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Gender Equality and the Sustainable Development Goals

Participants receive access to a five-week program exploring the intersection between gender equality and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program features weekly guest speakers, lectures on the SDGs, an honorary certificate, practical projects, leadership and skill development, and the opportunity to be selected as one of 17 SDG Interns at the International Youth Council on Gender Equality.

Program Description

Participants gain access to a five-week educational and leadership development program exploring the intersection between gender equality and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Throughout the program, participants will examine how gender equality connects to broader global challenges, including poverty, education, health, decent work, climate action, peace, justice, and inclusive institutions.

The program combines weekly guest speaker sessions, interactive lectures, practical projects, and skill-building activities designed to move participants beyond theoretical learning and toward meaningful engagement with the SDGs. Participants will have opportunities to strengthen their leadership, advocacy, communication, research, and project-development skills while learning how young people can contribute to sustainable development in their communities and beyond.

Upon successful completion, participants will receive an honorary certificate recognizing their participation and achievement. Participants will also have the opportunity to be considered for selection as one of 17 SDG Interns with the International Youth Council on Gender Equality, representing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and contributing to initiatives connected to the Council's work in gender equality and sustainable development.

The Sustainable Development Goals Program will run for five weeks, from October 24, 2026 to November 21, 2026, with sessions taking place every Saturday at 2:00 PM (UTC+0).

Session Dates

Saturday, October 24, 2026
Saturday, October 31, 2026
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Saturday, November 21, 2026

Each session will focus on a different group of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, allowing participants to progressively explore the full SDG framework and the connections between sustainable development and gender equality.

Weekly Session Format

Each week will follow a consistent structure:

Guest Speaker: Each session will begin with a guest speaker who will introduce the week's themes and share their experience, expertise, or perspective on sustainable development.
Lecture: The speaker will be followed by an educational lecture exploring the week's assigned SDGs, their global significance, and their relationship to gender equality and broader social development.
Mini-Assignment: Participants will complete one practical mini-assignment each week, based on one of the SDGs covered during that session. These assignments are designed to encourage participants to apply what they have learned beyond the lecture environment.

Week 1 — People & Well-Being

Saturday, October 24

SDG 1 — No Poverty
SDG 2 — Zero Hunger
SDG 3 — Good Health and Well-Being

The first week introduces participants to the foundational challenges of poverty, food security, and health, examining how these issues intersect with equality, opportunity, and human development.

Week 2 — Education & Equality

Saturday, October 31

SDG 4 — Quality Education
SDG 5 — Gender Equality

This week focuses on education and gender equality, examining how access to education, equal opportunity, and the empowerment of women and girls contribute to sustainable development.

Week 3 — Infrastructure, Work & Opportunity

Saturday, November 7

SDG 6 — Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 7 — Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Participants will explore the systems and infrastructure that support sustainable

communities, with particular attention to economic opportunity, technological development, access to essential resources, and the future of work.

Week 4 — Communities, Consumption & Climate

Saturday, November 14

SDG 10 — Reduced Inequalities
SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13 — Climate Action

This week examines inequality, urban development, sustainable consumption, and climate change, highlighting the importance of building communities and systems that are both resilient and inclusive.

Week 5 — Planet, Peace & Partnership

Saturday, November 21

SDG 14 — Life Below Water
SDG 15 — Life on Land
SDG 16 — Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals

The final week brings together environmental sustainability, peace and justice, strong institutions, and international cooperation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving the SDGs.

Following successful completion of the five-week program, participants will have the opportunity to be considered for a Sustainable Development Internship with the International Youth Council on Gender Equality (IYCGE).Up to 17 interns will be selected, with each intern representing one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Selected interns will work alongside the IYCGE’s senior team to develop a research report, policy project, advocacy initiative, or other practical project focused on their respective SDG.

Throughout the internship, participants will receive guidance, mentorship, and support from senior members of the Council, allowing them to further develop their research, leadership, project management, and advocacy skills. Projects will be developed with the assistance and endorsement of the International Youth Council on Gender Equality, giving interns the opportunity to produce substantive work that can contribute to broader conversations surrounding sustainable development and gender equality.The program is designed to take participants beyond learning about the SDGs and into actively contributing to them, giving young leaders the opportunity to turn their interests into tangible research, projects, and initiatives with the support of an international youth organization.Sustainable Development Interns

Participants can register during either the Early Bird Registration period or the Regular Registration period. Early registration provides participants with a reduced program fee and an opportunity to secure their place in the program in advance.

Early Bird Registration

August 29 – September 12, 2026

$25 CAD

Early Bird Registration offers participants the opportunity to register early and secure access to the full five-week program at the designated early registration rate.

Regular Registration

September 13 – October 23, 2026

$40 CAD

Regular Registration will remain open until October 23, 2026, subject to program capacity. Participants registering during this period will receive access to the same program, sessions, learning opportunities, and certificate requirements as those who register during the Early Bird period.