SDG Youth Public Policy Innovation Challenge: Food Security and Poverty Alleviation | Beijing, China| 24-28 July, 2025
OVERVIEW
The Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center (UNITAR SDGs Singapore Center), in collaboration with Renmin University of China, proudly presents the “SDG Youth Public Policy Innovation Challenge: Food Security and Poverty Alleviation.” This initiative invites university students from prestigious institutions worldwide to address critical issues in global development public policy related to food security and poverty alleviation. The competition serves as a leading platform for young innovators to explore sustainable development both theoretically and practically, encouraging them to propose creative solutions to contemporary policy issues from a youth perspective.
As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 10th anniversary of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2025, this competition aligns with our mission to empower the next generation of leaders. By engaging students in this global dialogue, we aim to cultivate their awareness of pressing issues, enhance their problem-solving skills, and foster innovative thinking. Participants will contribute their insights and solutions to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, reflecting the shared commitment of global youth and educational institutions to advance sustainable development and build a community with a shared future for all.
The Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center is dedicated to nurturing globally competent leaders who are equipped to drive transformative change. This competition exemplifies our commitment to fostering a collaborative environment where young people can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become future leaders in sustainable governance.
ORGANIZING INSTITUTIONS
- Guiding Organization: The Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China
- Technical Support Organization: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
- Organizers: Renmin University of China, Universities Alliance of Young Ambassadors
- Co-organizer: Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center (UNITAR SDGs Singapore Center) & United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN?
- Global Recognition: Showcase your proposal on a global stage and receive feedback from international experts.
- Expert Support: Gain expert consultation and research assistance to refine and enhance your proposal.
- Fully Funded Opportunities: Top teams will receive full funding for academic exchanges and field research in Beijing.
- Career Advancement: Stand out with recognition from the alliance and the chance to apply for the United Nations on-the-job training program.
- Networking: Connect with scholars, professionals, and peers, expanding your global network for future opportunities.
ELIGIBILITIES
- Participants must be youth aged 18-35.
- Teams must consist of 1-3 members
- Open to university students and young innovators worldwide.
- Teams must submit a proposal addressing food security and poverty alleviation based on the contest’s guidelines.
- Must be able to present offline if selected for Category I or present online for Category II.
THEMES: FOOD SECURITY AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION
The landscape of food security and poverty has evolved significantly since the FAO first highlighted global hunger issues in 1974. Today, challenges such as rapid population growth, urbanization, increasing wealth, and changing consumption patterns are testing our food systems’ capacity to deliver nutritious food. The alarming trend in food security necessitates a reevaluation of strategies for addressing malnutrition and poverty eradication.
The FAO’s 2022-2031 Strategic Framework underscores the pivotal role of food and agriculture in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Agriculture is identified as a crucial tool for eradicating poverty and ensuring food security. The framework advocates for developing a more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agricultural food system, promoting better production, nutrition, environment, and life quality. These principles support Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and contribute to the broader sustainable development agenda.
Food security, defined as universal access to safe and nutritious food, is a cornerstone of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is explicitly addressed in Sustainable Development Goal 2 (“Zero Hunger”) and interwoven throughout all the goals. Addressing extreme poverty, climate challenges, and community resilience is intrinsically linked to ensuring food security.
Eliminating hunger is central to the FAO’s mission and a core objective for countries worldwide. United Nations member states are committed to eradicating extreme poverty and hunger by 2030. The FAO supports nations in fostering inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods by developing and implementing evidence-based poverty alleviation policies, strategies, and programs.
The contest theme centers on food security and poverty elimination. Based on the 20 key areas highlighted in the FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-2031, participants can choose from a range of topics. These topics should allow for comprehensive discussions from multiple perspectives while maintaining a focused scope. The contest seeks case studies that effectively integrate narrative storytelling with robust data, showcasing participants’ solid policy knowledge and exceptional analytical skills.
EVENT SCHEDULE AND TIMELINE
| Date | Stages | Details |
| March 21 – April 7 | Open Application | Applications open globally. |
| April 7 – May 31 | Proposal Evaluation | Interdisciplinary experts review submitted proposals, and advancing teams are selected based on scores. |
| May 31 | Result Announcement | Selected teams announced; experts provide feedback for proposal refinement. |
| July 24 – July 28 | Offline Finals in China |
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INCENTIVES
- Fully funded opportunities to engage in academic exchanges, institutional visits, and practical research activities focused on their proposals in Beijing for selected teams.
- Winning teams will receive prizes and recognition.
- Support will be provided for the academic transformation of winning proposals.
- Expert consultation and research assistance will be available for teams seeking further development.
- Outstanding participants will be recognized by the board of directors of the alliance.
- Top participants will be recommended to apply for the United Nations on-the-job training program.
NOTICES
- Deadline for Submission: April 7th, 2025 (11:59 PM Beijing Time)
- Extended Deadline: April 14th, 2025 (11:59 PM Beijing Time)
- Submission Platform: All proposals must be submitted through Google Form
- For more information about the program details and proposal criteria, please refer to the official documents
- Inquiries: For any questions, please contact: jay.ngoun@ungyldc.org
