The Millennium Fellowship is an established global programme designed to harness the potential of young leaders committed to driving social impact.
Launched by the United Nations Academic Impact and the Millennium Campus Network, this fellowship empowers students to take on pressing global issues through innovative projects compatible with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Such a unique platform invites students to develop leadership skills, work with their peer group around the world, and turn ideas into action.
The Millennium Fellowship each year selects outstanding varied students who present exceptional commitments toward social change and who have a clear vision for the implementation of certain issues.
Accompanying the fellowships are the support systems of resources, training, and mentorship that help in refining ideas with maximum impact.
The fellowship puts a lot of emphasis on the development of sustainable solutions for local and global challenges; hence, very prestigious and highly competitive.
Among many who got the fellowship this year, are Ahnaf Tahmid, Yazdi Zaman, and Maysha Samiha Eshika, each leading different projects of change over pressing social and environmental issues.
Ahnaf Tahmid: Pedaling towards cleaner skies
For Ahnaf, the air he breathes in Dhaka is not just a personal concern; it is a mission. Living with asthma, Ahnaf has seen how extreme air pollution takes its toll on health. But rather than living with it, he’s fighting back-with wheels! Inspired by an alumnus, he threw his name into the Millennium Fellowship hat with his project “Dhaka Air Initiative,” an audacious plan to get more people biking and less carbon flying.
His idea is strikingly simple: raise awareness about air pollution, promote cycling as a greener alternative, and push for bike-friendly infrastructure. With SDGs 3 and 11 as guiding stars, the vision is clear.
Of course, juggling between a fellowship, university life, and an internship is quite a tall order, but whatever is thrown at Ahnaf, the love of policy change remains far stronger. His advice? Be authentic and have a solid plan.
Yazdi Zaman: Advocating for workers’ rights in shipyards
Every time Yazdi Zaman passes the shipyards, she doesn’t see a fleet of vessels but a workforce being sent to their graves. A student of Global Studies and Governance, Yazdi has undertaken an effort to save these workers. Her project, “Workers’ Safety and Health in Ship Recycling Yards of Bangladesh,” is more than a blueprint; it’s a lifeline thrown at them.
Without medical insurance and with practically nil rights, these laborers go to work under hazardous conditions every day. Yazdi envisions a future where collaboration with NGOs, businesses, and the government brings labor rights, social protection, and safety into focus.
She is determined to make this vision real through her Millennium Fellowship. Her path was not easy; through essays, reflections, and passion, she showed why she was different. What advice does Yazdi give to future applicants? “Dive in. It’s a chance to make waves.”
Maysha Samiha Eshika: Empowering women in climate action
When Maysha Samiha Eshika heard of the Millennium Fellowship from her seniors, she knew it was now her turn to take the baton. To her, climate change is very personal, not just some global problem.
She wants to place women at the heart of the struggle to achieve climate justice through her project called “Girls4Climate.”. Eshika’s work has been about empowering women and raising environmental awareness, touching on the very core of SDG 13. Balancing academics with her project won’t be easy, but she’s up for the challenge. For her, it means growth, learning, and leaving a mark.
Words of wisdom? Read the application closely, make your project stand out, and stay consistent.