GYSIL young leaders
Flagship Program

"It's your time. It's your day. It's your future. The time is now."

Join the Global Youth Sustainability and Impact Leaders (GYSIL) and become part of the next generation of global decision-makers.

Global Youth Sustainability & Impact Leaders

One global initiative, three participation pathways

A global mentorship, school partnership and community leadership initiative of IPPDR. Young leaders can participate online from anywhere, while schools, universities, municipalities and community organizations can partner with IPPDR to establish local GYSIL programs.

Pathway 1

Global Online Mentorship

Open to eligible young leaders regardless of country or location. Participants join virtual mentorship, leadership development, policy discussions, collaborative projects and international networking.

Join Online Mentorship
Pathway 2

School and University Partnerships

IPPDR partners with schools, colleges and universities to deliver GYSIL as a structured leadership and civic engagement program for their students.

Partner Your School
Pathway 3

Community Leadership Program

GYSIL works with community organizations, municipalities and local partners to help young people identify community challenges, develop solutions and lead measurable impact projects.

Bring GYSIL to Your Community

Why You Should Join GYSIL?

Join our masterclass to drive sustainable change and become impactful leaders in your community.

GYSIL Leadership Session

Leadership Development

Gain essential tools for effective diplomacy and policy leadership in a global context.

Global Training Program

Empowering youth with skills for peacebuilding and sustainable development worldwide.

Community Impact Focus

Learn to influence policies and create lasting change in your local community.

Program Requirements

  • Attend monthly virtual mentorship and leadership training sessions
  • Participate in mandatory virtual meetings at United Nations-related events (in-person attendance when possible)
  • Provide monthly updates on your community project
  • Complete a policy and human rights research project of your choice
  • Maintain discipline, leadership ethics, and complete all assignments by the due dates
Apply for Cohort 2026

Eligibility Criteria

Age 18-32 years old
Resident in the country you represent
Must be a college student
Conceived a community project
Internet access is mandatory
Speak and write English

Application Requirements

Resume & Recommendation

One-page professional resume and a formal letter of recommendation.

Personal Statement

A 500-word essay detailing your background and motivation.

Project Proposal

500-word proposal for a community project aligned with SDGs.

Voices of Impact

Hear From Our Global Leaders

Discover the experiences and insights from diplomats, representatives, and alumni who have been part of our journey.

Address by Bayan Sami Rahman

Kurdistan Regional Government Representative to USA

GYSIL Application Form

Please fill out all fields carefully. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

The application form is currently closed

The application period for this cohort is currently closed. Please check back later or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on the next intake.