The United People Global Sustainability Leadership movement has reached an exciting new milestone. For the first time, Brazil has been officially designated as a destination for the #UPGSustainability Pilgrimage, a transformative experience designed to equip young leaders with the mindset, tools, and networks needed to drive meaningful change.
A New Chapter for the UPG Sustainability Pilgrimage
The UPG Sustainability Leadership programme, launched in 2019 by United People Global, is a global initiative designed to equip young people with the skills and mindset to become active drivers of positive change in their communities. It has already trained 3,504 young leaders from over 150 countries, all of whom commit to leading personal projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sharing knowledge through mini training sessions. A select group of these leaders is further invited to an immersive one-week UPG Sustainability Pilgrimage, a leadership retreat focused on personal development, project refinement, and global collaboration.
Historically hosted in the United States, the expansion to Brazil marks a strategic evolution. It signals UPG’s commitment to diversifying learning environments, deepening global inclusion, and exposing leaders to new cultural and sustainability contexts.
Why Brazil?
Brazil offers a compelling backdrop for sustainability leadership. As one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, it presents both the urgency and opportunity of sustainable development in real time. From urban innovation to ecological preservation, participants will engage with environments that reflect the complexity of global sustainability challenges.
This move positions Brazil as a key node in the global sustainability ecosystem, strengthening South America’s role in shaping future leaders.
Curitiba: The Global Host City
At the heart of this new chapter is Curitiba, a city internationally recognised for its forward-thinking urban planning and sustainability initiatives. As the official host city, Curitiba will welcome UPG Sustainability Leaders into a living laboratory of innovation.
Participants can expect:
- Exposure to sustainable urban development models
- Engagement with local leaders and institutions
- Practical insights into scalable sustainability solutions
Curitiba’s reputation as a green city makes it an ideal environment for leaders to learn, reflect, and co-create solutions.
Morretes: The Transformational Finale
The pilgrimage experience culminates in Morretes, a serene and culturally rich destination that offers the perfect setting for reflection and integration.
Surrounded by natural beauty, Morretes provides:
- A space for deep personal reflection
- Opportunities to consolidate learning
- A powerful close to an intensive leadership journey
This final stage reinforces the essence of the pilgrimage: not just learning, but transformation.
What This Means for Future Leaders
The inclusion of Brazil expands access, enriches perspectives, and enhances the overall impact of the UPG Sustainability Pilgrimage. Leaders will now benefit from:
- Broader global exposure
- Cross-cultural collaboration
- Context-driven learning experiences
It also opens the door for stronger partnerships across regions, fostering a more interconnected and resilient global community of changemakers.
The addition of Brazil as an official pilgrimage destination is more than a geographic expansion; it is a bold step toward redefining how leadership is cultivated in a rapidly changing world.
