The Learning Planet Institute is driving an intergenerational, global movement to build a Learning Planet Academy, supported by UNESCO and The United Nations University, adapted to transitions across the world. This ambitious initiative recognizes that the challenges facing our planet require fresh perspectives, innovative thinking, and the active participation of young people in shaping educational systems that will serve current and future generations.
With the Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge (LPYDC), young people are encouraged to come co-design the future of learning. This initiative represents a fundamental shift in how educational innovation is approached, placing youth voices at the center of the conversation rather than treating them as passive recipients of predetermined educational models.
Sign up is now open!
The Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge invites youth aged 15-26 to pitch their innovative educational projects for real-world impact. This is not merely a theoretical exercise or academic competition. The challenge seeks concrete, actionable projects that can make tangible differences in communities around the world. Participants are encouraged to think boldly about how education can be reimagined to address pressing global challenges while fostering personal growth and community development.
Project submissions should relate to one of the following three interconnected themes, each addressing critical areas of global concern:
Community Impact – Peace, Democracy and Inclusion
Projects under this theme focus on how education can strengthen democratic values, promote peaceful coexistence, and create more inclusive societies. This might include initiatives that bring diverse communities together, foster dialogue across differences, promote civic engagement among youth, or use education as a tool for conflict resolution and social cohesion.
Flourishing – Well-being, Thriving and Socio-emotional Development
This theme addresses the holistic development of individuals beyond traditional academic metrics. Projects might explore innovative approaches to mental health education, emotional intelligence development, resilience building, or creating learning environments that prioritize student well-being. The focus is on helping young people not just succeed academically, but truly thrive as whole human beings.
Sustainability – Planetary Health and Circular Economy
With climate change and environmental degradation posing existential threats, this theme invites projects that connect education with environmental stewardship. Submissions might address how to educate for sustainable living, integrate circular economy principles into learning, develop environmental consciousness, or prepare young people to become agents of ecological transformation.
60 shortlisted projects will receive expert-led mentorship and thematic training on topics like scaling, community engagement, and leveraging AI tools for education innovation. This training component ensures that promising ideas receive the support necessary to move from concept to implementation. Participants will gain valuable skills in project development, learn from experienced education innovators, and receive guidance on how to navigate the practical challenges of bringing educational initiatives to life.
The mentorship provides access to a network of professionals who understand the complexities of education innovation and can offer insights drawn from real-world experience. This guidance can prove invaluable in refining project concepts, identifying potential obstacles, and developing sustainable implementation strategies.
12 awardees will then receive $1,000 grant to advance their projects. While this may seem modest, it represents crucial seed funding that can help transform ideas into reality. This grant can be used for initial implementation costs, materials, technology, community outreach, or other essential expenses that often stand between a good idea and its realization.
Projects are published on the Learning Planet projects platform and shared with a global network of education leaders, partners, and changemakers. This visibility can open doors to additional opportunities, partnerships, and resources. Being featured on this platform connects youth innovators with a worldwide community of like-minded individuals and organizations working toward similar goals.
This challenge is open to youth aged 15-26 from anywhere in the world. There are no geographical restrictions, making this a truly global opportunity for young innovators passionate about transforming education and creating positive change in their communities.
Launch: September 23, 2025 (at UN General Assembly)
Submissions Open: October 1, 2025
Submissions Close: January 15, 2026 (23:59 CET) DEADLINE
Finalist Selection Announcement: Date TBA
Monthly Online Sessions: After selection, finalists participate in monthly sessions to refine and grow their projects
Final Awardees: International jury selects 12 awardees, each receiving a $1,000 grant
This initiative is supported by UNESCO, The United Nations University, and the Learning Planet Institute, representing a collaborative effort among leading international organizations dedicated to reimagining education for a changing world and placing young voices at the center of educational innovation and design.
For more information please visit their website here.
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