By Blessed Richard Hamungala
Across cities, villages, and remote communities worldwide, a wave of youthful ambition is sweeping in—over 13,600 young people have applied to be part of the UPG Sustainability Leadership Class of 2025, seeking to join a global movement that is reshaping how local communities respond to sustainability challenges.
Behind every application lies a story of hope, urgency, and a deep desire to make a difference.
The UPG Sustainability Leadership programme is no ordinary training.
It is a transformational journey that equips young adults with tools to lead projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
From climate action to poverty eradication and quality education, these leaders are stepping into the frontlines of global change.
In 2024, 1,030 leaders from over 100 countries were selected for the Class of 2024. They underwent a rigorous nine-week online training, covering leadership strategies, project design, and community mobilisation.
Today, these certified UPG Leaders are implementing local initiatives — from tree planting campaigns in Africa to waste management solutions in Asia and gender advocacy in Latin America.
Since the programme’s inception in 2019, over 86,000 citizens have been directly trained in sustainability and positive action.
Many go on to train others, multiplying the impact in their communities.
For a few exceptional leaders each year, the journey continues to the USA — to Hurricane Island, where a fully-funded, in-person leadership training pushes boundaries and builds lifelong international networks.
“It’s more than a programme. It’s a movement of young people choosing action over silence,” says one UPG organiser.
Backed by global partnerships and the unwavering support of philanthropist and author Rosamund Zander, the initiative remains free for participants, a rare opportunity in a world where financial barriers often limit access to leadership development.
Blessed Richard Hamungala writes from Siavonga, Zambia.
