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Today, the cohort of Millennium Fellows at the University of Zimbabwe is reflecting on their Millennium Fellowship experience so far: the breakthroughs, the setbacks, the confidence, the doubt, the late nights, and the moments of pure joy. The cohort consists of 21 young changemakers, all eager to make an impact on their community and the world beyond. “When starting something new,  you need to be willing to be transformed by what you are transforming; good impact is a mutual endeavor. We persist with patience, kindness, empathy, and honor, making ripples. Unified and amplified by our newfound community, we will make waves” - Millennium Fellows of class of 2025 from the University of Zimbabwe Photo of the Millennium Fellows of class ‘25 at the University of Zimbabwe The Shared "Why" Even though the majority of fellows work on individual projects, they are all united by their collective heart for humanity. Each project is people-centered and the group found out that they all have a shared goal, as one of the fellows, Panashe put it: “to improve the lives of those around us using the resources available, no matter how minimal they may be”. The cohort is full of can-do spirit, go-getters, visionaries and optimists, who acknowledge that most problems in society are faced by groups of people (such as children, women, students, etc). Through conducting training sessions on their campus and coming together as a cohort, students at the University of Zimbabwe that they collectively share a deep desire to serve.  The Unexpected Emotions Makanaka, the Campus Director, revealed that their shared desire to help “has opened up a Pandora’s box of new complex  emotions”. Many of the fellows discovered that they began to doubt how helpful they can be as individuals. Another fellow, Shelton, mentioned that the highlight of the huge scope of problems engulfing their society has made them ponder on the question - “is what’s being done going to have any impact?” Suddenly, the group felt sadness, doubt, and guilt of not doing enough creep in. Ntandoyenkosi expressed that “every second started to feel like a wasted moment”. Following these complex emotions came a discomfort of not knowing. One more fellow, Tadiwa, found out that she was saying “I don't know yet” or “I'm still figuring it out” much more than she expected. Through going on such an emotional rollercoaster, the cohort began to pursue the subtle art of the wait and the quiet resilience of knowledge. Through shared vulnerability, they created a community and followed a rather  simple motto - "a problem shared is a problem half solved”. The "We Didn't See That Coming" Moment After all the emotional discoveries, the cohort was struck by the reality of things. Soon enough, they faced a challenge: “What we wanted to do was new, but the systems we were working with had long been established; to make it all even more comical - we were new to the system!” The group received cold “nos” or even any lack of acknowledgement. As a result, all of the Millennium Fellows recognised their own dependency on other people, especially those in authoritative positions. Shelton added that “when you start, you believe that you will be able to do almost everything you need pretty much alone, but then you discover that you need help with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... and you realize that you're not enough (and not in a bad way)”. On the other hand, Todiwa at first thought that “it would be easy to just build something and have people use it” but came to a realization that “without a strong network and support system, even the best ideas can fall flat”. The fellows learned that social change requires patience and persistence. Despite the rejections, the silence, and the betrayals, the team carried on and finally received the well-deserved recognition. Our Highest Highs They were invited to present their projects to the university’s higher-ups and to collaborate directly with their school’s administration. Makanaka proudly explained that “sitting around a table with the Dean of Students and the University’s Director of International Affairs, Marketing, and Relations - what we felt was the gravity of our projects, it was knowing that, despite the resistance, impact was possible”. There were highest highs not only on a collective, but also individual levels. For Tadiwa, one of the highest highs was “when I presented my project at a conference and received applause and recognition from climate action experts; it was a moment of validation for all the hard work and dedication I put into the project - seeing the impact it had on the audience and receiving positive feedback was incredibly fulfilling”. For Divine, one of the most significant moments was “when I successfully tracked down the background of a vulnerable child who had been living on the streets for years”. After long days of research and conversations with the community, she located the child’s mother and provided both of them with a safer environment.  Beyond the Project Somewhere between helplessness and hope, failures and victories, analysis and action, the cohort of Millennium Fellows at the University of Zimbabwe grew into the shoes befitting their impact. Ebbi pointed out that the Millennium Fellowship journey “taught me resilience and empathy”. Moreover, she grasped that starting something new is not only about results - “it is about listening, understanding, and adapting to others”. For Tafara now, social impact is a never-ending and flowing process: “It's sometimes difficult to admit that there was work at the start of it all and there will be work at the continuation of it all”. Shelton saw another perspective: "A belief in being able to effect change even with limited resources, because you are the resource”.  The Cohort's Legacy When looking back at the entire experience of the Millennium Fellowship, the cohort gets thrilled about the prospective future. Makanaka believes that “soft impact ripples through from the cohort to our peers through shared wisdom gained from the sessions”. While Divide hopes that the team’s work leaves a mark not only through events organized, but also “in the culture of commitment, courage, and care cultivated in each other”. She believes that in years from now, every fellow “will carry an imprint of the cohort in themselves”. Tadiwa added that the cohort could “become a symbol of what it means to truly support, hear, and see each other”.  Article written by: Millennium Fellows Class of 2025, University of Zimbabwe

