UNESCO MGIEP India-wide Youth Debate on Peaceful and Sustainable Futures (India)

Deadline: 30-Jun-2026

The UNESCO MGIEP India-Wide Youth Program is inviting applications from young people across India to participate in a national initiative focused on peace, sustainability, ethical leadership, and youth-driven policy dialogue. The program will be held in New Delhi and aims to strengthen critical thinking, global citizenship, social-emotional learning, media literacy, and education for sustainable development.

Selected teams will receive fully funded travel, accommodation, and daily subsistence support. Winning participants can receive prizes of up to INR 150,000, while all selected participants will gain opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary discussions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global education priorities.

What Is the UNESCO MGIEP India-Wide Youth Program?

The UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) India-Wide Youth Program is a national youth engagement initiative designed to empower young leaders to contribute to discussions on peacebuilding, sustainability, ethical leadership, and education.

The program creates a platform where young people can exchange ideas, participate in meaningful dialogue, and develop policy recommendations that support sustainable development and social transformation.

Held in New Delhi, the initiative encourages youth participation in shaping solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing society today.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Promote peace and social cohesion
• Encourage ethical leadership among young people
• Strengthen critical thinking and respectful dialogue
• Support youth participation in policy discussions
• Advance sustainability and environmental awareness
• Foster global citizenship and responsible engagement
• Develop social and emotional learning competencies
• Improve media and information literacy
• Encourage innovative solutions to development challenges

The initiative aligns with UNESCO’s vision of empowering youth as active contributors to sustainable and peaceful societies.

Key Themes and Focus Areas

Participants will engage with a range of themes connected to education, sustainability, and global development.

Peace Education

The program promotes understanding, dialogue, empathy, and conflict resolution through education.

Participants explore how educational systems can contribute to peaceful and inclusive societies.

Sustainability and Climate Change Education

Discussions focus on how education can support environmental sustainability and climate action.

Topics include:

• Climate change awareness
• Sustainable development practices
• Environmental responsibility
• Youth-led climate solutions
• Sustainable communities

Ethical Leadership

The initiative encourages participants to develop leadership skills grounded in ethics, responsibility, and social impact.

Areas of focus include:

• Ethical decision-making
• Responsible leadership
• Civic engagement
• Social accountability
• Community impact

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Participants examine the role of emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills in leadership and social development.

Key competencies include:

• Self-awareness
• Empathy
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Relationship-building

Global Citizenship Education

The program encourages young people to understand global challenges and their role in creating positive change.

Topics include:

• Human rights
• Diversity and inclusion
• Global cooperation
• Cultural understanding
• Sustainable development

Media and Information Literacy

Participants explore how media influences society and learn skills for responsible information consumption and communication.

Focus areas include:

• Digital literacy
• Information verification
• Responsible media use
• Critical analysis of information
• Combating misinformation

Alignment with SDG 4.7

The UNESCO MGIEP Youth Program supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.7, which promotes education for sustainable development, global citizenship, human rights, gender equality, and a culture of peace and non-violence.

The initiative encourages colleges and universities to become active spaces for:

• Peace education
• Sustainability learning
• Civic engagement
• Youth leadership development
• Policy innovation

Participants contribute ideas that support India’s progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Program Format

The initiative brings together youth teams from across India for an interdisciplinary learning and dialogue experience.

Participants will:

• Engage in structured discussions
• Present ideas and perspectives
• Participate in policy-focused debates
• Collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds
• Explore solutions to sustainability and peace-related challenges
• Develop leadership and communication skills

The program emphasizes respectful dialogue, evidence-based discussions, and constructive engagement.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to young individuals who meet the eligibility requirements.

Citizenship Requirement

Applicants must:

• Be Indian citizens
• Reside in India

Age Requirement

Applicants must be:

• Between 18 and 35 years old

Language Requirement

Applicants must:

• Be proficient in English

Availability Requirement

Applicants must:

• Be available for in-person participation in New Delhi

Inclusivity

The program encourages participation from individuals of all:

• Genders
• Social backgrounds
• Economic backgrounds
• Cultural backgrounds

Applications from persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

Team Composition Requirements

Applications must be submitted as teams.

Each team must:

• Consist of three members
• Represent a society, club, collective, or similar group
• Submit all required application materials

Only eight teams will be selected to participate in the program.

Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated using predefined assessment criteria.

Selection will be based on factors such as:

• Quality of submissions
• Motivation and commitment
• Relevance of ideas
• Team diversity and collaboration
• Alignment with program objectives
• Communication and leadership potential

Only eight teams will be shortlisted for participation.

Benefits for Selected Participants

Selected participants receive comprehensive support from UNESCO MGIEP in collaboration with SAU.

Benefits include:

• Fully funded participation
• Round-trip travel support
• Accommodation in New Delhi
• Daily subsistence support
• Networking opportunities
• Exposure to national and international perspectives
• Leadership development opportunities
• Recognition and certification

All approved expenses related to participation are covered by the organizers.

Awards and Prizes

The program offers several awards and recognition opportunities.

Winning Team Prize

The winning team will receive:

• INR 150,000 cash prize
• Signature trophy
• Certificates

Runner-Up Prize

The runner-up team will receive:

• INR 90,000 cash prize
• Certificates

Most Ethical and Respectful Debater Award

One participant will receive:

• INR 25,000 prize
• Special recognition

Audience Choice Award

One participant or team will receive:

• INR 25,000 prize
• Audience recognition

Participation Certificates

All selected participants will receive:

• Official certificates of participation

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit the following documents and materials.

Statement of Motivation

Each team must submit:

• A statement between 150 and 250 words

The statement should explain:

• Motivation for participating
• Interest in peace and sustainability
• Leadership aspirations
• Relevance of the program to team goals

Team Curriculum Vitae

Applicants must provide:

• A brief CV for each team member
• Between 50 and 100 words per member

The CV should summarize:

• Academic background
• Leadership experience
• Community involvement
• Relevant achievements

Video Submission

Each team member must submit:

• A 1–2 minute video response

The video should address:

How can education for peace support India in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030?

Applicants should provide thoughtful, practical, and well-reasoned responses.

How to Apply

Step 1: Form a Team

Create a team consisting of three members from your society, club, or collective.

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure all team members meet the requirements related to:

• Citizenship
• Residence
• Age
• English proficiency
• Availability for in-person participation

Step 3: Prepare the Motivation Statement

Draft a compelling statement explaining your team’s interest in the program and its themes.

Step 4: Prepare Team CVs

Create concise profiles highlighting each member’s background, experience, and achievements.

Step 5: Record Individual Videos

Each member should prepare and submit a 1–2 minute video addressing the required question on education for peace and the SDGs.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Complete and submit all required materials before the application deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of selection:

• Demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace and sustainability
• Clearly explain your motivation for participating
• Showcase leadership experience and community involvement
• Provide thoughtful responses in video submissions
• Highlight teamwork and collaboration skills
• Connect your ideas to the Sustainable Development Goals
• Present practical and innovative perspectives

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Submitting incomplete applications
• Exceeding word limits
• Providing generic motivation statements
• Recording unclear or poorly prepared videos
• Failing to address the required video question
• Missing eligibility requirements
• Waiting until the last minute to submit materials

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the UNESCO MGIEP India-Wide Youth Program?

It is a national youth initiative focused on peace, sustainability, ethical leadership, global citizenship, and youth participation in policy dialogue.

Who can apply?

Indian citizens residing in India who are between 18 and 35 years old, proficient in English, and available for in-person participation in New Delhi.

How many members are required per team?

Each team must consist of three members representing a society, club, collective, or similar group.

How many teams will be selected?

A total of eight teams will be selected based on the evaluation criteria.

Is participation fully funded?

Yes. Selected participants receive round-trip travel support, accommodation, and daily subsistence support.

What is the top prize available?

The winning team will receive INR 150,000, a signature trophy, and certificates.

What should the video submission address?

Each participant must explain how education for peace can help India achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Conclusion

The UNESCO MGIEP India-Wide Youth Program offers a valuable opportunity for young leaders across India to engage in meaningful discussions on peace, sustainability, ethical leadership, and global citizenship. Through interdisciplinary dialogue, policy engagement, leadership development, and fully funded participation, the initiative empowers youth to contribute innovative ideas that support India’s sustainable development journey.

For students, young professionals, youth leaders, and community changemakers, the program provides a platform to build skills, expand networks, and help shape a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future.

For more information, visit UNESCO.