The 3rd Youth Leadership and Innovation Award (YLIA) for Migration – Global Youth Pitch Contest by Migration Youth and Children Platform (Fully Funded, Open to International Applicants Under 31)

The 3rd Youth Leadership and Innovation Award (YLIA) for Migration is now open to youth-led initiatives making an impact in the field of migration. Young people under the age of 31 from all around the world are invited to submit their innovative, existing solutions that address key migration-related challenges. Organized by the Migration Youth and Children Platform (MYCP), this award is a part of youth engagement efforts under the Global Forum for Migration and Development (GFMD) 2024–2025.

This opportunity offers international visibility, mentorship, capacity-building, and the chance to win seed funding to expand your initiative. If you’re a young changemaker working in the migration field, this is your opportunity to shine on the global stage.

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Who Can Apply?

• Eligibility:

  • Individual youth or youth-led groups under the age of 31

  • The nominated project lead must serve as the primary applicant and spokesperson

  • Applicants from any country are welcome

  • The initiative must be youth-led or have significant youth leadership

  • Projects must address at least one of the award categories

  • Initiatives must already be tested or implemented and show evidence of impact

  • Projects must be scalable or replicable on a regional, national, or international level

  • Target users should include:

    • Migrants and diaspora communities

    • Government bodies

    • Employers

    • Civil society

    • Host communities

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Award Categories

Applicants should align their project with one of the following categories:

1. Championing Vulnerable Communities on the Move

   • Empowering marginalized groups such as women, children, youth, and people with disabilities

   • Promoting inclusion, education, employment, and resilience

2. Cultural and Digital Innovation for Narrative Transformation

   • Using digital tools, media, and culture to reshape migration narratives

   • Combating misinformation and engaging policymakers

3. Creating Regular Migration Pathways for All

   • Leveraging technology to promote safe, legal, and sustainable migration

   • Creating learning or earning opportunities for migrants

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Program Details

• Event: Youth Innovation Pitch Contest at the GFMD Summit

• Summit Location: Barranquilla, Colombia

• Finalist Benefits:

  • Individual coaching sessions in storytelling, public speaking, and presentation

  • Participation in the GFMD Youth Forum and Summit

  • Global recognition, networking opportunities, and visibility

• Awards:

  • Seed funding (amount to be confirmed)

  • Continued mentorship and support post-award

  • Opportunities to collaborate with key migration stakeholders

• For more details, please visit here.

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Application Process

• Step 1: Submit your application through the official portal (see link below)

• Step 2: Internal review and shortlisting of applications

• Step 3: Final selection of 6 finalists (2 per category)

• Step 4: Finalists receive capacity-building training and mentorship

• Step 5: Finalists present at the GFMD Summit before a high-level jury

• Step 6: Winners announced during the official GFMD programme

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Important Dates

• Application Period: Now until April 20, 2025

• Internal Review: April 20 – April 28, 2025

• Final Selection: April 28 – May 5, 2025

• Capacity-Building & Mentorship: May 2025

• Pitch Contest & Award Ceremony: June 2025 at GFMD Summit in Barranquilla

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Application Portal and Official Guidelines

• Apply Here: YLIA Application Portal (GFMD)

• Full Call for Applications (PDF): Download Call (example link – please replace with real one if available)

• Organizing Platform: Migration Youth and Children Platform

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Why You Should Apply

This is more than just an award—it’s a platform to amplify your voice, scale your impact, and contribute to global policy on migration. Past editions have awarded over $40,000 in seed funding and created strong international networks for youth-led initiatives. As part of the GFMD, this is your chance to influence the future of migration governance.

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Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to drive change. If you’re a young innovator working on migration-related challenges, apply today and bring your solution to the global stage.