UNDP storytelling challenge 2026 for young Egyptians.

Introduction

Applications are now open for the 2026 UNDP storytelling challenge. “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. 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.

Objective

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.

Eligibility

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

Application Requirements

Submissions include:

1. Completing the application form, outlining the story idea, chosen topic, format, and message.
2. Recording a 40–60 second video answering: “Which focus area did you choose, and why did you join Youthس?”

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.

Timeline

• Challenge launch: 15 April
• Application deadline: 7 May
• Selected participants announced: 19 May
• Capacity building: May–June
• Content production: June
• Final announcements: July