Young people are increasingly acknowledged as vital contributors to transformative climate action, playing roles such as negotiators, innovators, inventors, entrepreneurs, and agents of change. However, they face a significant shortfall in essential technical, financial, and political resources and support needed to fulfill their aspirations.

In response, the Government of Italy and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with a range of knowledge partners and youth constituencies, have set out to identify, support and scale youth-led climate breakthroughs through the global Youth4Climate initiative.

Structured as an innovation challenge, this second edition of the Y4C Call for Solutions aims to support the work of young people and youth-led organisations in five thematic areas: Climate and Environment Literacy, Sustainable Energy, Food and Agriculture, Nature Assets, Sustainable Consumption and Production.

Successful applicants will be awarded:

• Up to US$ 30,000 to implement or scale the proposed innovations.
• The possibility to access technical support to strengthen their capacity on specific topics.
• The support from a mentor to develop their proposal.
• Storytelling opportunities during next events of the Youth4Climate initiative and through the Youth4Climate Platform and Website of UNDP and its partners.

Proposals, if successful, can be implemented over a maximum of 24 months. Proposals can be submitted in English, French or Spanish.

The 2024 Call will fund youth-led solutions in five broad areas: 

1. Climate and Environmental Literacy
2. Sustainable Energy
3. Food and Agriculture
4. Nature Assets
5. Sustainable Consumption and Production

Solutions may naturally address more than one of these areas, though applicants will be asked to identify one primary focus area.

Climate and Environmental Literacy:

This area emphasizes the pivotal role of education and literacy in addressing the challenges posed by the climate crisis. The focus is on equipping individuals, communities and societies with the necessary knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes required for sharing and achieving the goals set by the Paris Agreement and crucial for both mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

Solutions within this area include: 

– comprehensive strategies that go beyond traditional classroom settings, spanning from formal education delivered through institutional channels, such as public organizations and recognized private bodies, to non-formal education providing structured content for lifelong learning. 

– informal education, acknowledging learning activities that take place in family, workplace, local community, and daily life contexts. 

– awareness-raising about climate issues, ensuring that individuals are not only informed but also actively engaged in disseminating knowledge within their communities, fostering a broader understanding and commitment to sustainable practices.

Sustainable Energy:

The global pursuit of sustainable energy goals is progressing, but the pace falls short of the urgency required. By 2030, an estimated 660 million people will still lack access to electricity, while nearly 2 billion people will continue relying on environmentally harmful fuels and technologies for cooking. The critical role of reliable and affordable energy in our daily lives collides with the stark reality that energy consumption remains the primary driver of climate change, responsible for approximately 60 percent of total global greenhouse gas emissions. In addressing these challenges, proposals are encouraged to explore cutting-edge applications of technology to enhance access to affordable and reliable energy services, promote the widespread use of renewable energy sources, and boost overall energy efficiency. Whether designed for households, industries, or other stakeholders, the proposed solutions could cover a broad spectrum of applications, ranging from clean cooking and transportation to heating and cooling. This holistic approach seeks to catalyze a just and sustainable energy transition aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7).

Food and Agriculture: 

Food systems and agriculture are a key part of climate action. Agriculture and other land uses account for nearly a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions, and one third of global produce destined for human consumption is lost or goes to waste. Climate change is a major contributor to food insecurity, as food systems struggle to respond to shocks in weather patterns and continually increasing demand. Solutions to these challenges may include, among others, regenerative, resource- and climate-resilient food production practices, or interventions related to food processing, distribution and consumption.

Nature Assets: 

Healthy ecosystems are our planet’s life support system. Forests, for example, absorb around one third of the carbon dioxide released annually through the burning of fossil fuels. The ocean is one of the largest carbon reservoirs, while mangrove forests and coral reefs protect our coastlines against rising sea-levels. Despite this immense value, nature is rapidly declining due to human activities. Animal and plant species are disappearing at a rate not seen for 10 million years, while global forest loss continues at a rate of around 10 million hectares per year, costing the global economy nearly US$10 trillion. Solutions in this area centre on the conservation and restoration of these precious natural assets.

