By Favour Olive Chijioke
Behind every global shift are local changemakers—ordinary people who decide to take action where they are, with what they have. That’s exactly what United People Global (UPG) Sustainability Leadership Programme celebrates: the power of youth-led action to shape a more sustainable world.
UPG Sustainability Leadership is the world’s largest and most comprehensive sustainability training for young adults. It equips participants with the skills and support needed to lead projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—a global call to end poverty, protect the environment, and promote peace and prosperity by 2030.
A unique feature of UPG’s program is its emphasis on storytelling as a form of action. Each participant is encouraged to collaborate with a journalist or storyteller to share their journey. This initiative amplifies local stories that may otherwise go unheard—stories of resilience, innovation, and determination in the face of global challenges.
Among the standout participants of the 2025 cohort is Tribe 09, fondly known as Wave of Change. This diverse team of changemakers exemplifies the spirit of thinking globally while acting locally. Their work spans climate education, clean energy access, and promoting social equity—each project grounded in community engagement and cultural relevance.
One of Tribe 09’s active members, Nouran Farouk, is a medical doctor whose passion for sustainable living drives both her personal and community efforts. “We’re not just checking boxes,” she says. “We’re learning how to embed sustainability into our daily lives, and then helping others do the same.”
For Tribe 09, joining forces with journalists wasn’t about visibility for its own sake. It was about creating a platform where real stories of grassroots sustainability could inspire others to start where they are. Whether organising climate literacy sessions or promoting green practices in urban settings, this tribe understands that true impact begins with consistent local action.
As of 2025, over 13,600 young leaders have applied to join UPG Sustainability. More than 1,000 have already been trained and certified, many of whom go on to lead projects that touch lives in tangible ways. A select number, including members of Tribe 09, are even eligible for an advanced, fully-funded in-person training on Hurricane Island in the USA—a unique opportunity to deepen their leadership capacity and build lifelong networks.
The story of Tribe 09 is a reminder that sustainability is more than strategy—it’s service. Through community-based projects and storytelling partnerships, they are creating ripples of change that stretch far beyond their borders.
