22 youth-led projects in 4 regions supported through Youth Empowerment Fund
Twenty-two youth-led projects in four regions have been awarded funding through Global Youth Mobilization, powered by the Youth Empowerment Fund. This latest round of funding, supported by the European Commission Directorate for International Partnerships, support projects aimed at advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), empowering young people to lead and implement community-driven initiatives.
The selected projects - from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Arab, and Europe - will involve youth extensively: through consultations, in the design phase, and as project leaders and decision-makers. In total, 360 project planning team members will oversee operations, aiming to reach 88,000 young people. The projects will not only engage young people but also work with communities to raise awareness of the SDGs.
Each project will be overseen by National Scout Organizations (NSO), with youth-led implementation teams. They will focus on one or more of World Scouting’s Scouts for SDGs educational initiatives: Messengers of Peace, Earth Tribe, LifeLeaders, and HealthAllies. These initiatives provide a range of activities designed to inspire young people to become active citizens within their local communities.
World Scouting encourages NSOs to design and deliver projects that align Scouting activities with the SDGs or with similar national and local projects supporting sustainable community development.
Powered by a partnership between the European Union and the Big Six Youth Organizations, delivered through the Global Youth Mobilization, the Youth Empowerment Fund exemplifies the impact of youth-led initiatives in advancing sustainable development. By equipping young people with vital resources and support, these projects are poised to make a meaningful difference in communities around the world.
Here is the snapshot of just a few projects that have been awarded funding and are ready to make a meaningful difference in their local communities. Watch this space for more updates and impact over the coming months and years!
Roots of Change - Youth for Nature
National Scout Organization: North Macedonia
Beneficiaries: 10,000
Project overview: This project empowers young people, especially girls and women in rural areas, to develop skills and take action for a greener environment. Through the Scout method — training, mentorship, and hands-on activities — they’ll protect nature, reduce waste, and promote sustainability while fostering leadership and growth within their communities.
SDGs: Gender Equality (Goal 5), Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11), and Climate Action (Goal 13).
Youth Transform
National Scout Organization: Venezuela
Beneficiaries: 10,649
Project overview: This projects aims to develop critical and strategic thinking skills in young Venezuelans through the LifeLeaders Initiative, promoting community problem-solving, conscious leadership, and emotional intelligence through sustainable projects that strengthen self-awareness and assess the social impact of Scouting in the country, ensuring inclusion and diversity.
SDGs: No Poverty (Goal 1), Zero Hunger (Goal 2), Quality Education (Goal 4), Decent World and Economic Growth (Goal 8), Reduced Inequalities (Goal 10), Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11), Responsible Production and Consumption (Goal 12), Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (Goal 16), and Partnership for the Goals (Goal 17).
Clean Sri Lanka
National Scout Organization: Sri Lanka
Beneficiaries: 35,100 Scouts with 100,000 people in communities
Project overview: The "Clean Sri Lanka" Project by SLSA aims to engage 25,000 Scouts as change agents by March 2026, promoting cleanliness through action. Scout units will lead cleaning efforts in railway stations and communities, fostering sustainable practices and inspiring public awareness for a greener, more responsible Sri Lanka.
SDGs: Quality Education (Goal 4), Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11), Responsible Production and Consumption (Goal 12), Climate Action (Goal 13), Life on Land (Goal 15), and Partnership for the Goals (Goal 17).
Youth For Environmental Preservation
National Scout Organization: Rwanda
Beneficiaries: 64,000 Scouts
Project overview: Through an educational youth summit on the protection of the environment the projects aim to empower young people in management and leadership skills around the SDGs to raise awareness on concrete community actions on environmental protection on climate change and Climate Smart Agriculture, will be delivered in the context of the project.