UN SDGs Youth Innovators Challenge | Singapore | 12 July – 19 July 2025
Background
The UN SDGs Youth Innovators Challenge is an initiative by the Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center (GSLDC), in collaboration with global youth development partners. As an affiliated center of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), this challenge aligns with UNITAR’s mission to foster innovation and leadership among youth in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Designed to enhance sustainable development knowledge among youth, the challenge nurtures UN SDGs Youth Innovation Pioneers through a series of interactive activities. With the theme “Innovation for a Better Future: Sustainable Development Practices from Community to Global,” the competition encourages youth to engage in innovative solutions for the SDGs. The challenge follows a city tour format, taking place across various Asia-Pacific cities in partnership with local organizations. Outstanding projects from regional rounds advance to the global finals in Singapore, where participants present and defend their solutions. The selection process prioritizes innovation, feasibility, sustainability, and social impact, providing young innovators with a platform to showcase their creativity and receive professional mentorship.
Singapore Training Bootcamp: AI for a Sustainable Future
- Date: July 12 – July 19, 2025
- Participants: Secondary students from China, ASEAN countries, and other Asia-Pacific regions (ages 13–18)
- Number of Participants: Estimated 100
- Language Medium: English
Project Vision
The Singapore Training Bootcamp is a crucial stage in the lead-up to the final round of the challenge in December 2025. In collaboration with the International Diagnostic & Admissions Test (IDAT), the bootcamp leverages IDAT’s extensive global network of schools and professional partners across six continents. Focusing on “AI for a Sustainable Future,” the program explores AI’s role in advancing sustainable development, equipping participants with the skills to integrate AI into sustainability initiatives. The bootcamp blends theoretical learning with hands-on experiences, including visits to AI companies, cultural explorations, and sustainability projects. A Model United Nations (MUN) simulation concludes the program, enabling participants to apply their knowledge in a global context.
Learning Objectives
(A) Knowledge Acquisition
Participants gain a solid foundation in sustainable development and AI, developing an understanding of global challenges and opportunities in these fields. Learning is facilitated through AI and AIGC (AI-Generated Content) basics, alongside insights into sustainable practices observed during city explorations.
(B) Skill Development
The bootcamp nurtures essential skills through lectures, training, research, and hands-on activities:
- Creativity: Story discovery and creation sessions
- Leadership: Team formation and collaboration exercises
- Decision-Making: Task assignments and project discussions
- Teamwork: Cultural explorations and project collaboration
- Communication: Presentation and reflection sessions
- Execution: AIGC video generation and project implementation
(C) Global Literacy
Through the Model United Nations (MUN) simulation, participants enhance their diplomatic and international collaboration skills. Exposure to Singapore’s sustainability initiatives further deepens their understanding of global sustainable development efforts.
Bootcamp Highlights
(A) Cutting-Edge Themes
The bootcamp explores AI’s applications in addressing global sustainability challenges, including environmental and climate issues.
(B) Immersive Experiences
Leveraging Singapore’s advancements, participants engage in:
- Green Campus Exploration
- Smart City Landmark Visits
- AI Company Tours
(C) Project-Based Learning
The bootcamp revolves around “AI-Based Social Innovation Projects,” where participants design and implement sustainability-driven solutions.
(D) Model United Nations Simulation
Participants engage in a diplomatic simulation focused on AI and sustainable development integration, practicing negotiation and policy-making skills.
(E) Recognition and Incentives
Outstanding participants receive authoritative certificates, university application support, UN practice opportunities, and more.
Scholarship Policy
IDAT Scholarship Program
Before attending the bootcamp, students may need to take the IDAT scholarship exam, which assesses English proficiency, personality traits, and other academic skills. The exam identifies promising students with international perspectives and a keen interest in sustainable development. Successful candidates receive invitations to the training camp, with top scorers eligible for scholarships:
- Scores above 85: Third Prize Scholarship (5,000 yuan)
- Scores above 90: Second Prize Scholarship (10,000 yuan)
- Scores above 95: First Prize Scholarship (full camp fee coverage)
Detailed Agenda
Day 1 – 12 Jul (Saturday): Arrive in Lion City, Begin Journey
Day 2 – 13 Jul (Sunday):
• 0900-1000: Camp Opening
• 1000-1200: Task Release, Team Formation, Team Building
• 1300-1700: Campus Exploration Start
• 2000-2100: Debrief on Field Observation
Day 3 – 14 Jul (Monday):
• 0900-1200: Introduction to AI and AIGC Basics, Story Discovery and Creation, Learning AIGC Tools and Image Creation
• 1300-1700: Visit AI Companies and Discussion on AIGC
• 2000-2100: Project Discussion: Teamwork
Day 4 – 15 Jul (Tuesday):
• 0900-1200: Garden City Exploration
• 1300-1700: Cultural Trail Shaping of Garden City
• 2000-2100: Debrief on City and Cultural Trail
Day 5 – 16 Jul (Wednesday):
• 0900-1200: City Walk and Visit NTU Sustainability Structures
• 1300-1600: AIGC Video Generation and Video Enhancement & Finalize Creation
• 1600-1800: Presentation and Reflection
Day 6 – 17 Jul (Thursday):
• 0900-1200: Registration and Opening of UNSMUN
• 1300-1500: Committee Session I
• 1600-1800: Committee Session II
Day 7 – 18 Jul (Friday):
• 0900-1030: Committee Session III
• 1030-1200: Committee Session IV
• 1300-1500: Committee Session V
• 1600-1800: Committee Session VI
Day 8 – 19 Jul (Saturday):
• 0900-1030: Committee Session VII
• 1030-1200: Committee Session VIII
• 1300-1500: Closing Ceremony
• 1500-2300: Depart Lion City for Home
For inquiries, please contact: info@ungyldc.org