The Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center, in partnership with Renmin University of China, the Global Youth Dialogue among Civilizations Alliance, and China Daily, presents the “SDGs Youth Public Policy Innovation Challenge: Protecting Cultural Diversity.” This initiative invites university students and young innovators worldwide to develop policy-oriented solutions addressing the protection and promotion of cultural diversity. The challenge provides a platform for participants to engage with sustainable development from both theoretical and practical standpoints, building on the success of previous editions which have attracted significant international participation. The 2026 event, held from July 19th to 25th in Beijing and Suzhou, China, coincides with the 80th anniversary of the UNESCO Constitution's entry into force, aiming to empower the next generation of leaders to contribute to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
Organizing Institutions
• Host Institution: Renmin University of China
• Co-hosting Institutions: Global Sustainable Development Goals and Leadership Development Center (UNITAR SDGs Singapore Center), Global Youth Dialogue among Civilizations Alliance, China Daily
Participant Benefits
• Global Recognition: Present proposals on an international platform and receive feedback from global experts.
• Expert Support: Access tailored guidance, mentorship, and research assistance to refine policy proposals.
• Fully Funded Opportunities: Selected teams traveling to China will receive comprehensive financial support covering airfare, accommodation, and on-ground logistics.
• Career and Academic Advancement: Award-winning participants gain recognition and may be recommended for United Nations internship programs, professional exchanges, and forums like the World Youth Development Forum.
• Networking and Collaboration: Engage with a global network of scholars, policymakers, and peers.
• Policy Impact and Dissemination: Outstanding proposals will receive support for academic publication and practical application, with exceptional outcomes potentially submitted to United Nations entities.
Eligibility Criteria
• Participants must be youth aged 18-35.
• Applications are accepted from individuals or teams of up to five members.
• Cross-disciplinary and cross-year collaboration is encouraged.
• The challenge is open to students and young innovators worldwide.
• Teams must submit a policy proposal aligned with the challenge theme and guidelines.
• Finalists must be able to travel to China for the offline finals.
Program Theme: Protecting Cultural Diversity
The 2026 challenge focuses on “Protecting Cultural Diversity,” recognized as the common heritage of humanity. While vital for social cohesion and sustainable development, cultural diversity faces threats from globalization and social transformation. The theme aligns with international frameworks like the UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Participants are invited to develop policy-oriented solutions that promote dialogue, mutual learning, and inclusiveness to support a diverse and resilient global community, marking the 80th anniversary of the UNESCO Constitution's entry into force.
Event Schedule
• March 23rd – April 10th: Open Application Period.
• April – June: Proposal Evaluation by an interdisciplinary panel of experts.
• June: Announcement of advancing teams, with expert feedback provided for proposal refinement.
• July 19th – July 25th: Offline Finals in China, including proposal defense, academic exchanges, and field research activities for finalist teams.
Note: The timeline is indicative and subject to change.
Incentives and Awards
• Financial Assistance: Eligible teams traveling to China will receive tiered financial support for airfare, accommodation, and logistics.
• Award Categories: A range of awards will be presented, including Main Awards, Special Team Awards, and Special Individual Awards.
• Publication and Policy Impact: Winning proposals will be supported for academic publication and practical application, with potential submission to UN entities.
• Expert Mentorship: Shortlisted and winning teams gain access to expert consultation and research support.
• Career Opportunities: Exceptional participants may be recommended for UN internships, professional exchanges, and international forums.
• Global Network: Participants will connect with a global community of scholars, policymakers, and peers.
Proposal Guidelines
• Language: Proposals must be written in English.
• Scope: Each submission should address a single, well-defined issue related to the theme.
• Content: Proposals must be based on field research and case analysis to develop feasible, innovative, and generalizable policy recommendations.
• Structure: A complete proposal must include a Proposal Overview, Problem Analysis, Policy Design, and Feasibility Assessment.
• Word Count: The main text should not exceed 7,000 words, excluding research materials.
Proposal Writing Requirements
Proposals must be grounded in a real-world case and presented objectively. The submission must contain the following sections:
• Proposal Overview: A concise summary identifying the core issue and its significance to cultural diversity protection.
• Problem Analysis: A rigorous analysis of the problem’s root causes, social impacts, and broader importance, supported by research findings.
• Policy Design: A practical and generalizable solution detailing the rationale and operational logic of the proposed policy.
• Feasibility Assessment: An evaluation of the proposed solution's feasibility based on field research, considering implementation factors, challenges, and resource requirements.
Formatting Guidelines
• Language and Pagination: English, with numbered pages and a clear proposal title.
• Title Page: Must contain names of all members, affiliated institutions, submission date, and thematic area. Main title in 20-point Times New Roman, subtitles in 16-point, all centered.
• Table of Contents: List all major sections with page numbers. Text in 16-point Times New Roman.
• Body Text: 12-point Times New Roman, single-spaced, with the first line of each paragraph indented.
• References: On a separate page, formatted in 12-point Times New Roman, single-spaced.
• Word Count: Main text must not exceed 7,000 words.
Topic Requirements
Proposals must address real-world issues and reflect the following dimensions:
• Authenticity: Cases should be based on factual events, actual stakeholders, and verified timelines to provide practical insights.
• Typicality: Cases should be representative and significant, offering substantive value for discussion and study.
• Conflict: Cases should clearly present dilemmas, challenges, or conflicting interests among stakeholders.
Suggested Topic Scope
Proposals exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies are highly encouraged. Suggested areas include, but are not limited to:
• Sustainable Systems of Governance for Culture: Establishing participatory and legally sound systems for cultural governance.
• Flow and Mobility of Cultural Resources: Promoting a balanced flow of cultural goods and services through international cooperation.
• Integration of Culture in Sustainable Development Frameworks: Embedding culture into national and international development policies.
• Safeguarding Diverse Cultural Expressions and Their Creators: Upholding the right of diverse cultural expressions to exist and develop sustainably.
• AI for Cultural Diversity: Using AI and digital technologies to support the protection, promotion, and management of cultural diversity, including heritage preservation, access to resources, and intercultural dialogue.
Digital Tools and Supplementary Materials
Participants are encouraged to substantively integrate innovative tools like generative AI into their proposal's development, analysis, or validation. Supplementary materials such as system prototypes or visual content are also encouraged to demonstrate the proposal's implementation potential. All materials must be original and comply with scientific and technological ethics.
Application Details
• Submission Deadline: April 10th, 2026 (11:59 PM Beijing Time).
• Submission Platform: All proposals must be submitted via the designated Google Form: https://forms.gle/4XwgH3DVHp3Rf4gb7
• Additional Information: For program details and proposal criteria, refer to the official Program and Proposal Guidelines.
• Inquiries: Questions can be directed to the official WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CuKTyZ6BlYW1XcCc8HXAwV?mode=gi_t
This challenge offers a significant opportunity for young leaders to contribute to the global discourse on cultural diversity and sustainable development. By developing innovative policy proposals, participants can gain international exposure, receive expert mentorship, and potentially influence real-world policy. Interested individuals and teams are encouraged to review the detailed guidelines and submit their proposals to engage with this global initiative.