The SDGs Youth Summer Camp 2025 is not just a seasonal gathering—it is a global call to action for youth leaders committed to driving change in the realm of environmental sustainability. This fully funded Training Program takes place in South Korea, offering a rare and transformative platform for passionate individuals dedicated to solving one of the most pressing global issues: plastic pollution.
Organized by the United Nations Office for Sustainable Development (UNOSD) in collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and backed by the Korean Ministry of Environment, this prestigious program is designed to develop a new generation of environmentally-conscious leaders. It is a unique opportunity for youth activists, university students, and early-career professionals to engage in solution-oriented discussions and gain hands-on experience in addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Held over three days, the summer camp provides an intensive experience where knowledge, innovation, and leadership intersect. Through immersive workshops and expert-led modules, participants will not only understand the challenges of plastic waste but also learn how to design and implement solutions that have real-world impact. If you are looking to align your passion with purpose and connect with like-minded peers from around the world, this program could mark the beginning of your journey toward environmental leadership.
Program Details
Host Country:
South Korea
Program Location:
Seoul (GGGI Headquarters)
Program Dates:
August 19–21, 2025
Program Themes or Focus Areas:
Plastic pollution and environmental protection
Youth-led sustainability solutions
SDG-based leadership development
Plastic pollution remains one of the most complex and urgent environmental challenges of our time. The SDGs Youth Summer Camp 2025 addresses this issue by empowering participants with scientific, political, and entrepreneurial insights into sustainable waste management. Through its targeted focus areas, the camp integrates the broader mission of the SDGs with the urgent need to reduce plastic waste and promote green innovation.
Benefits
Participants selected for the SDGs Youth Summer Camp 2025 will receive the following benefits:
No registration fee required
Accommodation fully covered for the duration of the camp
All meals provided by the organizers
Certificate of participation and completion
Learning sessions led by international environmental experts
Networking with global youth leaders and professionals
Hands-on leadership development through practical group activities
This Training Program is intentionally designed to eliminate financial barriers to participation. It fosters a diverse and inclusive environment by fully covering costs and emphasizing accessibility, especially for youth from underserved or developing regions.
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure inclusive participation, the SDGs Youth Summer Camp 2025 is open to a broad demographic:
Open to youth of all nationalities
Applicants must be born between 1997 and 2007
No IELTS or formal English certification required
Applicants must be proficient in English for participation
No program fee required
This Youth Forum is accessible to students, community leaders, and young professionals worldwide. The flexible age and language criteria ensure that a wide range of voices are included—creating an environment rich in diversity, cultural exchange, and shared learning.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must follow these steps to complete the application process:
Visit the official application page (linked via the UNOSD or GGGI website).
Complete the online application form with accurate personal and academic details.
Upload any additional documents as instructed (no IELTS required).
Review your submission thoroughly before clicking “Submit.”
Submit your application as early as possible to improve your chances of selection.
Await an official notification via email if selected for the program.
The application process is simple and straightforward, designed to ensure fairness and inclusivity. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of their passion for sustainability, leadership potential, and ability to contribute innovative ideas for environmental change. Early applications are highly recommended due to limited seats.
Application Deadline
Not officially specified. Early application is strongly encouraged.
Applicants should regularly check the official websites of UNOSD or GGGI for updates. Due to high global demand and limited space, early submission significantly enhances your chances of being selected.
The SDGs Youth Summer Camp 2025 is more than just a short-term event—it is a stepping stone for future leaders committed to transforming communities and policies through sustainable practices. With a specific focus on Leadership Programs within the environmental sector, the camp empowers young people to think globally and act locally.
The camp is especially impactful for those looking to deepen their understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their practical implementation. Through the lens of plastic pollution, the program brings SDG-related learning to life by bridging the gap between theory and action. Participants are encouraged not only to understand the issue but to return to their home countries with the tools and networks necessary to create local solutions.
In the face of climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource scarcity, the need for empowered, educated, and networked youth leaders has never been greater. This summer camp enables its participants to become environmental stewards—change agents equipped with the technical knowledge and collaborative mindset necessary to address these complex challenges.
Equally important is the program’s location: South Korea, a country at the forefront of innovation and environmental policy. By hosting the camp in Seoul, participants are exposed to pioneering technologies and community-level green initiatives, offering valuable real-world insights into sustainable development.
The role of youth in solving the global plastic crisis cannot be overstated. Plastic pollution is a cross-sectoral issue that affects ecosystems, human health, and economic development. Tackling it requires integrated solutions, and youth are uniquely positioned to provide fresh perspectives, digital innovation, and advocacy. The SDGs Youth Summer Camp 2025 recognizes this by creating a space where young leaders are both learners and innovators.
As a result of attending, many alumni have gone on to pursue careers in sustainability consulting, environmental law, NGO leadership, and even international policy advising. Past participants frequently report that the camp served as a defining moment in their professional and personal growth—an experience that gave them the confidence and skills to take on greater responsibilities in their communities and networks.
This camp is also a gateway to future engagement with United Nation initiatives and global leadership networks. Being selected places you within a growing ecosystem of youth change-makers who continue to collaborate long after the camp concludes. Whether you aspire to start your own eco-enterprise, represent your country at international negotiations, or work with international environmental organizations, this program is the perfect launchpad.
Ultimately, the SDGs Youth Summer Camp 2025 represents an intersection of knowledge, purpose, and impact. It is an invitation to all aspiring youth leaders to contribute to one of the most critical missions of our era: building a sustainable world for future generations.
Application Deadline: Not officially specified. Early application is strongly encouraged.
