The One Young World Academy is a globally recognized e-learning platform designed to empower young leaders to make an impact. In partnership with the Gates Foundation, we are launching a special series focused on Official Development Assistance (ODA). This series will guide participants through understanding ODA and creating their own advocacy initiatives.
Who can apply?
- Aged 18 – 35.
- Working in the private/public sector, politics, or activism
- Priority will be given to applicants from or working in the priority countries listed below
Europe
Germany, United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Sweden, The Netherlands, Norway, Italy, Spain
Africa
Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Malawi, Burkina Faso
Asia
Japan, South Korea, India, Indonesia
America
United States of America
Why Apply?
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Expert Guidance
Learn from top development experts on how ODA supports critical areas like health, education, and infrastructure. -
Make an Impact
Create advocacy projects to hold governments accountable and drive progress on the SDGs, with a focus on the Global South. -
Global Recognition
Submit a video proposal for a chance to be featured on global media. All participants receive certification from One Young World and the Gates Foundation. -
Free and Open Access
This free program is open to young leaders (18-35) worldwide, with priority given to those from key countries.
About Official Development Assistance (ODA)
Official Development Assistance (ODA) provides vital financial aid to low- and middle-income countries, supporting health, education, and infrastructure. In times of crisis, ODA is often the most reliable source of funding, helping millions access essentials like electricity, medical care, and food, while creating opportunities for a better future.
Although countries agreed in 1970 to allocate 0.7% of national income to ODA, as of 2024, only five have met this goal. ODA funding dropped by $4 billion in 2022, affecting over 70 countries and nearly 3 billion people. This funding gap threatens progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with millions still expected to live in extreme poverty by 2030.
Young leaders are crucial in holding donor nations accountable for improving ODA in both quality and scale. The One Young World Academy, in partnership with the Gates Foundation, aims to equip 1,000 young leaders to advocate for better ODA. Participants will learn from development experts, create advocacy projects, and submit video proposals, with top submissions featured on global media outlets. This series encourages leaders from the Global South to drive change by leveraging their experiences to bridge the gap between the Global North and South.
Key Academy Course Sessions
Challenges and Opportunities in International Development
This session explores the global socio-economic and political landscape, highlighting slow growth in Europe versus opportunities in Africa. It also addresses challenges in raising awareness of global issues amidst domestic concerns, geopolitical tensions, and the rise of right-wing, nationalist agendas in Europe.
Understanding ODA: The Backbone of Global Development Funding
This session offers a detailed introduction to ODA, a $200 billion fund supporting global health, development, and climate programs. It will cover the history of ODA, how countries set priorities, and highlight concerning trends in ODA cuts with real-world examples of impacted programs.
Rebranding ODA Concept
This session examines the current state of international aid and explores ways to redefine ODA to better meet the needs of the Global South. It will feature successful activist efforts and discuss strategies to ensure aid policies from the Global North are aligned with the actual needs of recipient countries.
Timeline
Applications close: 23 October.
Sessions released: Starting 14 November.
Video submission deadline: 11 December.
Testimonials
Yi Jun is Co-Founder & President of Advisory Singapore and Advisor to the Queen's Commonwealth Trust. For his work, he has received the Queen's Young Leaders Award, the Diana Award, and a Schwarzman Scholarship. Yi Jun is a OYW Ambassador, having attended OYW 2021 in Munich as a Deloitte-OYW Scholar.
Dr. Maria Kaneva holds a Ph.D. degree in Economics from the Russian Academy of Sciences. She is a Chevening scholar 2020/21 from Russia at the Department of Health Policy of the London School of Economics, where she recently completed her MSc degree in International Health Policy (Health Economics).
Michael Adewole is a seasoned bilingual Public Health Practitioner and a management consultant
with demonstrated history of working with government, global non-profit organizations. Skilled in
Advocacy, Policy Analysis, Behaviour Change Communication, Program Management, Research and
International Development. A Pan-African Leader working through the lens of social justice and
community development.