In Egypt, climate change isn’t just a global headline; it’s a reality reflected in our agriculture, our waste management, and our daily city life. However, the voices of the youth who witness these changes firsthand often remain unheard in formal policy circles. Many young Egyptians have creative ideas and powerful stories about local solutions but lack the professional training and global platform to turn those ideas into impactful media content.
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The 2026 UNDP “Youthس” (Youth-Seen) Storytelling Challenge is a creative bridge designed to amplify these voices. Part of the Danish-Egyptian Dialogue Initiative (DEDI), this challenge invites young people across all Egyptian governorates to share their lived experiences through short videos, vlogs, and digital art. By providing expert storytelling capacity-building and a space where youth voices lead the conversation, UNDP Egypt is ensuring that the next generation of environmental leaders is both seen and heard.
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2026 UNDP “Youthس” Storytelling Challenge Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | UNDP Egypt |
| Initiative | Danish-Egyptian Dialogue Initiative (DEDI) |
| Target Audience | Young Egyptians (Aged 18–35) |
| Primary Benefit | Storytelling Training & Content Guidance |
| Focus Areas | Food, Waste, and Climate Change |
| Eligible Region | All Governorates in Egypt |
| Application Deadline | May 7, 2026 |
About the Initiative 2026
The name “Youthس” blends English and Arabic to reflect a cross-cultural spirit where youth are truly “Seen” (the Arabic letter س). This challenge is not just a competition; it is a movement to create youth-to-youth exchange through grounded daily experiences. Implemented by UNDP Egypt in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, the initiative seeks to move beyond abstract data and focus on ethical storytelling that respects local communities while sparking global awareness.
Core Objectives of the Program
- To empower young Egyptians with professional storytelling and digital media skills
- To showcase local, community-led solutions to climate change and waste management
- To foster a pan-Egyptian network of environmentally conscious digital creators
Focus Areas for Submissions
Participants are invited to submit story ideas centered on one of these three pillars:
- Food and Agriculture: Impacts on farming, traditional knowledge, or innovative urban gardening.
- Waste and Circular Economy: Local recycling initiatives, reducing plastic use, or upcycling.
- Climate Change: General environmental challenges, heatwaves, water scarcity, or coastal changes.
Benefits of the UNDP “Youthس” Challenge 2026
- Capacity-Building: Receive professional training in storytelling and digital content creation.
- Expert Guidance: Get dedicated time and mentorship to produce your high-quality content.
- Showcase Opportunities: Have your work featured on international UNDP and DEDI platforms.
- Future Engagement: Possibility to participate in future UNDP activities and environmental forums.
- Certification: Earn a certificate of participation upon the successful completion of the challenge.
Eligibility and Requirements for the 2026 UNDP Challenge
- Age: You must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Residency: You must reside in any governorate within Egypt.
- Application Type: Individuals can apply (one person per idea).
- Commitment: Shortlisted applicants must complete courses on the Digital Learning Platform.
- Participation: You must be available for all online capacity-building sessions.
- Ethics: Must commit to ethical storytelling that avoids discriminatory or exploitative portrayals.
Step-by-Step Application Guide for the UNDP “Youthس” Challenge
Phase 1: Idea and Vision Conceptualization
- Identify a climate-related issue in your daily life or community.
- Choose your format: Short video, Reel, Vlog, Audio story, or Digital visual content.
- Note: You do not need finished content yet—only a strong vision and idea.
Phase 2: Recording the “Why” Video
- Record a 40–60 second video.
- Answer two questions: “Which focus area did you choose, and why did you join Youthس?”
- Ensure the lighting is clear and your voice is audible.
Phase 3: Social Media Engagement
- Upload your video to your social media (Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook).
- Tag DEDI and UNDP Egypt in your post.
- Use this to show your passion and readiness to lead the conversation.
Phase 4: Formal Form Submission
- Complete the official Microsoft Form provided by UNDP Egypt.
- Outline your story idea, chosen topic, format, and the message you want to send.
- Include the link to your social media video within the form.
- Submit before the deadline of May 7, 2026.
Phase 5: Learning and Selection
- Shortlisted candidates will be notified to begin the Digital Learning Platform courses.
- Complete the online sessions to refine your storytelling skills.
- Join the Scholarship Region WhatsApp groups for updates on UNDP Egypt selection results.
Jamnet Expert Advice
- Use the SMART Method: Be Specific about your local community story, ensure your message is Measurable in its impact, and keep it Relevant to the three focus areas.
- Apply the STAR Technique: In your idea pitch, describe a Situation (an environmental issue), the Task (what needs to change), the Action (your proposed story/solution), and the Result (the awareness you aim to spark).
- Key Emphasis: Focus on “Lived Experience.” UNDP is looking for stories grounded in daily reality, not just academic facts about climate change.
- Proactive Tip: Ensure your storytelling is “Ethical.” Avoid portraying people in a way that feels exploitative or misleading; focus on dignity and local solutions.
Deadline: May 7, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Do I need a professional camera? No, you can use your smartphone to create high-quality reels, vlogs, or digital content.
- Is this challenge only for people in Cairo? No, it is open to young people residing in any governorate in Egypt.
- Can we apply as a team? Currently, the challenge is designed for individuals to apply with their own ideas.
- Do I have to submit a finished video now? No. At this stage, you only submit an idea/vision and a 40-60 second intro video.
- What languages can I use? The challenge has a cross-cultural spirit; you can use Arabic or English as appropriate for your story.
- What is DEDI? It is the Danish-Egyptian Dialogue Initiative, which works on media, culture, and youth engagement.
- How long is the training? The specific timeline for online sessions will be shared with shortlisted participants.
- Is there an application fee? No, participating in the UNDP Youthس challenge is completely free.
- Can I choose more than one focus area? It is better to focus on one area (Food, Waste, or Climate) to keep your story clear and strong.
- What if I don’t have social media? Sharing the video and tagging the organizers is a requirement for the application process to inspire youth-to-youth exchange.
