or colleague to review for clarity and grammar

You are not trying to sound like a UN report; you are trying to sound like a smart, grounded person who can explain complex urban issues in accessible language.

Suggested Application Timeline (Working Backward from December 21, 2025)

You could, in theory, fill out the form the night before the deadline. You will almost certainly send a weak application if you do. Here is a more realistic approach:

By late September – early October 2025
Start with reflection and research. Clarify:

• What city and specific neighborhood or issue you want to focus on
• Which experiences best show your leadership and commitment
• A rough idea of a project you could develop in 10 months

Skim SDSN Youth and LPF materials so you are not guessing what they care about.

October – mid November 2025
Draft your answers to all application questions in a separate document. Use this period to:

• Refine your project idea
• Tighten the link to SDG 11 and the SDGs more broadly
• Collect basic data or short stories that illustrate your work so far

Ask a trusted colleague, mentor, or lecturer to read your draft and be honest with you.

Mid November – early December 2025
Polish and proofread. Check that your story is consistent:

• Your experiences lead logically to the project idea
• You clearly show you can commit time and have internet access
• Your motivations are specific, not generic “I just love the UN” phrasing

Also make sure your CV or profile is up to date and aligned with what you describe.

By December 15, 2025
Aim to submit several days before the official December 21 deadline. Online systems fail, connections drop, and people realize they missed a required field at the last second. Give yourself space to troubleshoot.

Required Materials and How to Prepare Them

The exact list of fields and uploads may vary slightly, but based on similar fellowships, you should be prepared with:

• A clear, concise CV or resume: Limit it to relevant experiences—urban projects, community initiatives, research, advocacy, internships, professional roles. Highlight leadership roles and tangible outcomes rather than long lists of minor events.

• Motivational or short essay answers: You will likely answer questions about why you want to join LPF, your interest in SDG 11, your city context, and your proposed project idea. Draft these carefully offline first; do not improvise inside the form.

• Project concept description: Even if the application only asks a short question, have a 1–2 page project concept for yourself. It will sharpen your answers and will be invaluable if you are accepted and need to start quickly in the program.

• Proof of language ability (informal): They may not ask for certificates, but your written English in the application is effectively your demonstration of language skills.

• Contact details and basic personal information: Age, location, educational background, and so on.

Before you submit, read your entire application as if you were a busy reviewer seeing 100+ files. Would you remember your profile 10 minutes later? If not, sharpen your examples.

What Makes an Application Stand Out to Reviewers

Selection for programs like this usually revolves around a few core questions, even if they do not publish a detailed scoring rubric.

1. Commitment and alignment

Do you clearly care about sustainable cities and SDG 11, or does your application read like you applied to 20 random programs this week?

Standout candidates show a consistent thread: past studies, projects, activism, or jobs that naturally lead to wanting to join LPF.

2. Quality and feasibility of your project idea

Reviewers are not expecting a full grant proposal, but they want to see that:

• Your idea addresses a specific, real problem in your city
• You understand the local context and stakeholders
• The scale fits what is realistically possible in 10 months for one dedicated fellow with remote support

Overly vague or wildly unrealistic ideas raise red flags fast.

3. Leadership and collaboration potential

This fellowship is not for solo heroes. They need people who can mobilize others, listen, and work in teams, both locally and globally.

Evidence might include:

• Past leadership roles
• Experience coordinating volunteers, students, residents, or colleagues
• Examples of navigating conflict or problem‑solving as part of a group

4. Communication skills

If you cannot explain your project clearly in writing, it will be hard to engage stakeholders, report your progress, or speak at events later on.

Strong applications are written in clear, convincing, human language. Reviewers should not have to guess what you mean.

5. Reliability and practical readiness

This is less glamorous but critical: can you actually commit? People who vanish after two months damage the program.

Explain briefly how you will balance LPF with your other responsibilities and confirm that you have stable internet and the basic tools to participate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (and How to Fix Them)

Mistake 1: Being vague and inspirational instead of concrete

“We must build more sustainable cities” is something reviewers have read a thousand times. It tells them nothing about you.

