Tag Archives: United Nation

IF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE

Application Deadline (Round 2): 19 August, 2026

LOCATION: Germany

The iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE supports projects that contribute to improving our society. If you work towards achieving one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, your project is eligible.

ELIGIBILITY:

Applying is free of charge. 

Your project should already be established and must be related to design (this is now one of the five evaluation criteria). You can apply to the same project a maximum of two times. Student concepts are not accepted.

Categories – the UN Sustainable Development Goals (1-15): All submissions should be in line with one of the following 15 UN SDGs.

No poverty

Zero hunger

Goodhealth and well-being

Quality education

Gender equality

Clean water and sanitation

Affordable and clean energy

Decent work and economic growth

Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Reduced inequalities

Sustainable cities and communities

Responsible consumption and production

Climate action

Life below water

Life on land

Evaluation Criteria & Jury Process:

The jury evaluates all projects based on five updated criteria, considering each project’s individual aspects.
Providing answers to some or all of these questions in your participation materials will help the jury to understand your project better.

Problem-Solving

Moral-Ethic Standards

Design relevance

Reasonable amount of effort

Beneficial Experiences
Jury Process
: Based on five evaluation criteria, the jurors evaluate each submitted project individually in an online jury session and later jointly decide on the finalists. Their number is flexible and depends on the total number of applications.
Jury Board
: iF Design aims to build a strong network behind its non-profit prize. Since 2024, the jury of the Social Impact Prize has been made up of independent, rotating experts who are closely familiar with the social sector.

BENEFIT:

Social projects that are supported with the iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE benefit from this:

A share of EUR 100,000

Publication on our iF Design Website

They will be presented to a global design community, the design-interested public, and the media.

The projects selected by the jury receive an individual winner certificate.

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UN OHCHR MINORITIES FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM 2026

Application Deadline: 31 January 2026, at 23:59 (Geneva time)

LOCATION: Switzerland

Launched in 2005, the Minorities Fellowship Programme (MFP) is OHCHR’s most comprehensive training programme for human rights defenders from national, ethnic, religious, and linguistic minority groups.

By the end of the programme, fellows will gain a general understanding of the United Nations system, international human rights instruments, and mechanisms, with a particular focus on minority rights.

The MFP also serves as an opportunity for human rights activists to broaden their network by building strategic partnerships with activists from around the world, the United Nations, and relevant Geneva-based NGOs.

ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants must belong to a national, ethnic, linguistic, or religious minority group. Applicants not belonging to minority groups will not be considered, even if they have close ties with minority communities or organizations.

Note: Indigenous applicants should apply to the Indigenous Fellowship Programme, which has a separate application process.

Formal education is not a prerequisite, provided relevant experience is demonstrated. Applicants must have the ability, willingness, and opportunity to train others in their community or organization upon returning. They must also have a good working knowledge of the language in which the programme is conducted.

Candidates should be proposed and supported by their organization or community.

Ideally, the sponsoring organization:

Has a firm constituency or membership within the minority group.

Represents minority issues.

Undertakes work related to minority issues.

It is composed of persons belonging to minorities.

The goal of the MFP is to equip minority individuals with knowledge and skills in international human rights to help their communities protect and promote human and minority rights. Candidates should return to their NGO or community to work in this field.

Application forms are available in English, Russian, and Arabic. Both parts I and II of the form must be completed and accompanied by an official recommendation letter from the nominating organization or community. Only fully completed applications will be considered.

The deadline for applications is 31 January 2026, at 23:59 (Geneva time). We encourage you to submit your application well before the deadline. Applications must include a recommendation letter, uploaded directly onto the online form.

BENEFIT:

The programme is offered in three languages: English, Russian, and Arabic, and takes place in Geneva, Switzerland. Fellows are entitled to:

A return economy class ticket from their country of residence to Geneva.

Basic health insurance for the duration of the programme.

A stipend to cover modest accommodation and living expenses.

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