Photo of Diana Aldabergenova Hands for Humanity  is a social impact initiative that addresses global inequalities in access to education, clean water, and child protection. The project aims to promote children’s rights and social justice through awareness campaigns, volunteer engagement, and educational outreach. I grew up believing that education is not a privilege - it is a right. That access to clean water is not luck - it is a necessity. That having a parent to guide and protect you is not a privilege - it is a fundamental part of human dignity. My initiative for equality began while volunteering as a teacher for children with disabilities. Those hours reshaped my sense of empathy and inclusion, revealing the deeper meaning of connection beyond what society deems “normal”. From there, I became involved in food drives and community programs supporting children living in poverty, carrying the initiative I began in my homeland of Kazakhstan to the United States.  Over the fall semester of 2025, I had the privilege of organizing a Social Justice Month event focused on child welfare and community action. Together with volunteers, we folded 101 origami cranes for children in need, facilitated puppy adoptions, collected toy donations, and raised $250 through a bake sale - all to support initiatives that protect and empower children. I also designed and led workshops for Pace University students on topics such as Children’s Rights , Multilateralism , and Volunteer Etiquette & Child Protection 101 , encouraging students to become advocates for equity in education and child welfare. The Millennium Fellowship introduced me to my second family, where all young leaders understand the necessity of a human-centric approach in building the future. Leadership is not about dominance or recognition - it is about serving others  with integrity and compassion. True impact begins when we lead not for ourselves, but for humanity as a whole. Why should we care about children living in poverty? Because we have the power and the obligation to make a difference. Every child holds the potential to thrive when surrounded by care, education, and safety. Poverty should never determine destiny. When we protect children, we safeguard the future of humanity itself. We are responsible for our future generation.  Article written by: Diana Aldabergenova Millennium Fellowship Class of 2025 Pace University, USA

An interview with Theophilus Venn, Millennium Fellowship Class of 2020 Adrija, Team MCN: Thank you so much for joining me today and for taking the time to share your Millennium Fellowship story and what you’ve been doing since. To begin, could you tell me a little bit about yourself?  Theophilus: I'm from Nigeria and I am a pharmacist by training and a social entrepreneur by passion. I run an agri-food brand which is into the production of healthier food options and we also provide alternatives to single-use plastics using food innovations. What we do is we provide foods that nourish the people and protect the environment all at the same time. Adrija, Team MCN: I'm curious to know how this space of social impact has been for you now that you have given so much time and effort to advance these sustainable development goals. Do you find it to be supportive? Do you find it to be isolating? How has that journey been?  Theophilus: I run a business which is impacting life, a social enterprise, Venth Ventures Limited. We are the makers of Venn biscuits and Edveen Edible Cup. Yes, an edible cup. So we’re making healthy biscuits through incorporating or fortifying it with fresh tropical fruits in order to improve quality of life while we also shape these biscuits into cups that serve as an alternative to single-use plastics. The journey has not been easy but I would say it has been rewarding because we got to understand that the best form of advocacy is actually demonstration. So what we decided to do is provide these foods that will nourish the people and protect the environment and we actually started out by providing something that the people would see, they would touch, and they would feel it in their everyday life.  Adrija, Team MCN: It is so powerful to hear how you have created a solution that is not just advancing the sustainable development goals and protects the environment but also it's fun. Could you tell me a little bit about what the future success looks like for you and for your project? Theophilus: We are building a scalable solution that tackles food insecurity and plastic pollution. We want to grow to be a leading brand in the food service industry and in the next five years, we also would like to focus on community impact as we promote the sustainable development goals. In the next five years we want to see ourselves become an export-ready brand across Africa and the global continents. This is because we want to raise our voice in global conversations around health sustainability because we believe that Africa has so much to contribute to the future in terms of food and also the planet. Adrija, Team MCN: Amazing, thank you so much for sharing that here. Coming back to the Millennium Fellowship, what made you in the first place apply to the Millennium Fellowship ?  