What Is the Nudge Global Impact Challenge?
The Nudge Global Impact Challenge is a unique learning experience designed for young professionals eager to make a real difference in the world. It’s a personal development programme that blends leadership, sustainability, and impact into one transformative journey. Participants get the tools, skills, and expert coaching needed to turn their vision into action. This isn’t just about theory—it’s about rising up and driving meaningful change. The 15th edition kicked off in September and runs through March 2025, with applications now open for the 16th edition starting September 2025.
Main Benefits and Key Facts
Why join the Nudge Global Impact Challenge? Here’s what participants gain:
- Over 1,200 alumni worldwide, forming a powerful network of changemakers.
- Hybrid format: starts with a three-day, in-person Learning Experience in the Netherlands, followed by online sessions.
- Open to young professionals aged 23 to 33 with at least a Bachelor’s degree and fluent English skills.
- Strong focus on leadership development, sustainability, and creating real impact.
- Participants come from diverse backgrounds—leading companies, social enterprises, government, NGOs, and academia.
- Applications for the 16th edition close on 1 July 2025.
How the Challenge Works
Participants team up from all over the globe to dive deep into leadership, sustainability, and impact creation. The programme kicks off with an immersive in-person experience, then continues online, blending learning with practical application. Throughout the six months, participants develop and refine their own Sustainability Impact Plan, supported by coaches, trainers, and sustainability leaders. It’s a collaborative space where ideas turn into action, and leadership skills grow alongside a passion for making a difference.
Who Can Get Involved?
The Challenge welcomes young professionals who are passionate about sustainability and eager to lead change. To join, candidates need a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, be between 23 and 33 years old, and fluent in English. But beyond that, it’s about heart and drive—those who want to make a positive impact and develop their leadership skills. Companies can also get involved by encouraging their employees to participate or sponsoring Wild Card participants, helping to spread the impact even further.
What Participants Can Expect to Learn
By the end of the six-month programme, participants walk away with:
- A completed Sustainability Impact Plan tailored to their passion.
- Enhanced leadership skills focused on sustainability.
- The ability to energize and inspire teams.
- Greater courage to act authentically and pursue their dreams.
- Insights from top sustainability and leadership experts.
- A clearer understanding of their personal impact and how to use Systems Thinking to see the big picture.
- Motivation from shared experiences with like-minded peers.
- A lifelong network of friends and collaborators.
- Skills to create real, meaningful impact that touches Head, Heart, and Hands.
- A strengthened passion for sustainability that fuels ongoing action.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 4: Quality Education – through leadership and skills development.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – empowering young professionals.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – embedding sustainability practices.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – driving impactful sustainability projects.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – building a global network of changemakers.
The Framework Behind the Challenge
The Nudge Global Impact Challenge is built on a simple but powerful framework connecting Head, Heart, and Hands. It’s all about changing perspectives through inspiring keynotes and interaction, changing practices with skill-building workshops and friendly consulting, personal development via coaching and leadership training, and a clear purpose: creating a sustainable world. As Rick Koster, founder of Leaderscope and programme partner, puts it, the Challenge “enhances leadership skills in sustainability so participants are better equipped to boost the impact they want to create within their organisations or networks.” It’s a journey that shapes innovative leaders ready to make a difference—one nudge at a time.
