Next Generation India Fellowship
Application Deadline 30th Oct 23
CEEW and the United Nations Foundation are excited to introduce the Next Generation India Fellowship as part of UN Foundation’s Our Future Agenda program and CEEW’s focus on building careers in public policy.
Launched on the sidelines of India’s G20 Presidency, this unique two-year fellowship is specifically designed to empower India’s most promising young leaders under the age of 30 to shape the future of their nation and the world, working closely with the Global Next Generation Fellows. It aims to unlock original, maverick and substantive ideas from the youth of India for a sustainable future.
Next Generation India Fellows will have the chance to engage with and learn from global leaders, policymakers, and influencers, gaining unparalleled insights into the processes that shape world affairs. The fellowship provides robust support in the form of mentorship, skill-building workshops, and networking opportunities, all geared towards helping Fellows hone their leadership skills and amplify their impact.
Guided by experienced mentors, the Fellows will gain a deeper understanding of policy-making, strategic planning, and global diplomacy. They will also have the opportunity to present their innovative ideas at global forums, thus influencing key global discussions and decisions.
The Next Generation India Fellowship is not just a learning experience, it’s a platform to transform global leadership and mark a positive difference in the world.
Next Generation India Fellowship
The Next Generation India Fellows is an opportunity for young Indian thinkers and leaders to gain first-hand experience in understanding and solving the world’s most pressing challenges from the lens of the Global South. In the year that India will be confirmed as the world’s most populous country and leads the G20, this fellowship will provide a global platform for its young doers, leaders, and thinkers, to explore and champion an agenda for next and future generations. The UN Foundation (UNF) and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) will work in partnership to co-deliver the fellowship, building links between these Fellows and changemakers in other young countries, and providing a platform for the Fellows during India’s G20 presidency, the Sustainable Development Goals Summit in 2023, and the Summit of the Future in 2024.
The fellowship supports the One Future theme of India’s G20 and its commitment to 21st century multilateralism and the acceleration of the implementation of the United Nations Agenda 2030 – and will build towards the first United Nations Summit of the Future in 2024. As part of the two-year fellowship, the fellows will foster honest conversations about the One Future theme of the G20 presidency, the implementation of the SDGs, and build consensus around a ‘future agenda’ for young Indians. The fellows will also explore options for investing in their generation and for protecting the needs and rights of India’s future generation. The fellowship will provide an opportunity to strengthen youth-led and youth-focused networks, platforms, and contribute towards institution building.
In line with our commitment to building links between immediate, near-term, and long-term challenges, this work will:
- Develop solutions for the most urgent challenges facing young Indians, in areas such as education, health, inclusion for marginalized young people, sustainable growth, and disaster risk reduction.
- Tackle risks that will shape the lives of next and future generations across the course of this century, including climate change, biodiversity loss, food systems, digital transformations, emerging security threats, and catastrophic and existential threats.
- Make proposals for how to build 21st century international institutions that can think, plan, and act for the future.
The Next Generation India Fellows will work with UNF and CEEW to design, implement, and lead a process that will develop proposals to influence the global policy agenda. Each Fellow will be selected to key priorities emerging from the G20, namely climate finance, energy security, food security, inclusive growth, women-led development, digital transformation, global health, and 21st century multilateralism. Working across these areas, Fellows will connect with other youth-led networks and young leaders, and will take feedback from members of these various organizations and academic experts in the form of Action Groups. They will also explore how the UN and the broader international system can create space for young people to participate and shape decisions that affect their futures and how it can represent the interests of future generations.
Why the Next Generation India Fellowship?
India is the world’s most populous country, with more than half of its population under the age of 30. As a young country, this puts India in a unique position to influence the future on a global level. With the Next Generation India Fellowship, we aim to provide young Indian changemakers a global platform to voice their ideas and influence key discussions across the international system.