Theophilus: I joined the Millennium Fellowship in the year 2020 as a pharmacy student from the University of Benin.  I am part of a community of students who look out for opportunities to make an impact and during that period, I noticed that colleagues from other departments were talking about the Millennium Fellowship and at that time the application window had opened. [The Millennium Fellowship] was an opportunity for me to share my ideas with like-minded change makers and connect with change makers around the world. So looking back, the journey thus far is the best decision I have made. This birthed a foundation for what I am doing as a social entrepreneur today. The biggest lesson I still carry with me is that collaboration will always beat competition. It is partnerships that make impact truly sustainable. So for me, that has been something I have been carrying all through my journey. Just start... You know why? Because little drops of water actually fill a bucket...small consistency and good actions can make the change that you desire. Adrija, Team MCN: As somebody who has also done the fellowship, is there one value that the fellowship taught you that you think that has informed how you lead? Theophilus: As a social entrepreneur, you can't do it all alone. You need to collaborate. You need mentorship. You need partnership. You also need people to believe in your idea. So for me, collaboration is key for any social enterprise. And if you would allow me to add one more, integrity is also very important. So when you are able to collaborate and you have integrity as your watchword, then I think you are on the right track to make an impact. Adrija, Team MCN: Thank you so much for sharing that. How has your vision evolved from the 2020 Theophilus to the 2025 Theophilus?  Theophilus: Like I said, the Millennium Fellowship birthed what I'm doing today. So it has not really been so easy, most especially coming in from a low income. But for us, impact is very, very essential. So even in our little way, in our little community, just in my area, I'm trying as much as possible to make an impact, to be able to influence policies just around my community in terms of mitigating problems such as pollution around my community.  Adrija, Team MCN:Brilliant. If you were talking to a Millennium Fellow who has just started the fellowship, what is the one piece of advice you would give them?  Theophilus: So if I had the opportunity to talk to my younger self, or fellows coming in, I would say, start where you are with what you have. Don't wait for the perfect condition. You know why? It never comes. So what you have now, just start. That impact you want to make, just start, learn, adjust, and keep going. You know why? Because little drops of water actually fill a bucket, little drops of water actually fills a gallon, little drops of water actually fills up a drum. So small consistency and good actions can actually make the change that you desire.  Adrija, Team MCN: I wish somebody had told this to me when I was starting the fellowship in 2021. I have one final question here, which is not essentially a question, but I want to give you the space for a call to action for the work that you're doing right now . Theophilus: My call to action is simple: support youth-led innovations. Invest in them, partner with them, open doors for them. Because when young people are empowered, they create solutions that are bold, sustainable, and transformative. Together, let’s build a world where the ideas of young changemakers don’t just survive, they thrive, and they make the planet better for all of us. Thank you. When young people are empowered, they create solutions that are bold, sustainable, and transformative. Adrija, Team MCN: Beautiful. Thank you so much, Theophilus. Is there something you would have liked to talk about about your journey that I didn't ask?  Theophilus: My project in 2020 was called Self-Help Garden Initiative, which advocated for nutrition education. Because of COVID it was difficult for people to go out. A lot of people were hungry during that period. We advocated for nutrition education, and growing vegetables and fruits just in your backyard, so that in case there's another lockdown, you don't have to start running around.  At that time, it was also providing some solution that could help with our environment, growing of trees. “Plant something and do something.” That was our little motto. When you have two or three neighbors bring together these vegetables, you can make a soup.  Then another area that I would like to speak about is opportunities for Africans in underserved, low-income communities. Yes, there are certain times that we've seen that it's been very difficult to access global opportunities, to access global speaking engagements, to access global recognition, but I want to say thank you to Millennium Fellowship, for the opportunity to raise my voice, and I want to urge other organizations to look right, into the communities. We have many change makers like myself who are relatively unknown, but they are actually doing great work within their communities, and we would want to get to the global stage so that we can do more.  Adrija, Team MCN: Amazing. I love how you put it, like learn, unlearn, and relearn, and that's how you built your movement today. Thank you so much for being with us and sharing your experience, Theophilus. Theophilus Venn  is a Class of 2020 Millennium Fellow from the University of Benin, and was recognized as an Honorable Mention of the 2025 MCN Stories competition. He joined Adrija Das of Team MCN to talk about his experience with the Millennium Fellowship. The interview has been edited for clarity and length by Team MCN.

