This thesis investigates the impact of the SDG Olympiad, a global competition designed to empower youth by engaging them in developing innovative solutions to environmental and health challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a mixed-methods research approach, which includes pre- and post-surveys, interviews, and comparative analysis, the study evaluates the Olympiad's effectiveness in enhancing youth empowerment, focusing on educational outcomes such as learning achievements, skill development, and career readiness. The research also draws on existing literature and similar initiatives to contextualize the findings and identify best practices that could further improve the SDG Olympiad.
The findings indicate that participation in the SDG Olympiad positively influences young people's interpersonal competencies, and technical skills. The study highlights the Olympiad's role in fostering a sense of empowerment among participants, enabling them to realize their potential and strengthen their skills to meet the global challenges they face. However, it also identifies areas for improvement, such as the need for more structured project support, better alignment of mentorship, and enhanced communication strategies.
Overall, the thesis underscores the importance of youth empowerment initiatives like the SDG Olympiad in contributing to sustainable development by equipping young people with the necessary skills and knowledge to address complex global issues. The research provides insights into how such competitions can be optimized to maximize their impact, offering recommendations for future editions of the SDG Olympiad and contributing to the broader discourse on effective youth engagement in sustainability efforts.
This thesis is particularly important as it represents the first in-depth study of SDG Olympiad, providing a detailed analysis of its impact on empowering young people. In addition, the research offers concrete recommendations for improving future editions of the Olympiad. These recommendations, based on the best practices identified and challenges encountered by participants, aim to maximize the effectiveness of the competition and strengthen its role as a tool for engaging and educating young people for a more sustainable future.
