UNDP African Youth Co-Creators Council 2026: for Young African Leaders

Applications are now open for the UNDP African Youth Co-Creators Council 2026, an exciting opportunity for young African leaders who are passionate about shaping the continent’s future. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking 11 outstanding young leaders from Africa and the diaspora to serve on a newly established advisory council that will help design and improve youth-focused policies, programmes, and partnerships across the continent.

If you are committed to leadership, innovation, community development, or social impact, this programme offers a unique platform to influence development initiatives at the continental level.

What Is It About?

The UNDP African Youth Co-Creators Council is a two-year advisory body established by the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa. The council will bring together 11 young leaders representing Africa’s five regions and the African diaspora to work closely with UNDP teams in Addis Ababa, Dakar, Nairobi, Pretoria, and Country Offices across 46 African countries.

Council members will help shape UNDP’s youth agenda through a three-part mandate:

• Advise on youth-centred programmes, policies, and partnerships.
• Anticipate emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges affecting young Africans.
• Amplify youth voices by promoting innovation, inclusion, and meaningful participation in development processes.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the UNDP African Youth Co-Creators Council 2026, applicants must:

• Be an African national aged 18 to 34 years.
• Live in Africa or be part of the African diaspora. Up to two positions are reserved for diaspora applicants.
• Demonstrate leadership experience, innovation, entrepreneurship, advocacy, or community engagement.
• Have expertise in one or more areas such as governance, peacebuilding, climate action, gender equality, mental health, systems thinking, communication, or the green, blue, or orange economy.
• Be committed to advancing sustainable development and youth empowerment across Africa.

What You’ll Gain

Successful applicants will receive several valuable benefits, including:

• A two-year appointment on the UNDP African Youth Co-Creators Council.
• The opportunity to influence UNDP programmes and policies affecting millions of young Africans.
• Collaboration with UNDP experts, governments, development partners, and fellow youth leaders.
• Regional and international exposure through participation in strategic meetings and policy discussions.
• UNDP will cover approved travel, accommodation, meals, and digital communication costs related to council activities.

This experience provides an excellent platform to strengthen your leadership skills while contributing to Africa’s sustainable development agenda.

Deadline and Application Process

Applications for the UNDP African Youth Co-Creators Council 2026 are open until July 31, 2026.

Interested candidates should complete the online application through the official UNDP application portal. Applicants will be assessed based on their leadership experience, commitment to youth development, and ability to contribute diverse perspectives to the council. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed before the final selection of the 11 council members.

If you are ready to help shape youth-centred solutions across Africa and work alongside one of the world’s leading development organizations, the UNDP African Youth Co-Creators Council 2026 is an opportunity you should not miss.

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