“Youthس” is a storytelling challenge inviting young people across Egypt to showcase how climate change appears in their everyday lives and the possible solutions they see in their surrounding communities.
Using simple formats such as short videos, reels, vlogs, audio stories, or digital visual content, Youthس creates a space where youth can feel seen “س”, share stories grounded in their daily experiences, and connect them to broader environmental realities and local solutions. It is a space where youth voices are not just heard, but also lead the conversation, inspire awareness, and spark meaningful youth‑to‑youth exchange.
The name Youthس blends English and Arabic, reflecting the challenge’s cross‑cultural spirit. Youthس is part of the Danish‑Egyptian Dialogue Initiative (DEDI), implemented by UNDP Egypt in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.
Why Youthس?
Youthس is grounded in the belief that young people are not only affected by climate change, but also hold valuable, lived perspectives on their environments.
The challenge aims to:
- Amplify youth voices and lived experiences.
- Connect personal stories to wider climate challenges.
- Highlight local solutions and innovative ideas.
- Create a space where youth feel seen, heard, and represented.
Who can participate?
The challenge is open to:
- Young people aged 18–35.
- Residing in any governorate in Egypt.
- Participants can apply individually.
- Applicants (if shortlisted) must be able to commit to (1) completing the Digital Learning Platform courses and (2) participate and complete the online capacity building sessions delivered under the competition.
Focus areas
Participants may submit ideas addressing impacts, challenges, or solutions related to one of the following focus areas:
- Food and agriculture
- Waste and circular economy
- Climate change
Accepted formats
Youthس welcomes creative freedom, including:
- Short videos
- Reels
- Vlogs
- Photo stories
- Digital artwork
- Audio stories/podcasts
What do applicants submit?
At this stage, applicants submit an idea and vision only: no finished content is required.
Submissions include:
- Completing the Microsoft Form, outlining the story idea, chosen topic, format, and message.
- Recording a 40–60 second video answering: “Which focus area did you choose, and why did you join Youthس?”
The video is uploaded through the form and shared on social media, tagging DEDI and UNDP Egypt.
Selection criteria
Ideas will be assessed based on:
- Relevance to the challenge’s themes and focus areas.
- Clarity, strength, and originality of the story idea, and its ability to capture the audience’s attention and communicate the message clearly.
- Demonstrated awareness and understanding of the environmental or climate issue being highlighted, whether at the community or at a broader level.
- Inclusion of constructive solutions, such as local community initiatives, innovative ideas, or positive environmental action related to the identified challenge.
- Ability to help the audience understand the environmental issues or lived experiences being shared.
- Ethical storytelling, including respect for individuals and communities, and avoiding harmful, misleading, discriminatory, or exploitative portrayals.
What happens next?
Selected participants will receive:
- Storytelling capacity‑building support
- Time and guidance to produce content
- Opportunities to showcase their work
- Possibility to participate in future activities
- Certificates of participation upon successful completion of the challenge
Timeline
- Challenge launch: 15 April
- Application deadline: 7 May
- Selected participants announced: 19 May
- Capacity building: May–June
- Content production: June
- Final announcements: July
How to apply
Application deadline: 7 May 2026 – Microsoft Form Registration Link
For more information and updates, please visit:
Facebook – Instagram – LinkedIn – UNDP Website
APPLY FOR UNDP Storytelling Challenge 2026
Kevin Onsinsi is a career advisor and content writer at WebPulse Jobs. He helps Kenyan job seekers find legitimate opportunities and avoid scams. Based in Nakuru, Kevin has worked with hundreds of job seekers across the country. Connect with him at kevin@webpulse.co.ke.