Sustainable Consumption and Production:

It is broadly recognized that our unsustainable patterns of consumption and production are driving the triple planetary crisis. Currently, only 7.2 percent of used materials are cycled back into our economies after use. Estimates show that we are already using more than the available amount of Earth’s natural resources and if current trends were to continue, we would need three planets by 2050. Our current economic system can be considered a “linear economy”, built on a model of extracting raw materials from nature, turning them into products, and then discarding them as waste. A successful transition to a circular economy will mean minimizing waste and pollution, keeping materials in circulation for as long as possible at their highest value, and regenerating natural systems. Circular solutions can consider the entire lifecycle of economic activities and products, from electronics to plastics and textiles, as well as improvements in resource efficiency and the designing of products for longevity, repairability, and recyclability.

At the conference, YWPs engaged with global leaders in panels, workshops, and roundtables. The Fellowship culminated at Grundfos Headquarters in Denmark in September 2023, where YWPs showcased projects, discussed takeaways, and emphasised the crucial role of young professionals in shaping the water sector’s future.

Earlier this week, these young water professionals presented an impactful and unique publication at the 5th IWA 2023 Emerging Water Leaders Forum held alongside the IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition in Kigali, Rwanda. Impressed with the work the YWPs have done over the year, Grundfos announced that it will continue to support the Fellowship along with IWA by extending the collaboration and give the YWPs the opportunity to work and strengthen their projects. The members who have passed the 35-year mark will support the Fellowship in an advisory role, leaving 10 Youth members on the journey to accelerate water action. Grundfos and IWA will continue conversations to reinforce the value of youth for the water sector at a global scale.

Poul Due Jensen, CEO of Grundfos says, “We are proud to support the YWPs. When it comes to safeguarding our precious water resources, we have a responsibility to act now while at the same time being forward-looking. By collaborating with these dedicated young people, we are enabling future water leaders, whose fresh perspectives will lead us towards sustainable water management.”

Kala Vairavamoorthy, Executive Director, IWA added, “The Fellowship brought together 13 exceptional YWPs from diverse corners of the world, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries to create a transformative journey. The result of this journey is today’s joint Grundfos-IWA publication. The partnership with Grundfos is very important to us as it has enabled young water professionals to pick up and work on key projects and also have a voice at key global forums.”

The Youth Action for SDG6 – IWA & Grundfos Fellowship Outcomes aims to highlight the important role young people play in the UN 2030 Agenda, focusing on how the water sector can be transformed by their energy and excellence. It is a culmination of the exciting journey the 13 YWP have been on. Each chapter of this anthology is a mosaic of the Youth Fellows’ projects, carefully chosen to reflect their unique contributions toward achieving the SDGs, with a focus on SDG 6. The publication’s five chapters focus on how we can activate, develop, and yield the contributions from young water professionals around the globe effectively.

The publication is a testimony to the diverse understanding of the representatives of the Fellowship and offers both inspiration and concrete suggestions for actors in the water industry and policy makers.

Inês Breda, outgoing IWA-Grundfos Fellow & Senior Manager of Global Partnerships and Alliances, Grundfos, says “Participating in the fellowship feels like getting a sneak peek of the water crisis at a global scale, while at the same time it gives me hope because I experienced how water professionals from all around the globe spend vast amount of their time and energy into developing solutions.  I am thankful for the experience and I cannot wait to continue to support the current young leaders of the water sector.”

Murthi VK Executive Director at Net carbon vision a company based in Dubai, pitched to Uganda;s delegates and  a team of ministers and members of parliament from Uganda ,Seeking opportunities in Uganda ,In his address, Mr. Murthi said  they realized Uganda has a huge potential when it comes to green carbon credits, and therefore as a company they are already exploring long term partnerships. From the delegates however, there was was  a lot of reactions ,when it comes to issues around measuring greenhouse gases, Hon. Abed bwanika raised the issues particularly on safety ,he advised that consultations should be comprehensive to ensure that the right frameworks are put in place by policy makers.

