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UPG Sustainability Leadership Program – Class of 2026

Are you a passionate citizen, aged 18 to 35, who believes your actions can support your local community and that every small positive action can make the world a better place? Then you are welcome to apply for the UPG Sustainability Leadership Program – Class of 2026.

United People Global (UPG) is opening applications for its flagship sustainability leadership training program, a global movement that mobilizes individuals and organizations to support positive citizen leadership on sustainability. This is more than just a training program—it’s a movement that encourages and enables citizens at all levels to take positive action for a better world.

What Is UPG Sustainability Leadership?

UPG Sustainability Leadership is a movement inspired by UPG’s commitment to do what we can with what we have, rather than wait for someone else to act. It embodies the notion that everyone can do something to make the world more sustainable.

UPG believes that sustainability includes BOTH:

“Green” Environmental Issues:

  • Planting trees and reforestation
  • Recycling and waste management
  • Energy efficiency and renewable energy
  • Ocean and marine conservation
  • Climate action

Social Sustainability Issues:

  • Education and literacy
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Employment and decent work
  • Gender equality
  • Sustainable consumption and production
  • Poverty reduction
  • Peace and justice

For those familiar with the framework, UPG uses the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a guide for defining and addressing sustainability challenges.

Program Structure

For All 500 Participants

Online Training Program:

  • Comprehensive sustainability leadership curriculum
  • Virtual learning modules and interactive sessions
  • Practical tools for community impact
  • Global networking opportunities
  • Free certification as a UPG Sustainability Leader upon completion

For Selected Participants

1-Week Immersive Experience in the USA:

  • Selected participants will be chosen for an intensive, in-person experience
  • Fully funded trip to the United States
  • Immersive learning and leadership development
  • Meet fellow sustainability leaders from around the world
  • Site visits and hands-on sustainability projects

What’s Included (Fully Funded)

For All Participants (FREE)

Complete online training program at no cost
Digital learning materials and resources
UPG Sustainability Leader certification
Access to global UPG network
Ongoing mentorship and support

For Selected USA Experience Participants (Fully Funded)

Round-trip international flights from your hometown to the USA
Full accommodation for the 1-week program
Meals and subsistence allowance
Local transportation throughout the program
All training materials and resources
Certificate of completion
Networking events and activities

No costs to participants! Everything is covered for selected participants.

Who Can Apply?

Geographic Eligibility

This program is open worldwide! 🌍 Young leaders from all countries are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Age Requirement

  • You must be between 18 and 35 years old

Essential Qualities

You should demonstrate:

Strong motivation to become a UPG Sustainability Leader
Passion for positive change in your community
Belief that individual actions matter and can create impact
Strong capabilities and leadership potential
Initial ideas for sustainability projects or initiatives that can have an impact
Commitment to learning and taking action
Willingness to collaborate with a global community

No Specific Background Required

You don’t need to:

  • Have a degree in environmental science
  • Be currently enrolled in university
  • Have professional experience in sustainability
  • Come from a specific field or industry

What matters most is your passion, commitment, and willingness to take action for a more sustainable world.

Why Apply?

Personal Development

  • Build leadership skills specifically for sustainability challenges
  • Gain knowledge across environmental and social sustainability topics
  • Develop project management abilities for community initiatives
  • Enhance your resume with recognized certification
  • Increase your confidence as a changemaker

Global Network

  • Connect with 500+ young leaders from across the globe
  • Join a movement of like-minded changemakers
  • Access ongoing support from the UPG community
  • Collaborate internationally on sustainability projects
  • Build lifelong friendships with global peers

Practical Impact

  • Learn actionable strategies you can implement immediately
  • Get support for your ideas and initiatives
  • Access resources and tools for community projects
  • Receive guidance on making real-world impact
  • Become part of a solution-oriented community

Unique USA Experience (for Selected Participants)

  • All expenses paid trip to the United States
  • Immersive learning experience you’ll never forget
  • Cultural exchange with international participants
  • Site visits to sustainability projects and organizations
  • Hands-on activities and real-world learning

Application Process

How to Apply

Applications must be completed online only. Applications that are mailed, faxed, or emailed to UPG will NOT be accepted.