Share the Millennium Fellowship Opportunity The United Nations Academic Impact and MCN proudly present the Millennium Fellowship. This program convenes, challenges, and celebrates student leadership for UN goals. In 2024, 4000+ Millennium Fellows collectively advanced all 17 Sustainable Development Goals, contributed 382,000+ hours to 2,110 projects, and positively impacted the lives of over 1 million people in 48 nations. Over 60,000 young leaders on 7,500+ campuses across 160+ nations applied to join the Class of 2025. This is a robust global network and undergraduates worldwide are invited to apply for the Class of 2026. Please find draft content for email and social media outreach, including the Millennium Fellowship logo and content from UNAI and MCN. ⚠ Millennium Fellowship is a free of cost program . There is no fee or charge for the students and universities. ⚠ For social media posts: there are two n's in Millennium - noting to all our partners as it is often misspelled; the hashtag used for the program is #MillenniumFellowship For a Campus to be eligible for participation It must have at least 8 selected Millennium Fellows to form a cohort. For this reason, we ideally encourage 15+ applications from a campus. To boost the chanves of campus selection, we encourage you to share the opportunity with undergraduates on you campus Apply Now Email/Newletter LinkedIn Whatsapp/Messenger Text Instagram/Meta Twitter More Subject: Recognizing students’ global leadership: Millennium Fellowship Dear [Recipient's Name], The United Nations Academic Impact and MCN proudly present the Millennium Fellowship . The program convenes, challenges, and celebrates bold undergraduate students advancing the Sustainable Development Goals on campus and in communities. As a Millennium Fellow, you will hone your skills, take concrete action, and earn recognition. There is no cost for selected students. Undergraduate leaders should apply by the next priority deadline on February 28, 2026. (The Class of 2026 will run from August - December 2026). Best regards, [Your Name] [University Name] Subject: Apply for the Millennium Fellowship - Develop Leadership Skills and Make a Difference Dear [Recipient's Name], We are excited to announce that the application for the Millennium Fellowship , presented by The United Nations Academic Impact and MCN, is now open! The semester-long fellowship program cultivates and honors undergraduate student leaders who are dedicated to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals within and around their communities. As a Millennium Fellow, you will have the chance to refine your leadership abilities, initiate practical initiatives, and receive a certificate of recognition from the United Nations Academic Impact and MCN. The best part? There is no cost for selected students to participate. If you are interested, undergraduate leaders are encouraged to submit their applications by the next priority deadline on February 28 , 2026 . (The Class of 2026 will run from August - December 2026). Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to make a positive social impact and enhance your leadership skills. Apply now and be part of a global movement towards sustainable development. Best regards, [Your Name] Millennium Fellowship Class of 2026 Applications are now Open!!! 🔰Are you an undergraduate student passionate about creating a positive social impact in your community and beyond? 🔰Do you have a project idea to make that difference? Join the Millennium Fellowship, a semester-long leadership development program jointly organized by the United Nations Academic Impact and Millennium Campus Network! Apply today to become a Millennium Fellow and be part of the change! APPLY HERE: https://www.millenniumfellows.org/apply Hi! I applied to the Millennium Fellowship and thought you might want to apply too. Check it out: www.millenniumfellows.org . Hey there! 🌟 I just applied for the Millennium Fellowship . I wanted to pass on this opportunity given your interest/involvement in [ ... ]. Thought you might be interested too! The Millennium Fellowship is a semester-long program for undergraduates and will take place this August-December. Check it out: www.millenniumfellows.org . Let's be change-makers together! 