Next Generation India Fellows are an integral part of a dynamic and energetic cohort of young leaders who are igniting discussions centered around India’s G20 theme of “One Future.” These exceptional individuals are at the forefront of championing the cause of 21st-century multilateralism, driving forward a vision of collaboration, inclusivity, and progress. Their contributions are instrumental in building a prosperous and inclusive society, ensuring that the aspirations of future generations are met with optimism and resolve.
The influence of Next Generation India fellows extends far beyond the duration of their fellowship. As they actively engage in meaningful conversations, they inspire and empower others to join the movement towards a brighter future. Their leadership is not only impactful in the present, but it also leaves a lasting legacy, shaping the trajectory of India’s progress for years to come.
Themes
1. Global Cooperation
Focussing on leveraging global systems to address universal challenges facing young people in India and other countries and identifying opportunities to strengthen Global South leadership. Representing the Next Generation India Fellows and the gender equality thematic role, the Next Generation Lead Fellow will engage with this theme.
2. Public Health
Focusing on India’s evolving public health landscape, aiming to emphasise preventative measures, health education, and the integration of technology within healthcare solutions.
3. Sustainable Cities
Re-imagining India’s urban spaces focusing on transforming cities into more inclusive, resilient, safe, and eco-friendly habitats.
4. New Technologies
Evaluating how India’s technology advancements can be deployed responsibly, inclusively, and sustainably with a focus on innovation.
5. Culture & Communities
Delving into the power of art and culture from India’s local communities to help shape a resilient, inclusive, and vibrant India by 2100.
6. Gender Equality
Address persistent gender disparities and supporting the empowerment of young girls and women to ensure a more equitable society.
7. Future of the Workforce
Exploring how India can prepare its rapidly growing young population for the evolving demands of the future, taking into account economic growth, technological disruption and the global labor market.
8. Affordable & Clean Energy
Exploring the intersection of energy access and climate change focusing on solutions to achieve an equitable and just energy transition.
9. Oceans
Reimagining sustainable marine and coastal ecosystem management focusing on reducing risks, building resilience and improving security, in tandem with national priorities and global treaties.
How to Collaborate with Our Fellows
Partners can play an invaluable role in supporting our fellows and contributing to their mission. Here are some of the ways you can get involved:
- Share Knowledge:Provide insights and expertise related to your field. This can help our fellows gain a broader understanding of challenges and potential solutions.
- Offer Resources:If you have resources that could assist in the fellows’ projects, consider offering them. This could include technologies, research materials, or access to facilities.
- Mentorship:Share your experiences and wisdom by mentoring a fellow. This can greatly aid their personal and professional growth.
- Networking Opportunities:Help our fellows expand their professional network by connecting them to potential collaborators, sponsors, or thought leaders in your field.
- High-Level Advocacy:Work with fellows to amplify key messages and push for change during influential moments across the UN and the international system.
- Intergenerational Research and Dialogues:Invite leaders and experts across your network to join research and dialogue sessions across generations, bridging the gap between knowledge and experiences to tackle complex challenges.
How to Apply
Applications are open for the following themes: Public Health, New Technologies, Gender Equality and Future of the Workforce. Please note that this is not a full-time role. The thematic fellows are required to dedicate one day per week towards the fellowship over the next two years. To apply, please write to atima.bakshi@ceew.in with your CV, a cover letter highlighting relevant experience and skills and examples of previous work related to programme management, sustainable development, or youth leadership by 31 October 2023. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
In addition, applications are open for the Next Generation India Lead Fellow. This is a full-time role for the two-year fellowship. To apply, please write to reman.singh@ceew.in with your CV, a cover letter highlighting relevant experience and skills, examples of previous work related to programme management, sustainable development, or youth leadership and a one-minute video on your motivation to apply for the role by 31 October 2023. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Next Generation India Lead Fellow
Next Generation India Fellow – Public Health
Next Generation India Fellow – New Technologies
Next Generation India Fellow – Gender Equality