Mr Sivarama Krishnan –Chief technology officer advised that they are paying close attention how to approach concerns on how to reduce greenhouse emissions and  enable Ugandan enterprises and the government  make money out of it through carbon credits. ‘’We have engaged some of our industry partners who have shown interest to support Uganda in this industrialization journey.’’ Stated Krishnan .

This comes at a time when Uganda is in the process of passing a compliance instrument, regulating responsible production activities. Discussions are ongoing with various ministries with the intention to partner, these include the ministry of energy and aligned agencies in relation to GHG verification.

For the last 5 years ,with support from the Dutch government, The WASH SDG Programme,has been spearheaded by SIMAVI and Plan International Uganda to provide solutions in Uganda with a keen focus on hard to reach communities ,bridging the social gaps around access to basic water ,sanitation and addressing regressive gender norms.

speaking at the Uganda pavilion at COP 28,Ms. Rashidah Kulanyi, Country representative for SIMAVI revealed the impactful contributions of the programme in alleviating impacts of climate change on local communities in the Districts of Agago,Kamuli,Buyende and Nebbi.

Rashidah indicated that the programme has responded in uplifting the opportunities for Women as these usually have been the most hit by impacts of adverse climate.”In areas like agago ,”we have provided cookstove solution options that conserve energy to enable  ease the hardship that women have to undergo in sourcing for firewood”. stated Rashidah.

During the panel discussion, Mr. Samuel Andrew Kiiza, -Plan international Uganda highlighted the need to focus on key actions that propel the future of the girl child. He noted that as part of the CSO fraternity, they have focused on building the capacity of community to respond to the climate crisis through actions that conserve the environment.

‘’Climate crisis exacerbates gender inequalities and with the existing gender inequalities girls are hardest hit by the impacts of climate change’’ said Samuel

According to Mr. Kiiza ,Less than 2% of the climate strategies mention girls and this has implications of prioritization and budgeting for climate actions to help women and girls cope up with the shocks and stresses as a result of climate change

He noted that to this effect, the WASH SDG  programme invested in climate resilient and gender transformative interventions including ; climate smart solutions ( elevated latrines), rain water harvesting systems to collect and store water for use during drought, clean energy, gender transformation through trainings and community dialogues to facilitate shard workload by men and women.

On behalf of the Private sector, Nobert Oola,- senior Business Advisor at WASEU raised the concern around the critical role of the private sector. He emphasized that as much as the private sector is looked at as a solution provider, more still needs to be done to create the right enabling environment. ” As we make progress towards getting the different private sector  players to respond to the the call to improve the demand and supply value chains of critical products and services that aide adaptation and climate mitigation, alot of financing is still required to make this a reality ”,said Nobert.

He said as part of the WASH SDG Programme in Uganda ,the Uganda WASH Alliance partners have made concerted efforts to support WASHNUBS in establishment of woodlots to regreen areas most affected.

Ms. Matha Naigaga, stated the central roles of Government in WASH and its interaction with Climate change policies and strategies. ”We can not overlook the role of the private sector and that of government in achieving an  enabling environment for women and girls. ”After all is said and done ,concerns of the Girl’s rights needs to  come out clearly in policies and strategies. ” she also added that Climate Change policies and programs need to be  embedded in school education for better sustainability to nature the future generation.

Our vision is:  “A Centre of Vocational Excellence in Africa”

Our mission is: “To holistically transform the lives of the youth through Evangelism and Vocational Skills Training”

Our core values are; God fearing, Excellence, Time management, Honesty, Discipline and Teamwork.

To ensure the achievements of its Vision, NVI Njeru is seeking for highly motivated persons and suitably qualified professionals with high and proven integrity, committed and passionate to our Vision, Mission and Core values, and with good Christian values for employment in the under listed positions.

If you are committed to our Vision, Mission and Core Values, send to the Director Nile Vocational Institute your application letters accompanied with certified academic documents, Curriculum Vitae bearing names of three referees to: uganda.coms@aeint.org not later than close of business on 1^st December, 2023.  Application instructions; clearly indicate the title of the Position you are applying for as the subject matter. Only pdf attachments will be accepted.

Job Title: Deputy Director Training and Academics (DDT/A)

Reports To: Director

Salary scale: N2

Vacancies: 01

Responsible for:        Dean of Students, Examinations Coordinator, Industrial Training Coordinator, Heads of Section, Librarian and Assistant Librarian.

Job Purpose: To spearhead and oversee student’s enrolments and statistical data base, effective curriculum delivery, quality teaching and instructions in all departments. Ensure efficiency in evaluation of learners, and be a team player in implementation of the institute strategic plan.

Responsibilities:

1. Plan and coordinate teaching and training operations to achieve the institute’s strategic aims and objectives.
2. Ensure that teaching, learning and evaluation of learners are conducted effectively in all departments and sections per approved standards and procedures.

• Plan and conduct periodic curriculum review with support of heads of sections to ensure relevance to the job market and furthering education of learners.

1. Coordinate teaching / training staff capacity building programmes through high quality continuous professional development and or coaching and mentoring.
2. Oversee compliance of teachers’ code of conduct at the institute, Christian values, child policy implementation and student’s safety, health and disciplinary obligations.
3. Coordinate quality assurance protocols accredited to the institute by Education Authorities to uphold periodic internal and external inspections.

• Develop a one stop centre for reliable student’s enrolment and performance database and relevant statistical data pertaining to teaching, learning and evaluation of learners.
• Accurately generate lists of students on campus.

1. Promote public relations and effective communication systems within the institute, peers and strategic partners for enhanced collaboration and networking.
2. Coordinate research on market driven courses and develop innovative and creative platforms to generate effective solutions to emerging challenges and problem solving.
3. Participate in budgeting process, manage and account for all resources channelled through the department and be a team player in institute financial management programmes.

• Comply with the institute’s policies and procedures and attend Governing Council meetings.
• Carryout any other duties as may be assigned by the Director.

Qualifications and Work experience

1. Masters’ degree in a Technical related field and a Post Graduate diploma in Public Administration or Management Studies will be added advantage.
2. A Bachelors’ degree in Engineering or any related technical/vocational field.
3. A diploma in Technical Teacher/ Instructor Education (DITTE/DTTE from a recognised University/Institution or diploma in Vocational Instructor Training (DVT) is a must for all applicants and should be registered with the Ministry of Education and Sports.
4. Minimum of Nine (9) years Working experience, three (3) of which should have been at the level of Principal Lecturer or six (6) years at Senior Officer Level.
5. Should be conversant in running of Institute Affairs, procedures and systems, and should be well versed with the context of BTVET system and the Uganda tertiary education system.

Competencies/Skills:

1. Visionary, innovative and self-driven.
2. Excellent teaching, management and interpersonal skills.
3. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
4. Business management and networking skills.
5. Ability to work with minimal or no supervision.
7. Computer literate.

Critical Qualities/

1. Demonstrates ability in the management of academic planning, programs and management;
2. Exceptionally proven high level of honesty, integrity and proficiency
3. Capacity to motivate and counsel staff and students;
4. Planning, organizing and coordinating;
5. Concern for quality, standards, accountability, self-driven, organized and disciplined;
6. Time management;
7. Passionate commitment to Nile Vocational Institutes’ Vision Mission and Values.
8. Mature Christian faith.
9. Professional in demeanour, appearance, writing and oral communication.
10. Works well under stress with a sustained positive attitude.
11. Intelligent, creative and proactive problem solver.

Apply Here

Rotary’s commitment to peace and the generosity of Rotary members around the world combine to make the Rotary Peace Centers program distinctive and successful.

