Written by Applications are open for the WE (Women Entrepreneurs) Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026, a prestigious global competition for women social entrepreneurs driving innovative solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Launched at the United Nations General Assembly in 2018 by the UN Secretary-General, the President of the World Bank, and the Council of Women World Leaders, the WE Empower Challenge is the first global initiative of its kind dedicated to recognising and elevating women entrepreneurs who are advancing the SDGs and inspiring communities to build a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030.
About the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge
The WE Empower Challenge identifies high-impact women-led enterprises that are delivering measurable social, environmental, and economic outcomes. The programme provides global visibility, leadership development, and access to influential networks at the highest levels of business, policy, and philanthropy.
In 2026, five regional awardees will be selected from across the world to participate in a high-profile programme held during Climate Week NYC and the 81st United Nations General Assembly, taking place from September 19 to 26, 2026.
Why This Matters
Women entrepreneurs play a critical role in addressing global challenges, yet they continue to face barriers to funding, visibility, and influence. The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge amplifies women-led solutions, connects founders to global decision-makers, and strengthens enterprises that are accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
Program Highlights and Benefits
- Selected regional awardees will take part in a curated, high-impact agenda in New York City, including pitch workshops, tailored trainings delivered by leading global partners, and curated networking sessions with senior leaders across business, government, and philanthropy.
- The programme culminates in a live pitch competition hosted by fashion icon, philanthropist, and Vital Voices Board Member Diane von Furstenberg at her New York studio.
- During this final event, awardees will present their enterprises to a distinguished panel of judges for a chance to win grant funding.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must meet all of the following criteria. You must be at least 21 years old by August 1, 2026 and identify as a woman entrepreneur.
- You must lead decision-making within your business or organisation, which must have been in operation for at least three years as of August 1, 2026.
- Your enterprise must employ a minimum of three full-time employees or full-time equivalents and generate at least USD 75,000 in annual revenue.
- For nonprofit organisations, revenue may include donations, grants, and funds raised through fundraising activities.
- Applicants must be professionally proficient in English.
- Finalists will be required to submit audited financial records as part of the vetting process.
Application Requirements
Applicants will be asked to provide basic personal and business information, 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, or Sub-Saharan Africa.
Applications must also include responses explaining how the enterprise advances one or more UN Sustainable Development Goals, the applicant’s vision for contributing to a sustainable future, and how gender equality is fostered within the organisation and the wider community.
Additional requirements include security questions, social media details where applicable, agreement to the programme’s terms and conditions, and submission of a two-minute video in line with the application guidelines.
How to Apply
Full application details and submission guidelines are available on the official WE Empower UN SDG Challenge webpage.
More information and application portal: https://globalfutures.asu.edu/we-empower/