Led by the Asia-Pacific Regional Youth Leaders, the first Asia-Pacific SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Challenge will be held in February 2018, focusing on SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 14: Life Below Water. All Asia-Pacific Youth Focal Points are encouraged to participate, and in turn to lead the mobilisation of on-the-ground activities in their local region.

Participants are invited to create their own program or project, with support from their RCE, that will make a difference for themselves, their community and the planet. This can be done individually, in a team or with a neighbouring RCE, with the aim to involve as many youth as possible. Projects could include rubbish removal at a local river or beach to stop plastics entering the waterways, planting trees to mitigate climate change effects, hosting educational community talks, creating a video documentary, organising a youth rally, conducting a leadership program or running a regional essay competition – the opportunities are endless.

Following the Challenge, a 1-day Asia-Pacific Virtual Youth Conference will be held online later in the year (mid-September 2018) under the theme ‘Youth for the Goals: Climate Action and Life Below Water’, providing the opportunity for the youth involved to present their projects to a global audience. Projects will also be included in an e-publication which can be shared with youth around the world to inspire them to engage with the SDGs in their communities.

The organisers hope to involve as many youth as possible, from school and University students to community groups, including indigenous, vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. Interested applicants are required to submit a short project plan by 1 February 2018 and have basic English skills (written and verbal).

Further information on the Asia-Pacific SDG Challenge can be found below:

1. Asia-Pacific SDG Challenge – Youth for the Goals flyer
2. Asia-Pacific SDG Challenge – Project Plan form

Key Dates:

• Asia-Pacific SDG Challenge starts 1 February 2018
• Asia-Pacific SDG Challenge concludes 15 August 2018
• Asia-Pacific Virtual Youth Conference to be held in September 2018
• Case study submission due 31 October 2018