Clubs and districts have the power to shape the next generation of peace leaders both by recruiting and nominating peace fellows and by keeping them engaged after the fellowship ends.

Every Rotary year, district governors appoint a District Rotary Peace Fellowship Subcommittee Chair to oversee the Rotary Peace Fellowship application and endorsement process. The subcommittee chairs, along with additional trained Rotary endorsers, interview candidates and submit endorsement decisions. Rotary endorsement is required before The Rotary Foundation can consider a candidate. Clubs help by recommending and coaching qualified candidates.

Eligibility

Rotary Peace Fellowships may not be used for doctoral study. You are not eligible for the fellowship if you are:

• An active Rotary member or a Rotaract member who is also a Rotary member
• An employee of a Rotary club or district, Rotary International, or another Rotary entity
• A spouse, lineal descendant (child or grandchild by blood or legal adoption), spouse of a lineal descendant, or the parent or grandparent by blood of any living person in the previous categories
• A former Rotary member, or their relative as described above, within 36 months of the member’s resignation

* Rotaract club members who are not also Rotary club members are eligible to apply.

Rotary Peace Fellows who have completed the certificate program, the Master’s program, or a Global Grant Scholarship must wait three years between the end date of that program and their intended start date for the fellowship.

Candidates must have a gap of at least three years between the completion of their most recent academic degree program (undergraduate or graduate degree) and their intended start date for the fellowship. Candidates currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program are not eligible to apply.

Learn More

The Commonwealth Distance Learning programme is one of three Master’s programmes offered by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the UK government scholarship scheme led by international development objectives. It operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship plan (CSFP) and offers a vivid demonstration of the UK’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth. By attracting individuals with outstanding talent and identifiable potential from all backgrounds and supporting them to become leaders and innovators on returning to their home countries, the CSC’s work combines sustainable development with the UK national interest and provides opportunities for international partnerships and collaboration.

Purpose:

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to access training and skills required for sustainable development not available in their home countries.

Intended beneficiaries:

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are for candidate from eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries, to undertake part-time taught Master’s study with UK universities while remaining in their home countries.

Apply Here

The Audi Environmental Foundation actively supports research into new technologies and scientific methods for a liveable future. Its stated goal is to make a contribution to environmental protection and to create and promote ways of behaving sustainably.

The Foundation focuses in particular on promoting and developing environmentally compatible technologies, measures for environmental education, and protecting the natural necessities of life for humans, animals, and plants. It was established in 2009 by AUDI AG as a 100-percent subsidiary and is part of the company’s social and environmental commitment.

Scarce resources, environmental destruction, climate change, and population growth – are just a few aspects that are influencing society, politics, and business. With the advancing change in social values, for more and more people, sustainability is becoming part of their outlook on life. The challenges that confront us are increasingly complex. Only by working with partners can we develop good concepts and sound solutions to successfully cope with these challenges.

Audi Environmental Foundation is therefore collaborating with One Young World to offer scholarships to 15 inspiring young leaders to attend this year’s One Young World Summit 2023 in Belfast, UK.

This scholarship is intended for young leaders driving change and tackling the climate crisis through innovative new technologies, the advancement of climate education, or the preservation of ecosystems through halting or reversing land degradation.

Scholars will receive

Access to the One Young World Summit 2023 in Belfast, UK.
Hotel accommodation in Manchester between 2 – 5 (inclusive) October 2023.
Participation at the pre-event by Audi AG and the Audi Environmental Foundation on 1 October 2023.
The cost of travel to and from Belfast (flights in economy).
Catering which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Transport between the Summit accommodation and the Summit venue.

Criteria

Aged 18 – 30.
Nationals of all countries will be eligible to apply for this scholarship.
Evidenced commitment to delivering positive change.
Demonstrated capacity for leadership.
Understanding of key local and/or global issues.
Track record of generating impactful and innovative solutions.
Demonstrated impact and innovation in tackling environmental challenges.

Application deadline – 22 March 2023

Apply Here