INTRO
In response to growing need for alternative paths to action and social change, UNDP launched its regional Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) in 2015. YLP aims to build a generation of young leaders, innovators, and change-makers in the Arab region. In its first year, YLP1 brought together 40 young women and men from 18 Arab countries to nurture their creativity, strengthen their leadership skills, and help them realize their ideas to improve their communities (Jordan, September 2015). In its second year, under the theme “Innovation for Sustainable Development,” YLP2 supported more than 700 youth through national activities and culminated in a regional event for 70 youth (Kuwait, December 2016). In its third year, YLP3, with the theme “Accelerating Innovation for Sustainable Development,” supported more than 2,000 youth through national activities and culminated in a regional event for 100 youth (Egypt, December 2017). YLP4, with the theme “Innovating for Sustainable Impact,” expanded the reach and impact of YLP3 by targeting 14 countries across the Arab Region. YLP4 engaged 5,000 youth in national activities across the region and partnered with national organizations that work towards youth empowerment and fulfillment of Sustainable Development Goals. In January 2018, twelve YLP change-makers from across all three years took part in the ECOSOC Youth Forum in New York, where they presented the projects they developed during YLP and shared their vision for how youth can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). YLP5, with the theme “Explore, Experiment, Expand,” is designed to build on lessons learnt during the previous four years and scale up its reach by exploring innovative approaches to addressing sustainable development challenges, experimenting with potential solutions, and expanding youth knowledge and networks. Considering the importance of supporting young people’s role in the realization of SDG16 in Arab States, YLP5 emphasises civic engagement and political participation.
SDGs
Methodolgies
Design Thinking
Countries
Regional
Funded
No
Start Date
2015