Deadline: March 8, 2026
Applications are open for the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026. Launched at the UN General Assembly in 2018 by the UN Secretary‑General, the President of the World Bank, and the Council of Women World Leaders, the WE (Women Entrepreneurs) Empower UN SDG Challenge is the first global competition recognizing innovative women entrepreneurs advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and inspiring communities to build a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030.
Co‑Chaired by the Chief Economist of the World Bank Group; Diane von Furstenberg, Founder and Chairwoman of DVF Studio; Amanda Ellis, Senior Director at ASU’s Global Futures Laboratory; and Alyse Nelson, President and CEO of Vital Voices Global Partnership, the Challenge champions leaders whose enterprises are reshaping communities, economies, and ecosystem. Awardees are recognized for their groundbreaking work and receive capacity-building training, visibility, and access to an unparalleled global network to advance their enterprises. The program highlights and elevates the essential contributions of women entrepreneurs and business leaders who are driving progress toward the SDGs and addressing the world’s most urgent challenges.
Benefits
- Awardees will be notified by mid‑July 2026 and will travel to New York City during Climate Week and the 81st UN General Assembly, September 19–26, 2026.
- They will take part in a high‑impact agenda featuring pitch workshops, tailored trainings from leading and supporting partners, and curated networking with global leaders in business, policy, and philanthropy. The week will conclude with the WE Empower Pitch Challenge, hosted by philanthropist, fashion icon, and Vital Voices Board Member Diane von Furstenberg at her New York studio, where awardees will present their enterprises to a distinguished panel of judges for a chance to win grant funding. Due to evolving U.S. visa restrictions, the team is also considering convening the 2026 WE Empower Challenge in Geneva—the UN’s second headquarters—during the week of June 14–20 as an alternate option. Applicants should be prepared and willing to travel to either location during either timeframe.
Eligibility
- You must identify as a woman entrepreneur.
- You must lead decision-making within your entity.
- Your business or organization must have been in operation for at least three years as of August 1, 2026.
- You must employ at least three full-time employees or full-time equivalents.
- Your business or organization must generate a minimum of USD $75,000 in annual revenue. For nonprofit organizations, revenue may comprise donations, grants, and funds raised through various fundraising activities.
- You must be professionally proficient in English.
- You must be at least 21 years old by August 1, 2026.
- You must be available to travel to New York City, NY, and participate in all events from Saturday, September 19 – September 26, 2026, and participate in virtual programming from August through October 2026.
Application
Applications are open from 12:00AM United States Eastern Time on Monday, January 26, 2006, through 11:59PM United States Eastern Time on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
For more information, visit WE Empower UN SDG Challenge.
