United People Global: Empowering Youth Leaders for a Sustainable Future in 2025

The Switzerland-based international organization United People Global (UPG) has ushered in a new era of sustainable development by empowering youth worldwide. In 2025, its contributions to education, health, environment, and social equity have become unparalleled. Through the UPG Sustainability Leadership Program 2025, young people’s leadership skills are being honed, and community-based initiatives are gaining momentum, turning into beacons of sustainable change in every corner of the globe.

Yemi Babington-Ashaye, founder and president of UPG, is shaping the organization as a pioneer of the youth-led social revolution. Operating in more than 140 countries, UPG implements community-centered projects through international collaboration. In the competitive session of 2025, over 13,000 youth applicants participated, who are emerging on the global stage through video projects, university certification, and community activities.

One of the remarkable features of UPG is its team of dedicated mentors who provide continuous support and guidance. These mentors are highly collaborative and nurturing, helping young leaders to unlock their full potential. Their encouragement and expertise create an inspiring environment for personal and community growth.

Participants of the program also have unique opportunities such as visiting Hurricane Island, a renowned leadership and environmental education center. This experience allows youth to engage closely with nature and practice leadership skills in real-world challenging settings.

Additionally, UPG fosters collaboration among youth from diverse countries, creating a vibrant network of changemakers. This international cooperation enriches participants’ perspectives and equips them with the skills to work across cultures for sustainable development.

Ruhil Madini Mim, a student of the Political Studies Department at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) in Bangladesh, was selected for this program and is advancing on the path of local and global change. Under the guidance of senior Habibur Rahman Masrur, she has made her mark through UPG’s leadership initiatives. She says, “Studying politics and sociology attracted me to UPG’s mission. I want to work for my community and bring sustainable change in their lives.” So far, she has conducted mini training sessions on education, health, and environment in various schools of the Sylhet division, inspiring hundreds of students and villagers. She adds, “Through these activities, I am raising awareness about sustainable leadership among ordinary people and working to improve their quality of life. To date, I have successfully completed four mini-training sessions with over 100 participants.”

She believes that UPG has opened up opportunities for global change. She states, “Anyone interested in joining UPG can apply online by visiting [www.upglobe.org](http://www.upglobe.org). By participating in this program, it is possible to implement sustainable initiatives anywhere in the world. In my sessions, I share practical ideas on education, health, and environment so that future generations can be shaped as responsible citizens.” She further adds, “Small initiatives lay the foundation for big changes. UPG has provided me with the skills, platform, and confidence to realize this dream.”

For the youth of Bangladesh, UPG has become an exceptional opportunity. Leaders like her demonstrate that with the right platform, training, and strong determination, changing the world is possible. UPG’s initiatives and the active participation of young people are creating an illuminated pathway toward a sustainable future—a hopeful story not just for Bangladesh, but for the entire world.