Applications are now open for the 2026 WE Empower UN SDG Challenge, a prestigious global competition celebrating women entrepreneurs who are driving innovation and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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 international initiative dedicated to recognizing women-led enterprises that are creating measurable impact while inspiring communities to build a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030.
In 2026, five regional awardees will be selected from across the world to participate in high-level events held during Climate Week NYC and the 81st United Nations General Assembly, taking place from September 19 to 26, 2026.
Selected awardees will engage in an intensive, high-impact programme that includes pitch workshops, tailored leadership and business training from leading global partners, and curated networking opportunities with influential figures in business, policy, and philanthropy. The experience will culminate in a live pitch competition hosted by Diane von Furstenberg at her New York studio, where finalists will present their enterprises to a distinguished panel of judges for a chance to receive grant funding.
Eligibility requirements for the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge include being at least 21 years old by August 1, 2026, identifying as a woman entrepreneur, and leading decision-making within your business or organization. Applicants must operate an enterprise that has been active for at least three years, employ a minimum of three full-time staff or equivalents, and generate at least USD 75,000 in annual revenue. For nonprofit organizations, revenue may include donations, grants, and funds raised through fundraising activities. Applicants must also be professionally proficient in English. Finalists will be required to submit audited financial records during the vetting stage.
As part of the application process, candidates will provide basic personal and business information, including the region that reflects their primary country of operation: Asia–Pacific, Europe and North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Middle East and North Africa, or Sub-Saharan Africa. Applicants will also submit responses explaining how their work advances the Sustainable Development Goals, how they promote gender equality within their organization and community, and their long-term vision for sustainable impact. Additional requirements include security questions, social media details if applicable, agreement to the competition’s terms and conditions, and a two-minute video submitted through the application portal.
Application Deadline: March 8, 2026.
Women entrepreneurs building scalable, impact-driven solutions aligned with the SDGs are strongly encouraged to apply and take their work to a global stage.
For full details and application guidelines, visit the official webpage of the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge.
