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Call for Applications: African Youth Co-Creators Council

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Deadline: 31-Jul-26

The UNDP African Youth Co-Creators Council Program 2026 is an opportunity for 11 young African leaders to advise the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on policies, programmes, and partnerships affecting young people across Africa. The programme is open to African nationals aged 18–34, including eligible applicants from the African diaspora, with UNDP covering travel, accommodation, meals, and digital communication costs for Council activities.

What is the UNDP African Youth Co-Creators Council Program?

The African Youth Co-Creators Council Program is a youth engagement initiative launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to strengthen youth participation in shaping development policies and programmes across Africa.

The Council brings together 11 young leaders from Africa and the diaspora to provide strategic advice, identify emerging challenges, and promote youth-led solutions that contribute to sustainable development across the continent.

Rather than providing financial grants, the programme offers participants a platform to influence regional development initiatives and collaborate with policymakers and international partners.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

  • Amplify youth voices in regional development.
  • Inform UNDP policies and programmes affecting young people.
  • Promote innovative youth-led solutions.
  • Encourage inclusive governance and leadership.
  • Strengthen partnerships between youth and development institutions.
  • Support sustainable development across Africa.

Key Highlights

  • Programme Name: UNDP African Youth Co-Creators Council Program 2026
  • Organiser: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
  • Council Size: 11 members
  • Eligibility: African nationals aged 18–34
  • Diaspora Participation: Up to two seats reserved for African diaspora candidates
  • Financial Support: Travel, accommodation, meals, and digital communication costs covered by UNDP for official Council activities
  • Funding or Stipend: No grant or stipend is specified

Focus Areas

Applicants should have experience or demonstrated interest in one or more of the following areas:

  • Systems thinking
  • Governance
  • Political transitions
  • Peacebuilding
  • Climate action
  • Mental health
  • Gender equality
  • Green economy
  • Blue economy
  • Orange economy (creative and cultural industries)
  • Poverty reduction
  • Digital innovation
  • Communication and civic engagement

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Be an African national.
  • Be 18 to 34 years old at the time of selection.
  • Be living in Africa or the African diaspora.
  • Demonstrate leadership, innovation, or community engagement.
  • Have experience in one or more of the programme’s focus areas.
  • Be committed to youth empowerment and inclusive development.

Who is Not Eligible?

Applicants are not eligible if they have:

  • Previously served on a UN Youth Advisory Council.
  • Previously served on a Youth Sounding Board.
  • Previously participated in a similar advisory mechanism of the United Nations or another international development partner.

Roles and Responsibilities

Selected Council members will:

  • Identify emerging trends affecting African youth.
  • Recommend policy and programme improvements.
  • Document successful youth-led innovations.
  • Participate in consultations and policy discussions.
  • Engage with UNDP Country Offices.
  • Collaborate with UN youth networks.
  • Participate in regional dialogues with:
    • African Union Commission
    • Regional Economic Communities
    • Other development partners

Members will help ensure that youth perspectives are reflected in regional development initiatives.

What Support Will Selected Members Receive?

Although no fellowship or stipend is provided, UNDP will reasonably cover costs associated with official Council activities, including:

  • Travel expenses
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Digital communication costs

This support enables members to fully participate in programme activities.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply:

  1. Confirm that you meet the age and nationality requirements.
  2. Review the programme’s focus areas.
  3. Prepare evidence of your leadership, innovation, or community engagement.
  4. Highlight your experience in youth development or public service.
  5. Complete the official application form.
  6. Submit all required documents before the application deadline.
  7. Await the selection process conducted by UNDP.

Why This Programme Matters

Young people play a critical role in shaping Africa’s future.

The African Youth Co-Creators Council helps to:

  • Increase youth participation in policymaking.
  • Strengthen collaboration between youth and international organisations.
  • Promote innovative solutions to regional challenges.
  • Build leadership among emerging African changemakers.
  • Support inclusive and sustainable development across the continent.

The programme provides young leaders with an opportunity to influence decisions that affect millions of young people.

Tips for a Strong Application

To strengthen your application:

  • Clearly demonstrate your leadership experience.
  • Highlight measurable community impact.
  • Showcase innovative projects or initiatives.
  • Explain your commitment to inclusive development.
  • Connect your experience to the programme’s focus areas.
  • Provide clear examples of collaboration and problem-solving.
  • Ensure all application information is complete and accurate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors:

  • Applying without meeting the age requirement.
  • Failing to demonstrate leadership or community engagement.
  • Providing vague descriptions of achievements.
  • Omitting relevant experience in the focus areas.
  • Submitting incomplete application materials.
  • Applying despite previous participation in a UN Youth Advisory Council or similar advisory body.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the UNDP African Youth Co-Creators Council Program?

African nationals aged 18–34, living in Africa or the diaspora, who meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

2. How many Council members will be selected?

A total of 11 young leaders will be selected.

3. Is the programme open to African diaspora applicants?

Yes. Applicants from the African diaspora are eligible, with up to two seats reserved for diaspora candidates.

4. Does the programme provide a stipend?

No. The programme does not specify a stipend or financial grant.

5. What expenses are covered?

UNDP will reasonably cover travel, accommodation, meals, and digital communication costs required for official Council activities.

6. Can previous UN Youth Advisory Council members apply?

No. Individuals who have previously served on a UN Youth Advisory Council, Youth Sounding Board, or a similar advisory mechanism of the UN or another development partner are not eligible.

7. What is the main purpose of the Council?

The Council advises UNDP by bringing youth perspectives into development policies, programmes, partnerships, and regional initiatives affecting young people across Africa.

Conclusion

The UNDP African Youth Co-Creators Council Program 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for young African leaders to contribute directly to regional development and policymaking. By bringing together 11 emerging changemakers, the programme strengthens youth participation, promotes innovative solutions, and ensures that the voices of young Africans are reflected in UNDP’s work across the continent. Although no stipend is offered, participants gain valuable leadership experience, international exposure, and the opportunity to shape policies that impact Africa’s future.

For more information, visit UNDP.

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