In order to be selected as a Local Pathways Fellow, applicants must meet the following criteria: 

• Candidates must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application (exceptions may apply)
• Candidates must be based in the same city throughout the entire duration of the Fellowship (February through November 2021)
• Candidates must be fluent in English and the local language of the cities they represent
• Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to and a solid understanding of the concept of sustainable development;
• Candidates must be able to commit the minimum of 5-7 hours each week on average
• Candidates must have a stable internet connection
• A minimum of one year of professional or academic experience in development practice, urban planning, community engagement and advocacy, or similar
• A demonstrated background in research, development practice, advocacy or similar fields would be considered a strong asset

Candidates representing any city and country in the world are encouraged to apply, however SDSN Youth will make efforts to ensure diversity of regional representation among the fellows

The Local Pathways Fellowship seeks to provide young leaders with a platform, a guiding framework for action, and connect them with leading development experts and practitioners:

• Guide and inform their work around their existing and future projects, and help them develop insights about local sustainable development challenges
• Provide them with a framework for engagement with local stakeholders
• Facilitate mutual learning and exchange of urban solutions
• Support them in becoming local advocates that promote and advocate for dialogue and problem solving for sustainable development
• The fellows will benefit from global visibility and exposure as champions for sustainable urban development, numerous opportunities to develop their expertise, as well as access to our vast network of SDG professionals and advocates
• Being part of SDSN Youth and the Local Pathways Fellowship enables you to be at the forefront of efforts taken by the United Nations, governments, companies, and civil society in developing and leading a global movement for sustainable development and enables you to make an impact
• Being part of a movement of young people, who are committed to sustainable development and are being equipped with the necessary skills and tools to overcome key challenges and meaningfully contribute to the achievement of SDGs in communities
• SDSN Youth and the Local Pathways Fellowship enables you to build professional and personal relationships with high-level stakeholders in civil society, business, government, and the United Nations
• By joining the Local Pathways Fellowship, you will be part of a diverse and exceptional group of fellows with a variety of cultural, religious, and political backgrounds, committed to sustainable development
• The relationships you develop through SDSN Youth and the Local Pathways Fellowship could serve as a foundation for your future endeavors
• Supported by our global team of experts, you will progress rapidly in a challenging but flexible, fulfilling, and meaningful environment
• You may be selected to attend and/or speak at events
• Your experiences will become central to our program ́s efforts and legacy

In 2012, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) to mobilise global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical problem solving for sustainable development, including the design and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at local, national and global scales. In 2015, the SDSN launched its official youth initiative (SDSN Youth) to empower youth globally to create sustainable development solutions. SDSN Youth educates young people about the Sustainable Development Goals and provides opportunities for them to pioneer innovative solutions to address the world's biggest challenges