💪✨ Student leaders: United Nations Academic Impact and MCN present the #MillenniumFellowship . Apply to become a Millennium Fellow today, and take your social impact to the next level. Apply here: http://www.millenniumfellows.org/apply by February 28, 2026. Student leaders: Exciting news from the United Nations Academic Impact and Team MCN! 🌍Ready to elevate your social impact game? Apply now to join the #MillenniumFellowship , Class of 2026 community, and drive meaningful change. Apply here: http://www.millenniumfellows.org/apply by February 28, 2026. Insert the image included below - tag @mcnpartners in photo Student Leaders: 🌍 Join the movement with UN Academic Impact and MCN! 🚀 Embrace the #MillenniumFellowship and let's turn the UN Sustainable Development Goals into reality right on your campus and in your community! 🌟 Apply to become a Millennium Fellow today, and be part of the change: Check out millenniumfellows.org (or tap the link in bio)! 💪🎓 #MillenniumFellowship Student leaders: United Nations Academic Impact and MCN present the #MillenniumFellowship. Make UN goals reality on campus and in community. Become a Millennium Fellow: millenniumfellows.org (or link in bio) Insert image included below - tag @ImpactUN and @mcnpartners in photo Student leaders: United Nations Academic Impact and MCN present the #MillenniumFellowship. Take your social impact to the next level: http://www.millenniumfellows.org Student leaders: United Nations Academic Impact and MCN present the #MillenniumFellowship. Make the Sustainable Development Goals your own: http://www.millenniumfellows.org Class of 2025 United Nations Academic Impact article. Class of 2024 United Nations Academic Impact article. University Press Releases To download the Millennium Fellowship logo, please click here Posters and Banners: Info Deck [ Download Here] English For Universities in: United States, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen [ Download Here] English [ Download Here] Arabic If you need any additional content, please reach out to admissions@mcnpartners.org and it can be provided.

The United Nations Academic Impact and MCN proudly present the Millennium Fellowship. The Fellowship is a semester-long leadership development program on your campus to take your social impact to the next level. Access to world class training, connections, and recognition is just an application away ABOUT The Millennium Fellowship MEET The Millennium Fellows APPLY To the Class of 2026 CALLING UNDERGRADUATE LEADERS The United Nations Academic Impact and MCN proudly present the Millennium Fellowship. The Fellowship is a semester-long leadership development program on your campus to take your social impact to the next level. Access to world-class training, connections, and recognition is just an application away. Class of 2026 applications are now live. Apply by February 28, 2026. Click below to begin your social impact journey. Apply Now thank you! thank you! thank you! thank you! Thank you to the 60,396 applicants for the Millennium Fellowship Class of 2025! Sam Vaghar - Executive Director, MCN H.E. Ban Ki-moon - 8th Secretary-General, United Nations Learn more about the UNAI MCN Partnership Play Video Play Video 02:07 Sohfiyyah Murtadho working to protect life under water in Nigeria #MillenniumFellowship Play Video Play Video 02:55 Millennium Fellow Melanie Ortiz supports local boy's orphanage during the Covid-19 pandemic Play Video Play Video 01:57 Millennium Fellow Sanjay helps kickstart high school students journey towards global citizenship Play Video Play Video 05:05 Meet Sciences Po #MillenniumFellows - s(H)e - the docuseries Play Video Play Video 04:34 Meet Neha & Simran: Two Millennium Fellows helping underprivileged children find their passion Play Video Play Video 03:18 Millennium Fellow Lina Altarawneh on promoting ethical production of clothes #MillenniumFellowship Play Video Play Video 02:02 Raqqya Adside-West encourages urban agriculture through her #MillenniumFellowship project Class of 2024 Throughout the Millennium Fellowship program, Millennium Fellows undertake a project that addresses one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), applying what they learn in real-time to create tangible social impact. Here is a snapshot of the Millennium Fellows' impact in 2024. 4,362 Millennium Fellows 2,110 Unique Projects 382,172 Hours Dedicated 1,002,895 Lives Positively Impacted Our Global Impact Millennium Fellow Spotlights Read Official Press Release University of Medical Sciences 10 UNIMED students bag millennium fellowship Read More Health Services Academy Five HSA students selected for UN fellowship Read More Pace University Record-Breaking Year: 34 Pace Students Named Millennium Fellows Read More Balochistan University of Information Technology Millennium Campus Network (MCN) Fellows — Student Profiles & SDG Initiatives Read More My time as a Millennium Fellow played such an important role in getting me (and my project at large) to where we are today. Claire Sliney, Millennium Fellow and Executive Producer for the Oscar-winning documentary, Period. End of Sentence. , University of Pennsylvania

