WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026 for Women Social Entrepreneurs

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Applications are open WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026. The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is a first-of-its-kind global competition recognizing innovative women social entrepreneurs who are advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and mobilizing communities toward a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030.

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.

WE Empower UN SDG Challenge Benefits

In 2026, five regional awardees will be selected to participate in events surrounding Climate Week NYC and the 81st United Nations General Assembly, September 19–26, 2026.
Awardees will take part in a high-impact agenda featuring pitch workshops, tailored trainings from leading partners, and curated networking with global leaders in business, policy, and philanthropy.
The week will conclude with a dynamic pitch competition hosted by fashion icon, philanthropist, and Vital Voices Board Member Diane von Furstenberg at her New York studio, where awardees present their enterprises to a distinguished panel of judges for a chance to win grant funding.

Eligibility Criteria

Please review the eligibility criteria below and ensure you meet ALL criteria before applying. Finalists will be required to provide audited financial records as part of the vetting process.

You must be at least 21 years old by August 1, 2026.
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.

Application Requirement

Applicants will be asked to provide:

Basic identifying information about themselves and their business, including the region that best reflects their primary country of operation:
- Asia–Pacific
- Europe and North America
- Latin America and the Caribbean
- Middle East and North Africa
- Sub‑Saharan Africa
Responses describing how their work relates to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their vision for contributing to a sustainable future.
Information on how they foster gender equality within their business or organization and in the broader community.
Security questions, social media information (if applicable), and agreement to the contest’s terms and conditions.
A two‑minute video, submitted according to the guidelines below and provided in the application itself.