Apply here: https://act.unitedpeople.global/upg-sustainability-leadership/

What You’ll Need

When completing your online application, be prepared to provide:

  • Personal information (name, age, country, contact details)
  • Your motivation for joining the program
  • Your sustainability interests and focus areas
  • Initial ideas for potential projects or initiatives
  • Your background and relevant experience (if any)
  • Your commitment to completing the program

Application Tips

Be authentic: Share your genuine passion and ideas
Be specific: Describe concrete ways you want to make a difference
Think locally: How can you impact your immediate community?
Think globally: How does your work connect to broader sustainability goals?
Show commitment: Demonstrate that you’re ready to take action, not just learn

Program Timeline

  • Application Deadline: December 31, 2025
  • Selection Notifications: Early 2026 (estimated)
  • Online Training: Throughout 2026
  • USA Immersive Experience: 2026 (dates to be confirmed for selected participants)
  • Certification: Upon completion of training requirements

About United People Global

United People Global (UPG) is an organization dedicated to empowering citizens to take positive action for sustainability. UPG operates on the principle that we don’t need to wait for governments, corporations, or other institutions to act—each of us can make a difference right now with what we have.

The organization focuses on:

  • Grassroots leadership development
  • Community-based sustainability initiatives
  • Youth empowerment for global challenges
  • Practical action over waiting for perfect solutions
  • Inclusive approaches to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Who Should Apply?

This program is perfect for:

🌱 Environmental activists passionate about climate action
🎓 Students interested in sustainability careers
💼 Young professionals wanting to integrate sustainability into their work
🏘️ Community organizers working on local development
👥 Social entrepreneurs building sustainable solutions
🌍 Anyone aged 18-35 who believes they can make a difference
💡 Idea generators with concepts for positive change
🤝 Collaborative thinkers ready to work globally

What Past Participants Say

The UPG Sustainability Leadership Program has trained 500+ young leaders annually, building a global network of changemakers who are implementing sustainability projects in their communities worldwide. Alumni have launched environmental initiatives, social enterprises, educational programs, and advocacy campaigns across multiple continents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to pay anything to participate?
A: No! The online training is completely free for all 500 participants. Selected participants for the USA experience will have ALL costs covered.

Q: How many people will be selected for the USA trip?
A: The exact number varies by year. Not all 500 online participants will travel to the USA—this is a selective opportunity for top participants.

Q: Can I apply if I’m not currently a student?
A: Yes! This program is open to anyone aged 18-35, whether you’re a student, employed, unemployed, or an entrepreneur.

Q: What if I don’t have specific sustainability experience?
A: That’s okay! Passion and motivation matter more than formal experience. If you care about making positive change, you’re eligible.

Q: Will the online training require a lot of time?
A: The program is designed to be flexible and accessible. Specific time requirements will be shared with accepted participants.

Q: Can I apply from any country?
A: Yes! This is a truly global program open to all countries.

Q: Do I need to speak English?
A: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in English will likely be beneficial for full participation, especially for the USA experience.

Q: What are my chances of being selected for the USA trip?
A: Selection is competitive and based on your application strength, motivation, ideas, and potential for impact.

Take Action Now

The world needs passionate, committed young leaders like you. Whether you want to address climate change, promote education, advance gender equality, create sustainable jobs, or tackle any other sustainability challenge—this program will equip you with the skills, network, and support to make it happen.

Don’t wait for someone else to create the change you want to see. Apply today and join a global movement of 500+ young leaders committed to making the world better.

Contact & More Information

Program Website: https://act.unitedpeople.global/upg-sustainability-leadership/

Application Link: https://act.unitedpeople.global/upg-sustainability-leadership/

For questions and additional information, visit the program website.


Key Reminders

Deadline: December 31, 2025
Age: 18-35 years old
Location: Worldwide
Cost: FREE (fully funded)
Application: Online only

Your journey as a UPG Sustainability Leader starts here. Apply now and be part of the Class of 2026!


Remember: Every small positive action can make the world a better place. Your action starts with this application.

For more information, please visit their website here

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