Emily Emmanuel is a young medical student at the Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo. She is an extraordinary individual with a passion for learning and growth. Born and raised in Nigeria, she has developed a unique perspective on life, blending traditional values with modern aspirations. She spent her formative years in Keffi,Nasarawa state where she developed a strong foundation in academics and extracurricular activities. Her educational journey has been marked by curiosity, dedication, and a thirst for knowledge. Interests and Passions She enjoys exploring new ideas, reading, and engaging in creative pursuits. Her interests span various fields, including reading, music etc. Her goals are centered around personal growth, making a positive impact, and pursuing her passions. She is known for her kindness, resilience, and determination. Her values are rooted in empathy, integrity, and a commitment to lifelong learning. As she continues on her path, she remains focused on her aspirations, inspiring those around her with her enthusiasm and dedication. ABOUT THE MILLENNIUM FELLOWSHIP - CLASS OF 2025 United Nations Academic Impact and MCN are proud to partner on the Millennium Fellowship. This year, 60,000+ young leaders applied to join the Class of 2025 on 7,000+ campuses across 170 nations. 290+ campuses worldwide (less than 5%) were selected to host the 4,500+ Millennium Fellows. UNITED NATIONS ACADEMIC IMPACT AND MCN PROUDLY PRESENT EMILY EHIKOWOICHO EMMANUEL, A MILLENNIUM FELLOW FOR THE CLASS OF 2025. Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo | Otukpo, Nigeria | Advancing SDG 3 & UNAI 6 " As a millennium fellow I would be part of a global network of change makers, providing a platform to connect with like minded individuals,share ideas and explore partnership.Also it would give me an opportunity to design, implement projects addressing problems such as poverty, education and climate change. " Millennium Fellowship Project: Healthy Future Initiative The Healthy Future Initiative is a project aimed at promoting healthy living, with a particular focus on children. It emphasizes wellness, healthy lifestyles, and lifelong nutritional habits. The project targeted growing children in the community, aiming to improve their knowledge of nutritional health and the importance of a balanced diet. Through the initiative, around 50 children were educated on the benefits of eating healthily, the importance of including fruits in their meals, and maintaining balanced diets. Fruits were also distributed to the children to demonstrate their nutritional value and reinforce the lessons on healthy eating. About the Millennium Fellow Emily Emmanuel is a young medical student at the Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo. She is an extraordinary individual with a passion for learning and growth. Born and raised in Nigeria, she has developed a unique perspective on life, blending traditional values with modern aspirations. She spent her formative years in Keffi,Nasarawa state where she developed a strong foundation in academics and extracurricular activities. Her educational journey has been marked by curiosity, dedication, and a thirst for knowledge. Interests and Passions She enjoys exploring new ideas, reading, and engaging in creative pursuits. Her interests span various fields, including reading, music etc. Her goals are centered around personal growth, making a positive impact, and pursuing her passions. She is known for her kindness, resilience, and determination. Her values are rooted in empathy, integrity, and a commitment to lifelong learning. As she continues on her path, she remains focused on her aspirations, inspiring those around her with her enthusiasm and dedication. BACK Apply for the Class of 2026