Youth Ambassadors Framework
"The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow” - Nelson Mandela
Photo By Anna
No act of kindness or inspiration, no matter how small, is ever wasted
Personal Commitment: One Target, One Voice
If you’re aged 14 to 16+, this starts with one choice:
Pick an SDG target that means something to you. Maybe it’s something you’ve lived through. Maybe it’s something you’ve seen. Either way, it matters, and you’re ready to act.
This isn’t homework. It’s your call.
We don’t use UN indicator systems. What matters is what you do; in your own world, and how you share it.
What This Means For You:
Choose one SDG target that connects to your life or community
Take real action, on your own or with others
Share your story and earn recognition that reflects the impact
Age Pathways: A Framework That Grows With You
The Youth Ambassadors Framework is designed exclusively for young people aged 14–16+ and reflects the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, to support participants combat climate change through DofE as a part of their programme.
Each level builds on the last, encouraging you to grow in confidence, skills, and purpose:
Bronze - Age 14, ‘Act Local’ Take your first step. Volunteer in your community, learn new skills, stay active, and explore the outdoors. Every small action helps build awareness and change.
Silver - Age 15, ‘Build Together’ Collaborate with others. Develop projects that link your school or community to real sustainability challenges. Share ideas and learn by doing.
Gold - Age 16+, ‘Lead for Impact’ Step up and lead. Take responsibility, mentor others, and complete your DofE Residential experience. Turn your learning into leadership and your action into proof.
Each stage connects directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showing how local action can create global impact.
Action Layer: One Step That Counts
Start with one real thing. It could be a short film, a survey, a podcast, a lesson, an interview, a campaign, or a school event. Log it. Reflect on it. Share it.
It doesn’t have to be big. But it does have to be transparent, and encourage your audience to act.
ESG Law Layer: Learn How Power Works
This isn’t about memorising laws. It’s about understanding rights; and how systems can be challenged or changed.
Within the 14–16+ pathway, you’ll explore:
Community rules and fairness
Real stories of climate and justice
How young people can influence decision-making
Know the rules, and how to rewrite them.
Credly Badge Layer: Recognition That Means Something
Youth Ambassadors can earn up to three digital badges:
Target Selected – Your choice is shared
Target Activated – You’ve taken real action
Target Verified – You’ve sustained it over time
Badges are issued by Hudson Consultancy Online and hosted on Credly. You can add them to your CV, school portfolio, or university application to show genuine impact.
This isn’t just a reward. It’s a real record of what you did.
Visibility Layer: Your Voice, Your Way
Once you’ve acted, share it so others can learn, care, or join in. That could be a short post, a display, a short video, or a simple presentation.
Visibility is about connection, helping your action spark more action.
Support That Works With You
You’ll get tools that help you act, without taking away your voice.
Target selector tools to match your interests to action
Story + Action prompt cards
Project trackers and story templates
Age-specific ESG learning packs
Mentors, teachers, or youth workers can support, but you lead the way in your own time.
Why Now? Because Youth Action Shouldn’t Wait
Young people are already doing the work; speaking up, stepping in, showing up for others. But too often, it goes unnoticed or unsupported.
This programme gives structure and recognition to the action you’re already taking.
You pick the issue that matters to you
You do something real, on your terms
You earn recognition that’s ready to share with schools, universities, or employers
The SDGs are the global goals. This is your way to show how you’re helping meet them, not someday, but now.
Ready to Step Up?
Choose your SDG target today at 169to1.com/youth
Turn your voice into action.
Turn your action into proof.
