Applications are now open for the 2026 WE (Women Entrepreneurs) Empower UN SDG Challenge, a prestigious global competition recognising women entrepreneurs who are advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovative and impactful businesses.
Launched at the United Nations General Assembly in 2018 by the UN Secretary-General, the President of the World Bank, and the Council of Women World Leaders, the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is the first global initiative of its kind focused exclusively on celebrating and supporting women-led enterprises driving sustainable development worldwide.
About the 2026 Programme
In 2026, five regional awardees will be selected from around the world to participate in a high-profile program held during Climate Week NYC and the 81st United Nations General Assembly, taking place from September 19–26, 2026 in New York.
Selected awardees will benefit from a week-long agenda that includes:
- Pitch workshops and leadership training
- Tailored capacity-building sessions from global partners
- Curated networking with senior leaders in business, policy, and philanthropy
The programme will culminate in a live pitch competition hosted by fashion icon, philanthropist, and Vital Voices Board Member Diane von Furstenberg, where finalists will present their enterprises to a distinguished panel of judges for a chance to win grant funding.
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BCG ASPIRE Women’s Workshop 2026: All-Expense-Paid Consulting Experience in Barcelona
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be at least 21 years old by August 1, 2026
- Identify as a woman entrepreneur
- Hold a primary decision-making leadership role in the organisation
- Operate a business or organisation that has been active for at least three years by August 1, 2026
- Employ a minimum of three full-time employees or full-time equivalents
- Generate at least USD $75,000 in annual revenue
- (For nonprofits, revenue may include grants, donations, and fundraising income)
- Be professionally proficient in English
- Be able to provide audited financial records if shortlisted
Application Requirements
Applicants will be required to submit:
- Personal and business information, including the selection of one primary region of operation:
- Asia–Pacific
- Europe and North America
- Latin America and the Caribbean
- Middle East and North Africa
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Written responses explaining:
- How their work advances one or more UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Their long-term vision for contributing to a sustainable and equitable future
- How they promote gender equality within their organisation and community
- Social media details (if applicable) and agreement to the programme’s terms and conditions
- A two-minute video pitch, prepared according to the official application guidelines
Why Apply?
- Global visibility through UN-affiliated platforms
- Exclusive access to Climate Week NYC and UN General Assembly-related events
- High-level mentorship and training
- Networking with global decision-makers
- Opportunity to win grant funding to scale your impact
Application Deadline
March 8, 2026
Apply for the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge
