The UN Women EmPower Academy is an innovative online learning initiative designed to equip young people across Asia and the Pacific with the technical and transferable skills required to lead green and digital transitions. The programme provides a hands-on, interactive environment for participants to develop competencies ian data literacy, artificial intelligence (AI), project management, and green entrepreneurship.

Through its multidisciplinary approach, the Academy enables youth to design inclusive, gender-responsive solutions addressing pressing environmental challenges. It targets students, activists, and early-career professionals seeking practical skills to make a tangible impact on climate action and sustainable development.

Learning Objectives

Participants in the EmPower Academy gain the knowledge and practical experience necessary to:

• Build core data literacy for climate action, including formulation of research questions, development of indicators, and extraction of actionable insights.
• Apply no-code tools such as Google Sheets, Web GIS, Teachable Machine, and Custom GPTs to design innovative climate-focused outputs.
• Integrate ethical, gender-responsive, and inclusive practices in AI for youth-led climate initiatives.
• Develop, design, and pitch feasible, evidence-based projects and business models.
• Translate data analysis and climate forecasts into actionable advocacy briefs, operational checklists, and youth-driven campaigns.

The programme emphasizes practical outcomes, ensuring that every participant emerges with skills directly applicable to real-world challenges

Eligibility Criteria

The Academy is open to young people aged 15–34 from the Asia-Pacific region who are actively engaged in:

• Climate advocacy and environmental initiatives
• Community development projects
• Civic technology and innovation

The programme strongly encourages applications from:

• Young women and gender-diverse youth
• Persons with disabilities
• Indigenous youth

No prior experience in AI, coding, or data analysis is required. Candidates are expected to bring curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to engage in practical problem-solving.

Learning Pathways

The EmPower Academy offers flexible, modular pathways to suit participants’ interests, expertise, and time commitments. Each pathway focuses on specific skill sets and culminates in a tangible project deliverable:

• The Ultimate Green-Skilled Young Professional (3 months)
  • Comprehensive training covering data, AI, project management, and green entrepreneurship
  • Final output: complete project proposal or sustainable business plan
• The Green Data Analyst (1.5 months)
  • Focus on data collection, analysis, and visualization for climate advocacy
  • Final output: data dashboard and advocacy brief
• The Green AI Analyst (2 months)
  • Training in no-code AI applications for forecasting, biodiversity monitoring, and disaster risk reduction
  • Final output: AI-powered climate adaptation solution
• The Green Entrepreneur (2 months)
  • Development of sustainable green business plans from conceptual ideas
  • Final output: business model and three-slide pitch deck

• Programme Schedule and Commitment

  The EmPower Academy will run from January to March 2026. Participants are expected to dedicate a minimum of three hours per week, in addition to time for pre-readings, assignments, and final project work. All instruction and materials will be delivered in English.

  The Academy’s design prioritizes flexibility, allowing young people to balance learning with other personal or professional commitments while still achieving meaningful outcomes.

   

  Application Process

  Interested candidates must complete the Candidate Application Form by the deadline of 16 December 2025. Applications are reviewed based on demonstrated engagement in climate action, community initiatives, and potential for leadership in green and digital transitions.

  Through this selective process, the EmPower Academy ensures that participants are well-positioned to maximize the benefits of the programme and contribute effectively to sustainable development goals in their communities.

   

  Impact and Opportunities

  Graduates of the EmPower Academy emerge with:

  • Enhanced technical and transferable skills relevant to climate action.
• • Capacity to lead gender-responsive and inclusive environmental projects
  • Practical experience in AI, data analytics, project management, and entrepreneurship
  • Networks with like-minded youth across the Asia-Pacific region

  By fostering these competencies, the Academy contributes to regional efforts in youth empowerment, climate resilience, and digital innovation. Participants leave the programme with both the knowledge and confidence to implement impactful initiatives in their communities.