The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has opened applications for the YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board 2026–2028, inviting passionate young people from around the world to contribute to global efforts promoting integrity, ethics, accountability, and anti-corruption.

Established under the Global Resource for Anti-Corruption Education and Youth Empowerment (GRACE) Initiative, the YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board provides young leaders with the opportunity to work alongside UNODC in strengthening youth participation in anti-corruption initiatives at the local, regional, and international levels.

If you are between 18 and 29 years old, committed to creating positive change, and interested in promoting transparency and ethical leadership, this voluntary opportunity offers a platform to influence global conversations and support meaningful youth engagement.

The application deadline is 14 August 2026.

About the YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board

The YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board was created under UNODC’s GRACE Initiative, which promotes anti-corruption education and youth empowerment worldwide.

Guided by the principle “Nothing about us without us,” the Board recognizes young people as active partners in designing and implementing anti-corruption initiatives rather than simply beneficiaries of such programmes.

Board members work closely with UNODC by providing ideas, perspectives, and practical contributions that strengthen youth-led integrity initiatives globally.

Responsibilities of Board Members

Selected members will serve as co-leading partners with UNODC and contribute to a range of activities that promote integrity and accountability.

Key responsibilities include:

Advising UNODC and the GRACE Initiative on youth engagement strategies.
Contributing to the development of youth-focused anti-corruption approaches and good practices.
Supporting awareness campaigns, regional initiatives, youth workshops, and consultations.
Promoting integrity, ethics, and anti-corruption within their own communities.
Creating opportunities for young people to participate in anti-corruption efforts.
Sharing perspectives and experiences to strengthen global youth engagement.

Board members play an important role in ensuring that young voices are represented in discussions on integrity and governance.

Who Can Apply?

UNODC welcomes applications from motivated young people from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about creating positive change.

Applicants must:

Be between 18 and 29 years old at the time of application.
Be able to communicate effectively in English, as all Board activities are conducted in English.
Demonstrate an interest in one or more of the following areas:
- Integrity
- Ethics
- Anti-corruption
- Rule of law
- Peace and justice
- Civic engagement
- Community action
- Youth leadership
- Youth networks

Previous experience with the United Nations or UNODC is not required.

UNODC strongly encourages applications from young people representing diverse regions, identities, experiences, and underrepresented communities.

Term of Service

Selected members will serve:

A minimum of one year within a two-year mandate.
The mandate may be renewed once for up to an additional two years.
Maximum service on the Board is four years.

Members are expected to dedicate approximately three days per month to Board-related activities.

These may include:

Virtual meetings.
Reviewing documents.
Contributing to reports and deliverables.
Supporting youth-focused events.
Community engagement activities.

Is the Position Paid?

No.

Participation on the YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board is voluntary.

UNODC states that no financial compensation is provided for Board members.

The programme is designed as a leadership and engagement opportunity for young people committed to promoting integrity and ethical governance.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A current CV outlining education, experience, leadership activities, and relevant achievements.

Motivation Letter

A one-page motivation letter (maximum 500 words) explaining:

Why you wish to join the Board.
Your interest in anti-corruption and integrity.
How you can contribute to the Board’s work.

Short Video

Applicants must also submit a video of up to 90 seconds introducing themselves and highlighting their motivation.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

Motivation.
Availability.
Commitment to youth-led anti-corruption efforts.
Community engagement.
Relevant experience or demonstrated interest.
Diversity and geographical representation.
Ability to contribute meaningfully to the Board.

UNODC also notes that applications from countries not previously represented on the YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board will receive priority consideration.

Countries Previously Represented

Previous and current YouthLED Board members have come from countries including:

Argentina
Bangladesh
Benin
Botswana
Brazil
Burkina Faso
Cambodia
China
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Egypt
Ethiopia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
India
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Korea
Lebanon
Liberia
Mexico
Mongolia
Morocco
Nepal
Nigeria
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Peru
Philippines
Portugal
Rwanda
South Africa
Sudan
Togo
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Uganda
United States
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
Zimbabwe

Applicants from countries that have not yet been represented are especially encouraged to apply.

Selection Timeline

The expected timeline is:

Application Deadline: 14 August 2026
Application Review: 15 August – 25 September 2026
Shortlisted Candidate Interviews: During the review period (where applicable)
Notification of Successful Applicants: 5 October 2026
Beginning of Board Term: 30 October 2026

Applicants should note that the timeline is subject to change.

Why Apply?

Serving on the UNODC YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board provides an opportunity to:

Work alongside the United Nations.
Influence global anti-corruption initiatives.
Strengthen leadership and advocacy skills.
Expand international professional networks.
Contribute to youth-focused policy discussions.
Promote integrity and accountability within your community.
Gain valuable experience in international collaboration.

The programme is particularly suitable for young leaders committed to advancing transparency, ethical governance, and civic participation.

Final Thoughts

The UNODC YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board 2026–2028 offers young leaders an opportunity to contribute directly to international efforts promoting integrity, ethics, and anti-corruption. Through collaboration with the UNODC GRACE Initiative, Board members help shape youth engagement strategies while supporting awareness campaigns, community action, and global dialogue on good governance.

If you are passionate about promoting accountability and creating positive change, this initiative provides a meaningful platform to represent young people and contribute to a culture of integrity worldwide.

Keywords

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UNODC YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board 2026–2028: Join the United Nations Youth Anti-Corruption Initiative