“The future of humanity and of our planet lies in our hands. It lies also in the hands of today’s younger generation who will pass the torch to future generations.” – 2030 Agenda
The SDGs are ambitious and complex and require innovative solutions. At the same time, the world is becoming more and more inter-connected. People can come together across communities and generations to find holistic solutions that protect the planet and to champion change. Young people, in particular, have the potential to serve as change makers through interaction, experience and experimentation.
Many opportunities are available for students and volunteers from high-income countries (HICs) to visit low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to undertake research or to take part in development activities. These young people return home empowered and inspired by the experience but the benefits and opportunities are not necessarily shared by their counterparts in the LMICs. We plan to level the playing field for young people by making knowledge and skill sharing equitable across countries so that they can build enduring international and cultural relationships to effect change.
LFLW begins as a collaboration between LMICs but will become a multi-lateral fellowship providing opportunities for young people worldwide to share innovative solutions to achieve the SDGs.
Since 2018, LFLW has collaborated and partnered with institutions based in Bangladesh, Nepal and Kenya – namely, Teach for Nepal, SOJAG, End Child Poverty – Arigatou International. Our Partner institutions have strong backgrounds in educational and/or community development activities that strongly impact their own communities as well as inspiring others elsewhere in the world. Partner institutions will be expected to send fellows as well as to receive fellows from any institution in the LFLW network and to provide mentorship and supervision to its fellows.
Our Mission
Our mission is to cultivate a new generation of leaders capable of advancing sustainable development, guided by the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The fellowship encourages young professionals to collaborate across borders, applying innovative, practical, and sustainable approaches to improve the well-being of communities within the Global South and beyond.
Our Vision
We envision a connected and empowered network of emerging leaders who drive transformative social and ecological change. Through cross-country collaboration, shared learning, and inclusive leadership development, the fellowship aims to strengthen South–South partnerships and foster long-term relationships that contribute to a more just, resilient, and sustainable world.
Our Values
🌱 Inner Transformation
Cultivating self-awareness, personal growth, and values-based leadership.
🤝 Mutual Respect
Embracing diversity, dignity, and understanding in all relationships.
🌍 Networking and Sharing
Building meaningful connections and exchanging knowledge across cultures.
🔄 Flexibility
Adapting to change with openness, resilience, and creativity.
🎯 Experiential Learning
Learning through experience, reflection, and active participation.
Program Leadership
The Sarvodaya Institute of Higher Learning (SIHL) of the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement in Sri Lanka is the host Institute for Leadership for Life Worldwide (LFLW) Secretariat. The initiative is supported by a small group of advisors with rich international experience who are bound by a common passion to create fair opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills and to empower others to improve lives. The LFLW partner institutions play a pivotal role in hosting and exchaging fellows among the network.