
The 1 Million Youth Actions Challenge (1MYAC) has officially launched its much-anticipated 3rd Call for Youth-Led Projects. Young changemakers around the world are invited to submit innovative project proposals that address pressing water and climate challenges within their communities.
Eligible youth aged 18–35 are encouraged to apply with solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future, with a chance to receive up to CAD 5,000 in funding to implement their project ideas. Applications are open until August 15, 2025, and can be submitted via the official platform.
Thematic Focus: SDGs and Climate Action
This call for proposals seeks youth-led initiatives that tackle one or more of four key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
This year, special attention will be given to projects related to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and the fight against plastic pollution — two growing global concerns that urgently require grassroots intervention and innovation.
Whether the idea addresses urban waste management, plastic alternatives, sustainable agriculture, reforestation, or inclusive water governance, 1MYAC is looking for locally relevant and youth-driven solutions that can scale impact.
Webinar Opportunity: Learn Before You Apply
To assist applicants in developing strong proposals, 1MYAC is hosting an informative webinar on:
July 22, 2025 at 9:00 AM (UTC-4) – in English
Participants will gain insight into the application process, learn how to align their proposals with the SDGs and DRR objectives, and hear from previous youth fellows and mentors.
Youth Leadership on the Global Stage: 1MYAC at GPDRR 2025
Earlier this year, 1MYAC played a central role at the Youth Blast — the official youth forum of the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) in Geneva, organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Sendai Stakeholder Children and Youth Group.
The Youth Blast event brought together youth delegates, civil society representatives, and international organizations to strengthen youth leadership in disaster risk governance. Hosted at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG), the event emphasized inclusive, intergenerational collaboration for climate resilience.
1MYAC Workshop: Linking DRR and the SDGs
At the Youth Blast, 1MYAC hosted a hands-on workshop titled “Youth Actions for DRR through the Lens of the SDGs.” The session used a World Café format, encouraging participants to rotate through four SDG-themed stations (SDGs 6, 12, 13, and 15). Discussions explored:
- The intersection between DRR and each SDG
- Local youth-led actions that can address disaster risks
- Strategies for integrating DRR into ongoing or planned initiatives
- How to submit new actions to the 1MYAC platform
The workshop also utilized a digital Miro board to engage both in-person and virtual participants, fostering a truly global youth dialogue.
Youth as Catalysts for Change
The 1MYAC presence was led by Communications Manager Kavi Ponnuthurai, supported by youth ambassadors Defne Salli and Saliqa Amin. Their contributions highlighted the importance of youth coordination, peer facilitation, and collective action in global advocacy spaces.
Special thanks were extended to Terry Otieno and the DRR Constituency Focal Points, as well as key partners including UNICEF, ActionAid Denmark and Bangladesh, Global Platforms, COPE, Arab Youth, and UCL.
WE ARE WATER – Part III in Martinique
1MYAC’s global campaign “WE ARE WATER” also continued its momentum in 2025. Originating at the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, the campaign uses artivism — the intersection of art and activism — to advocate for better water governance and against plastic pollution.
In Martinique, the performance was hosted during Water Week, organized by Office de l’Eau Martinique (ODEM). Over one tonne of plastic was collected, and the artistic display raised awareness on the vital role of mangrove ecosystems, which are often threatened by pollution, climate change, and unsustainable practices.
Held at the Étang des Salines, a RAMSAR-listed wetland, the event amplified the urgency to protect ecosystems that support biodiversity, prevent erosion, and sustain freshwater cycles — touching on SDGs 6, 12, 13, 14, and 15.
Next Steps: From Local Impact to Global Advocacy
The WE ARE WATER campaign will continue to expand, with upcoming showcases planned for:
- The UN Water Conference 2026 in Dubai
- The Third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France
As part of these efforts, 1MYAC continues to support youth around the world to translate local action into global advocacy.
How to Get Involved
Youth between 18 and 35 years old can still submit their proposals until August 15, 2025. To apply and join the movement, visit 1MYMC official website.