APPLY NoW: The WE (Women Entrepreneurs) Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026 for Women Social Entrepreneurs.

The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is a global competition for women social entrepreneurs whose work advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and mobilizes communities toward a more sustainable, equitable world by 2030. It was launched at the UN General Assembly in 2018 by the UN Secretary-General, the President of the World Bank, and the Council of Women World Leaders, making it the first-of-its-kind global challenge of this nature.

Purpose & Impact

Recognizes women entrepreneurs who are innovating solutions that drive progress on the SDGs. 

Elevates their work on a global platform and showcases how women business leaders are responding to key global challenges like climate action, gender equality, economic growth, quality education, and community resilienc

Ignites awareness among stakeholders — including policymakers, investors, and other entrepreneurs — about the value women leaders bring toward sustainable development. 

What Awardees Receive

Selected women — typically five regional awardees representing different world regions — receive:

✔ Access to capacity-building training, executive coaching, and tailored workshops from leading global partners. 

✔ Visibility and credibility for their enterprises on an international stage. 

✔ Networking opportunities with global business, policy, and philanthropic leaders. 

✔ Participation in high-profile events during UN Global Goals Week, Climate Week NYC, and the United Nations General Assembly. 

✔ A dynamic pitch competition hosted by dignitaries such as fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg, where awardees can present their enterprise to a distinguished panel of judges and compete for grant funding (e.g., cash awards in past years). 

Who Can Apply

Eligibility generally includes:

Identifying as a woman entrepreneur with decision-making authority in your enterprise. 

Operating a business/organization for at least three years. 

Employing a minimum number of full-time employees. 

Generating a minimum annual revenue (or equivalent funds for nonprofits). 

Being professionally proficient in English and typically aged 21 or older at the time of competition. 

Applications usually require a short video and written responses showing how your work advances specific SDGs and fosters gender equity. 

APPLY HERE