About Us
empowering young leaders worldwide
Global Youth Leadership Development Council (GYLDC) is a Singapore-based not-for-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering young leaders worldwide to contribute towards the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Our seasoned executive team comprises experts in international education and development, all committed to fostering a new generation of leaders equipped with creativity, initiative, integrity, and essential skills in decision-making, collaboration, communication, and project implementation.
GYLDC forges strategic partnerships with UN agencies, NGOs, universities, and research institutions globally to disseminate critical knowledge on environmental degradation, climate change, and public health. We work closely with universities to cultivate talents for international organizations, ensuring that young leaders are well-prepared for global challenges. Our comprehensive program encompasses volunteering, traineeships, internships, research initiatives, and hands-on practice to equip youth with the skills they need for effective engagement.
Global
platforms to connect
GYLDC seeks to cultivate global youths on 21st century competencies, through social entrepreneurship and innovation to solve UNSDG challenges.
Our mission is to educate and inspire young people about the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while empowering them to take meaningful action toward their implementation. We aim to:Develop leadership skills through targeted training and mentorship; Foster global collaboration among diverse youth; Amplify youth voices in sustainability dialogues; Support impactful initiatives that address local and global challenges.
Uniting Passion for Change and Innovation
Brings together youths who are passionate about issues such as climate change, social justice, world peace, technology, innovation, education, and global sustainability.
Connect, Collaborate, and Drive Sustainable Change
Global platform for youths to connect, share, collaborate, learn and be mentored. We empower youths to influence policy, initiate grassroots movements, and implement sustainable solutions in their local communities and beyond.
Empowering Youth to Lead Global Action for the SDGs by 2030
Opportunities for youths to participate in international conferences, workshops, and competitions. Youths can play a vital role in raising awareness about the SDGs and mobilizing action towards achieving these goals by 2030.
Vision
A sustainable and equitable world driven by empowered youths.
Mission
To identify and develop promising youth leaders globally as champions of sustainable development and innovation.
Goals
Educate and Inspire
To educate young people about the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and inspire them to take meaningful action towards their implementation.
Build Leadership Skills
To develop the leadership skills of young individuals through training, mentorship, and real-world experience, enabling them to become effective change-makers in their communities.
Foster Global Collaboration
To create a vibrant, inclusive community of young leaders from diverse backgrounds and cultures, encouraging collaboration, sharing of best practices, and mutual support.
Amplify Youth Voice
To amplify the voices of youth in global sustainability dialogues, ensuring that their perspectives and ideas are heard and valued in policy-making and implementation processes.
Drive Impactful Initiatives
To support and empower young leaders in designing and executing projects and initiatives that have a tangible impact on their local communities while contributing to the global agenda of the SDGs.
Promote Sustainable Solutions
To encourage innovation and the development of sustainable solutions to global challenges, fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship and creativity among young leaders.
Key Activities
Education and Awareness Workshops
Hosting interactive workshops and seminars to educate young people about the 17 SDGs. These sessions can focus on understanding each goal, its importance, and how youth can contribute towards achieving them.
Leadership Development Programs
Offering programs and training sessions to develop leadership, project management, and advocacy skills among youth. These programs can be tailored to empower young leaders to initiate and lead sustainable development projects.
Community Engaging Projects
Facilitating and supporting community-based projects that align with specific SDGs. These could range from local clean-up campaigns for environmental sustainability to educational programs addressing quality education (SDG 4).
Policy Advocacy and Dialogue
Organizing forums and discussion panels where young leaders can engage with policymakers, contribute to policy discussions, and advocate for sustainable development priorities.
Global Youth Conferences and Summits
Hosting or participating in international conferences and summits that bring together young leaders from around the world to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and build a global network committed to the SDGs.
Research and Innovation Challenges
Conducting research initiatives or challenges that encourage youth to develop innovative solutions to address various aspects of the SDGs, such as climate change, poverty reduction, or sustainable cities.
Mentorship and Networking Opportunities
Providing mentorship programs where young leaders can connect with experienced professionals and experts in fields related to sustainable development. This can foster knowledge exchange and professional growth.
Collaborations with NGOs and Governments
Partnering with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government bodies to work on joint initiatives, campaigns, or projects aimed at achieving the SDGs.
Sustainable Entrepreneurship Support
Encouraging and supporting young entrepreneurs who are developing business solutions that contribute to the SDGs, through funding opportunities, incubation programs, or networking events.
Digital Campaigns and Social Media Engagement
Utilizing digital platforms and social media to raise awareness, share success stories, and mobilize youth participation in activities related to the SDGs.
Core values
Create meaningful impact and empower individuals to reach their full potential.
Diversity
We embrace a wealth of perspectives and ideas
Efficacy
We deliver impactful and effective initiatives
Sustainability
We uphold the UNSDGs
Synergy
We build cross-sectoral ecosystem to provide better exposure and opportunities for youth
Experts List (Past Collaborations, Partial)
Erik Solheim
Former Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with leadership in global environmental and development initiatives
Fabrizio Hochschild
Former United Nations Under-Secretary-General, with a focus on global governance and leadership
Jan Mattsson
Former Executive Director of UNOPS and Director at UNDP, with expertise in global project management and ESG. Chairman of Ever Impact and the United Nations Museum (UN Live)
Satya S. Tripathi
Chair of the Sustainable India Finance Facility and former Secretary of the UN Environment Management Group. Member of the Global Ethical Finance Initiative and former Head of the UNEP New York Office, focusing on sustainable finance and climate change
Janos Pasztor
Former UN Assistant Secretary-General for Climate Change and Executive Director of C2G, with expertise in global climate governance
Patrick Hennessy
Human resources consultant with extensive UN experience, including roles at UNHCR, WHO, and UNICEF. Currently consults for UNECE on senior recruitment and change management
Julian Fleet
International law and humanitarian expert with senior roles at UNHCR, UNAIDS, and UNDP, and former Permanent Observer for IDLO in Geneva
Shaoqi Wang
Expert in international relations; former Director-General for International Cooperation at China’s Ministry of Science and Technology and Deputy Director-General at ITER
Ge Yunyan
UNDP veteran with 40+ years of service, contributing to UNDP’s work in China and sustainable procurement for the 2030 Agenda. Known as “Madam Ge.”
Fulai Sheng
an expert in environmental economics, led key green economy initiatives at WWF and UNEP. He is now a distinguished professor at Tongji University
JinJiang Yan
Industrial Development Officer at UNIDO, specializing in sustainable industrial development in the textile, apparel, and fashion sectors. Leading multilateral projects to support the 2030 Agenda
Zhuolun Chen
Senior Consultant at UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre. Expert in energy systems, building efficiency, and renewable energy integration. LEED-certified and registered energy assessor
Nanqing Jiang
Sustainable development expert, founder of Qinghe New Carbon Circular Economy Institute. Former UNEP senior officer. Focus on carbon reduction, plastic recycling, and corporate sustainability. Advisor to Procter & Gamble and Alibaba
Yu Bin
IMCA Member of International Meteorite Collectors Association, Member of International Meteorite Society, International Meteorite Hunter, Expert Lecturer of Art Class of Tsinghua Academy of Fine Arts, National Geographic Cooperation Expert