About the programme

U21 Global Citizens is an online programme running over three weeks for students across our global network. You will become part of a global online cohort, completing independent activities designed to further your understanding of – and set actions to advance – the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

Why take part?

In addition to the opportunity to earn a digital micro-credential, you will also: 

• Be better equipped to take rapid action on the Sustainable Development Goal you chose 
• Be able to step outwards and collaborate with diverse networks 
• Be ready to challenge preconceptions and better inform people’s perspectives 
• Be better equipped to operate across hierarchies 
• Be better prepared to live and maintain their values and integrity 

Who can take part?

• Any registered student (undergraduate or postgraduate) at a U21 member university 
• All applicants must be over the age of 18 at the time of the course start date 

Key dates

Applications for U21 Global Citizens will open on 26 January 2026. To express an interest in this programme and other U21 Global Student programmes for future, fill in this form. 

The programme will take place between 9-27 March 2026. 

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions for any further queries you may have. 

Time commitment

Approximately 4.5 hours per week for three weeks, comprised of: 

• 2.5 hours live session per week 

• 2 hours per week of Individual work at own pace 

Participant reflections

The U21 Global Citizens program has helped me immensely to connect with people from different areas, with different perspectives on some pressing issues in this world (Sustainable Development Goals). This experience inspired me to take action in creating a better, kinder, and healthier future for my family, my friends, and for society!”

Caitlin Davies, University of Auckland, Global Citizens Participant 2025

Global Citizens Blog Posts

Litzy Cruz-Otero – Tecnológico de Monterrey

“Small actions, big impact—every choice we make can shape a better world.” This is what I discovered during the U21 Global Citizens program. Before joining, I was aware of global challenges and the Sustainable Development Goals, but I didn’t know how to translate that awareness into concrete steps or meaningful initiatives. The program guided me […]

Lara Kokcak – University of Nottingham

From my point of view, being a Global Citizen means demonstrating respect for our environment, raising our voices against the problems in our world, feeling a sense of responsibility and working all together to create a better world.  The U21 Global Citizens programme not only taught me insightful information about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) […]

Hanif Falah Nasrulloh – Universitas Gadjah Mada

Being part of the U21 Global Citizens program felt like opening a window to the world. I could see and connect with people from across the globe, each bringing their own stories, struggles, and solutions to the same shared challenges. It made me realize that the issues we face, related to the Sustainable Development Goals […]

Who are Common Purpose?

Common Purpose is a not-for-profit organisation founded in 1989 that develops leaders who can operate across boundaries.  

This programme is offered in partnership with, and facilitated by Common Purpose – drawing on their 30 years of thought leadership and experiential global learning programmes for diverse international audiences.