Deadline: 31 October 2023
The Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and the United Nations Foundation are excited to introduce the Next Generation India Fellowship as part of UN Foundation’s The Future Agenda program and CEEW’s focus on building careers in public policy.
Launched on the sidelines of India’s G20 Presidency, this unique two-year fellowship is specifically designed to empower India’s most promising young leaders under the age of 30 to shape the future of their nation and the world, working closely with the Global Next Generation Fellows. It aims to unlock original, maverick and substantive ideas from the youth of India for a sustainable future.
The influence of Next Generation India fellows extends far beyond the duration of their fellowship. As they actively engage in meaningful conversations, they inspire and empower others to join the movement towards a brighter future. Their leadership is not only impactful in the present, but it also leaves a lasting legacy, shaping the trajectory of India’s progress for years to come.
Themes
- Public Health
- Focusing on India’s evolving public health landscape, aiming to emphasise preventative measures, health education, and the integration of technology within healthcare solutions.
- New Technologies
- Evaluating how India’s technology advancements can be deployed responsibly, inclusively, and sustainably with a focus on innovation.
- Gender Equality
- Address persistent gender disparities and supporting the empowerment of young girls and women to ensure a more equitable society.
- Future of the Workforce
- Exploring how India can prepare its rapidly growing young population for the evolving demands of the future, taking into account economic growth, technological disruption and the global labor market.
How to Collaborate with the Fellows?
Partners can play an invaluable role in supporting the fellows and contributing to their mission. Here are some of the ways you can get involved:
- Share Knowledge: Provide insights and expertise related to your field. This can help the fellows gain a broader understanding of challenges and potential solutions.
- Offer Resources: If you have resources that could assist in the fellows’ projects, consider offering them. This could include technologies, research materials, or access to facilities.
- Mentorship: Share your experiences and wisdom by mentoring a fellow. This can greatly aid their personal and professional growth.
- Networking Opportunities: Help the fellows expand their professional network by connecting them to potential collaborators, sponsors, or thought leaders in your field.
- High-Level Advocacy: Work with fellows to amplify key messages and push for change during influential moments across the UN and the international system.
- Intergenerational Research and Dialogues: Invite leaders and experts across your network to join research and dialogue sessions across generations, bridging the gap between knowledge and experiences to tackle complex challenges.
Benefits
- Next Generation India Fellows will have the chance to engage with and learn from global leaders, policymakers, and influencers, gaining unparalleled insights into the processes that shape world affairs. The fellowship provides robust support in the form of mentorship, skill-building workshops, and networking opportunities, all geared towards helping Fellows hone their leadership skills and amplify their impact.
- Guided by experienced mentors, the Fellows will gain a deeper understanding of policy-making, strategic planning, and global diplomacy. They will also have the opportunity to present their innovative ideas at global forums, thus influencing key global discussions and decisions.
- The Next Generation India Fellowship is not just a learning experience, it’s a platform to transform global leadership and mark a positive difference in the world.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Public Health:
- Influence Global Cooperation: Consider how India, as a young nation, can contribute to global cooperation and multilateral systems to address future global health challenges and disasters, with a special focus on young countries and young people in fragile and vulnerable contexts.
- Explore Challenges, Future Risks, and Solutions: Delve into the complexities of building community resilience, bolstering humanitarian assistance efforts, and enhancing preparedness and response mechanisms for future disasters and pandemics.
- Engage in virtual, global, and regional events: Champion the priorities and future needs of young people during influential policy gatherings. By doing so, you can raise awareness about health disparities in India and beyond, with a particular emphasis on underserved populations.
- Develop Networks: Engage with government officials, international organizations, civil society groups, and research institutions to co-create solutions that benefit the broader public health community.
- Engage in UN Foundation Platforms: Participate in the 2024 Big Brainstorm and 2024 Engine Room in preparation for the Summit of the Future, including designing and taking part in intergenerational dialogues about the Sustainable Development Goals and the future of the United Nations.
- Support a Flagship Publication: Prepare a final publication on the Future of India, with initial findings shared at the 2024 Summit of the Future and a launch at the 2025 World Social Summit. This publication, a culmination of your work, will include a series of campaign actions and moments both during and after the launch.
- Personal Growth and Skills Development: Utilize the tailored leadership and training program to support your personal growth and skills development.
- New Technologies, Gender Equality and Future of the Workforce:
- Influence the Global Agenda: Delve into intergenerational dialogues and research to consider how India, as a young nation, can contribute to global cooperation and address future challenges in gender equality through evidence-based solutions, innovative strategies, and effective governance.
- Engage in UN Foundation Platforms: Participate in the 2024 Big Brainstorm and 2024 Engine Room in preparation for the Summit of the Future, including designing and participating in intergenerational dialogues about the SDGs and the future of the United Nations.
- Support a Flagship Publication: Prepare a final publication on the Future of India, with initial findings shared at the 2024 Summit of the Future and a launch at the 2025 World Social Summit. This publication, a culmination of your work, will include a series of campaign actions and moments both during and after the launch.
- Bring a passion project to a global audience: Transform innovative ideas into reality by initiating a project that addresses future challenges to be showcased on UN Foundation and CEEW platforms, inspiring change for a more resilient and inclusive future.
- Participate in Policy Debates: Champion young people’s priorities and future needs during influential policy gatherings to raise awareness about challenges facing girls and young women in India and young countries, mainly focusing on underserved populations.
- Develop Global and Regional Networks: Engage with government officials, international organizations, civil society groups, and research institutions to co-create solutions that benefit the broader global community.
- Personal Growth and Skills Development: Utilize the tailored leadership and training program to support your personal growth and skills development.
Eligibility Criteria
- Ability to synthesize complex information and translate it into clear, concise reports and presentations.
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills in English, particularly Hindi, would be advantageous.
- Demonstrated commitment to the principles of the UN and the goals of the Next Generation India Fellowship.
- Knowledge of the Indian social, cultural, and political context.
- Flexibility and willingness to dedicate one day per week over a two-year period to participate in the program actively.
- Willingness and availability to travel for the two global or regional events.
- Qualifications:
- Public Health
- Candidates should be based in India and under 30 at the time of applying.
- Academic or professional background in public health, medicine, health economics, health policy, or a related field.
- Demonstrated understanding of the global health landscape, health systems, health financing, disaster risk reduction, and humanitarian assistance.
- Proven record of accomplishment in research, policy, or innovation in the field of health.
- New Technologies
- Candidates should be based in India and under 30 at the time of applying.
- Academic or professional background in Computer Science, Information Technology, or other technology-related fields.
- Proven understanding of new technologies and digital access, especially in the context of India’s digital revolution.
- Experience in policy advocacy and research, with a track record of influencing policy changes in India or other similar contexts.
- Gender Equality
- Candidates should be based in India and under 30 at the time of applying.
- Academic or professional background in gender equality planning, public policy, international development, or a related field.
- Proven understanding of the gender equality challenges facing India and young countries.
- Experience in policy advocacy and research, with a track record of influencing policy changes in India or other similar contexts.
- Future of the Workforce
- Candidates should be based in India and under 30 at the time of applying.
- Academic or professional background in Economics, Education, Public Policy, Sociology, or a similar discipline.
- Proven understanding of the education system and job market in India, including its strengths and weaknesses, and the ability to identify opportunities for improvement and future growth.
- Experience in policy advocacy and research, with a track record of influencing policy changes in India or other similar contexts.
- Public Health
For more information, visit CEEW.