Programmes / Challenges
Solve Real
Problems.
Challenges are time-bound initiatives that invite you to collaborate, innovate, and solve a real problem in your community. Led by World Merit, partners, Councils, or members themselves, every challenge turns the World Merit Promise into practice: Learn, Act, Connect, Grow.
Impact Numbers
Challenges By The
Numbers.
36+
Challenges Run
Time-bound SDG initiatives on the platform
12,000+
Participants
Teams and solo innovators
60+
Countries
Global reach
25+
Winners Supported
Receiving mentorship and funding
Challenge Types
Four Ways To
Take Action.
Every challenge falls into one of four categories, based on the kind of action you take.
Community Action
Take Local Action
Identify a local issue and take practical action: clean-ups, education initiatives, mental health campaigns, food drives, and volunteer mobilisation.
SDG Challenges
Solve The Global Goals
Develop innovative solutions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals through local action, from climate action to quality education and beyond.
Innovation
Build Something New
Create social enterprises, digital solutions, and new approaches to community problems, from technology for good to youth entrepreneurship.
Partner / Sponsored
Join Real-World Initiatives
Collaborate with organisations and companies on sponsored campaigns, research challenges, policy consultations, and innovation competitions.
How It Works
From Discovery To
Real Impact.
Joining a challenge is simple. Every step is designed to keep you moving from inspiration to action.
01
Discover
Browse open challenges and filter by theme, SDG, location, or status to find the one that fits you.
02
Learn More
Every challenge page explains the objectives, eligibility, timeline, expected commitment, and what you gain.
03
Join
Click Join Challenge. If you are not yet a World Merit member, you will be invited to join first.
04
Apply
Complete a short application through the World Merit Platform, from a simple form to team registration or an idea submission.
05
Participate
Receive onboarding, access challenge resources, and connect with the community and support you need to deliver.
06
Share Your Impact
Submit your results, share your story, and celebrate what you achieved, with standout work highlighted across World Merit.
Featured Challenges
Challenges In
Action.
Real challenges, led by World Merit and its community, delivering measurable impact on the Sustainable Development Goals.
SDG 3 · Good Health & Well-Being
Ebola Teaching Challenge
An awareness and education initiative increasing knowledge of Ebola prevention and safety, delivered by World Merit teams in classrooms across Africa.
See the challenge →SDG 3 · Disease Prevention
Health To Action
Empowering young changemakers to run disease prevention projects and campaigns in their own communities.
See the challenge →SDG 13 · Climate Action
Community Clean-Up Drive
Volunteers coming together to clean up their communities and reduce the local impact of climate change.
See the challenge →SDG 2 · Zero Hunger
Food Donation Project
A humanitarian initiative providing nutritious food to families and communities in need.
See the challenge →SDG 6 · Clean Water
Clean Up Lake Tanganyika
Bujumbura Local Council mobilised volunteers for a large-scale clean-up of Lake Tanganyika.
See the challenge →SDG 7 · Affordable & Clean Energy
Cut Your Energy Costs Day
An educational campaign spreading awareness about energy efficiency in Sierra Leone.
See the challenge →