The 3rd annual RCE SDG Youth Challenge 2020 "Youth for the Goals: Resilient Communities and Planet" was hosted by RCE Greater Western Sydney (Western Sydney University). It focused on localised action to address SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Commencing in February 2020, this year's youth-led sustainability projects have been broad and included virtual summits, school workshops and DIY activities, training courses, conservation camps, restoration activities, design competitions, and e-learning development.

A total of 12 youth-led projects engaged almost 2,500 young people directly across eight countries, representing nine different RCEs. The annual youth e-publication "Youth for the Goals" highlights their outcomes and achievements, and will be available in late January 2021.

Due to the continued success of the project, and the impacts faced by COVID-19, the SDG Youth Challenge will run again in 2021. The focus will be again on SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption and Production) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), to give youth leaders from this year a second chance at their original project plan BUT also for new youth-led projects to join.

The Challenge is open to youth from any RCE or external affiliation. Interested RCEs must submit their EOI, detailing their short project plan, by 31 January, 2021 through this form.

RCE Greater Western Sydney is also seeking a volunteer as co-host of the 2021 SDG Challenge, and then to take over running the project completely from 2022 onwards. RCE Greater Western Sydney will be available for guidance and advice in an ongoing capacity.

If you have youth interested, please discuss this with your RCE youth and contact RCE Greater Western Sydney (b.hardiman@westernsydney.edu.au) with your commitment, or if you would like more detail on what is involved in managing the Challenge. Please note this project is unpaid/un-resourced and all efforts are in-kind.

(Photo credits: RCE Yogyakarta (top right), RCE Penang (left), RCE Greater Western Sydney (bottom right))