Fix: Replace generic statements with specific experiences, numbers, and short stories. Tell them what you did, where, with whom, and what changed.

Mistake 2: Presenting an unmanageable mega‑project

“I will redesign public transport for my entire city” is not a 10‑month fellowship project; it is a multi‑year, multi‑million‑dollar reform.

Fix: Narrow your idea. Focus on one neighborhood, one bus line, one pilot park, one policy campaign. You can mention a bigger vision, but your main focus should be a manageable prototype or pilot.

Mistake 3: Ignoring the SDG framing

You might have brilliant local work but never mention how it connects to SDG 11 or the SDGs more broadly.

Fix: Explicitly connect your project to SDG 11 and, where relevant, related goals (like climate, health, inequality). You are joining a UN‑anchored program; show that you understand and respect that framework.

Mistake 4: Underestimating the time commitment

Some applicants treat LPF like a short course. Then they burn out or disappear halfway through.

Fix: Be honest with yourself. Can you commit time every month for 10 months? If yes, say how you plan to manage that. If no, consider applying in a future cycle.

Mistake 5: Weak or sloppy writing

Typos, unclear sentences, or cut‑and‑paste generic text send a signal: “I didn’t take this seriously.”

Fix: Draft early, revise, and ask someone to review. Read your answers out loud; if you get lost in your own sentences, they are probably too long or fuzzy.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Local Pathways Fellowship

Is the fellowship paid?
No, this is an unpaid program. The benefits are mentoring, visibility, training, and a network—not a salary or stipend. If you need income, plan to combine this with study or work in a realistic way.

Do I need to be currently enrolled at a university?
Not necessarily. Students, recent graduates, and young professionals are all welcome, as long as they are 18–30 and have at least a year of relevant academic, professional, or community experience.

Is it only for people in large capital cities?
No. You can come from any city, large or small. In fact, mid‑sized or secondary cities often face huge challenges with fewer resources, and fellows from these places can bring very valuable perspectives.

Do I have to already have a fully formed project?
No, but having a clear direction helps. You should at least know what problem you want to address and have an initial idea of how. The fellowship will help you refine and structure your project, but it is not meant to generate your passion from scratch.

Is prior UN or international experience required?
Not at all. Plenty of strong candidates come from grassroots movements, local NGOs, citizen groups, or community initiatives with no prior UN connection. What matters is the quality and seriousness of your work.

Can I apply if my English is not perfect?
Yes, but you do need strong working English. You will read materials, join webinars, and communicate with peers in English. Fluency does not mean perfection; it does mean you can express yourself clearly and understand others without major difficulty.

How intense is the workload?
Workload varies by month and by your own project, but expect regular engagement. Think of it as a structured part‑time commitment, not an occasional webinar. If you only have one free hour per week, this will be hard.

Will I receive a certificate?
Programs like LPF usually provide some form of certificate or formal recognition at the end, but the real value is in the work you do, the relationships you build, and the project you deliver. If you are only chasing a PDF, this is probably not the right fellowship for you.

How to Apply and Take Your Next Steps

If you are still reading, you are probably seriously considering this. Good.

Here is how to move from “interested” to “submitted”:

1. Read the official call in full
   Go to the official Local Pathways Fellowship 2026 listing. Check the exact eligibility details, expectations, and any updated information for this cohort.

2. Draft your answers offline
   Open a document and write your responses there first. Take your time to shape your story, refine your project idea, and make sure everything fits together logically.

3. Update your CV and gather examples
   Highlight relevant experiences, especially those that show leadership, initiative, and concrete results in urban or community contexts.

4. Ask for feedback
   Share your draft with a mentor, colleague, or friend who understands your work. Ask them what is unclear, what is compelling, and what feels generic. Fix accordingly.

5. Submit early
   When you are satisfied, move everything into the online form and submit several days before December 21, 2025. Take screenshots or save confirmation emails for your records.

Ready to apply or want the most current instructions straight from the source?

Get Started

Visit the official opportunity page for full details and the application form:
Apply for the UN SDSN Youth Local Pathways Fellow 2026 cohort

If you are serious about shaping the future of your city, this fellowship will give you a structured, global platform to do it.