United People Global
Sustainability Leadership Program on Hurricane Island
What is United People Global?
United People Global is a global community that enables individuals and organizations to participate in making the world a better place guided by the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Ideas are transformed into action through activities which are defined by four pillars: awareness, belief, collaboration, and community. The UPG organization works with champions and members of the UPG community in a variety of ways, including hosting events, publishing articles and reports, facilitating and organizing directly impactful initiatives, and by fostering community. UPG works to raise awareness, strengthen belief, facilitate collaboration and foster community.
How is Hurricane Island involved?
The Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership partners with United People Global to develop and implement their Sustainability Leadership Program. The UPG Sustainability Leadership program trains and mobilizes young individuals (18-35) who are already leaders within their community to create positive impact. 60 Sustainability Leaders are selected through an application process to come to the Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership to develop and share their ideas with a unique cohort of peers from around the world. In addition to professional development and networking opportunities, the cohort will learn lessons of sustainability and go through a team bonding experience as they build on their strengths and learn with each other.
What has happened so far?
In 2019, UPG successfully trained 60 UPG Sustainability Leaders from 30 countries around the world on Hurricane Island. These certified sustainability leaders have gone on to train over 4,000 people (and counting) to implement projects within their communities. You can meet the 2019 cohort and read about their projects here.
Can I become a Sustainability Leader?
If you are between the ages of 18 and 35, you can apply to become a UPG Sustainability Leader. Strong applicants will be able to demonstrate leadership, capability, motivation, and an idea that you think is going to change the world. People from all different paths of life and regions of the world are encouraged to apply, from well-experienced professionals to young adults just entering the work force. As long as you have an idea that you believe can change the world, we believe in you! UPG Champions have an advantage in the process as they demonstrate the required motivation.
In 2022, UPG and Hurricane Island are going to team up again to train and certify 500 young leaders from all over the world. 60 UPG leaders will be flown to Maine and be immersed in an experiential one week cohort on Hurricane Island. If this sounds like you or someone that you know, then take action and apply today!
How much does it cost?
The UPG Sustainability Leadership program is FREE for young people who are invited to join the cohort. This is especially thanks to the wonderful support of our partners who believe in positive citizen leadership on sustainability.