The Action Plan for Global Youth Development (APGYD) was initiated and promoted by the All-China Youth Federation (ACYF), United Nations agencies and youth organizations from various countries in 2022.
The APGYD aims to build a platform for best practice programs and a community of youth pioneers for the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Global Development Initiative. By selecting and promoting the Excellence Actions that contribute to global development and youth development, the APGYD actively promotes international youth actions, and unites the strength of youth to build a community with a shared future for mankind.
The APGYD operates with a 2-year selection cycle. In 2022 and 2023, the APGYD selected the first batch of 100 Excellence Actions globally, spanning 43 countries across six continents. These best practice programs covered a wide range of areas and had innovative working methods, and were implemented by youth organizations, social enterprises, media, think tanks and universities, among others, in various countries.
The recruitment of the 2024-2025 Excellence Actions was launched on 12 August 2024 (International Youth Day), during the 2024 World Youth Development Forum.
I.What is the APGYD?
·A showcase platform for youth-led programs implementing the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By selecting and promoting the Excellence Actions, the APGYD will showcase the best practices of youth in contributing to global development and youth development, and advocate for young people in all countries to take concrete actions to implement the SDGs and the Global Development Initiative.
·An international community of young pioneers who are dedicated to promoting sustainable development. By establishing exchanges and empowerment mechanisms for program leaders, the APGYD will build a partnership network for advocates of youth agenda, organizers of youth programs, and supporters of youth development.
II.What are the major activities under the APGYD?
The APGYD will select Excellence Actions globally. The youth leaders of selected Excellence Actions will have access to the following activities:
1. Publicity Activities
For the Excellence Actions of the APGYD, the All-China Youth Federation, together with its partners, will carry out international publicity events and deliver program presentations and promotional products, etc. The first Expo of APGYD was held in Beijing in 2023. Representatives of Excellence Actions were invited to participate in the 2023 and 2024 World Youth Development Forum, the One Earth Sustainable Development Summit and other events.
2. Empowerment Mechanism
Excellence Actions of the APGYD are initiated and implemented by young people from various countries, bringing together young practitioners who promote the cause of sustainable development. In order to strengthen the cultivation and empowerment of youth leaders of the APGYD, the All-China Youth Federation, in cooperation with its partners, will facilitate an empowerment mechanism, and will provide follow-up support for youth leaders including international exchanges, study and training, program enhancement and resource supply through scholarship programs, international exchange programs and investment partner programs, so as to continuously improve the growth and sustainability of the Excellence Actions.
III.What are the criteria for the application?
1.The applicants should be legal entities implementing the programs.
The qualified applicants include regional, national or local youth organizations, social enterprises, media, think tanks and universities that have registered for at least two years. The programs should be active for at least one year and indicate measurable achievements. The programs can be accomplished programs or still in operation.
2.The application will be open for programs in the following categories:
·Programs to promote youth contribution to the SDGs and GDI
·Youth empowerment programs for leadership, skills, entrepreneurship, etc.
·Exchange programs or volunteer programs involving two or more countries
·Advocacy or publicity programs for global development and youth development
3.The application should focus on one of the seven thematic tracks:
·Poverty elimination
·Zero hunger and food security
·Future-oriented digital technology
·Climate Action and Green Development including protecting life below water and life on land, climate action, clean sources of energy, green recovery of economy
·Inclusive and equitable quality education
·Health and well-being of youth
·Youth employment and entrepreneurship
4.At least one recommendation letter is required for each application.
Letters should be signed by leaders of international organizations, national youth organizations, government departments, Chinese embassies or consulates, and overseas offices of Chinese enterprises. Recommendation letters from professionals or other organizations can also be submitted as supplementary materials.
5.Each applicant shall identify one youth leader.
The youth leader must be aged between 18 and 35 (by application deadline), able to communicate in English and demonstrate strong leadership. The youth leaders are expected to uphold the common values of humanity, multilateralism and the UN Charter, and be committed to the UN 2030 Agenda and the Global Development Initiative.
6.The application shall fulfill the following obligations.
If selected as Excellence Actions, programs are required to regularly publicize program progress on social media, submit annual progress report and willing to accept media interviews.
IV.How will the Excellence Actions be selected?
The selection of the Excellence Actions will be determined by the International Selection Committee through a consultative process. Programs will be graded by the following evaluation criteria based on application materials.
·Relevance: The compatibility of the programs with the SDGs and the Global Development Initiative. Programs in line with the aforementioned thematic tracks will be preferred.
·Influence: Measurable outcomes and level of social impact of the programs, e.g., number of individuals impacted, number of media reports, frequency of activities, awards from international organizations and governments.
·Innovation: Uniqueness and ingenuity, evaluated by their well-designed structure, products and stable operating model.
·Sustainability: Ability to sustain with a sustainable operating model beyond aid/ grants.
·Potential: Stability of partners and resources, potential to benefit others beyond the current scope of impact, be replicable and technically feasible in other countries and regions.
V.How to apply for the Excellence Actions?
Please send the application materials to wydf@wydf.org.cn before November 30, 2024.
Looking forward to your participation!
wydf@wydf.org.cn
