The program was initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), in cooperation with the Ministry of Education.
The acronym ISDG stands for Israel Sustainable Development Goals, reflecting Israel’s national commitment to the UN’s 17 global goals. Now in its fourth year, the competition is a distinctive educational initiative designed to integrate Israel—and particularly its youth—into the international effort to achieve these goals by 2030. These include quality education, health, gender equality, clean energy, access to clean water, climate action, global partnerships, and more.
The competition invited students in grades 7–12 from schools across the country to propose projects that contribute to one or more of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Seven winning teams were selected to present their initiatives at the President’s Residence, in the presence of President Isaac Herzog.
Among the selected projects was an initiative by a high school in Ramat Gan, which proposed a home-based seaweed cultivation system as a nutritional solution for families in Tanzania. Another came from a high school in Be'er Ya'akov, which developed a mobile veterinary clinic to assist livestock in remote regions of Senegal.
Photograph: Haim Zach, Israeli Government Press Office
President of Israel Isaac Herzog addressed the students, saying: “The initiatives presented here are further proof of young people’s ability to think big, act responsibly, and contribute to a better world. These are innovative projects that bring together values, science, and creativity—and they are truly inspiring. Thanks to the important collaboration between KKL-JNF, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Education, impactful initiatives like these are made possible. I extend my congratulations to all the partners behind this remarkable initiative—and especially to you, the students—for the groundbreaking ideas you have put forward. As I told you: go out and conquer the world. You are a tremendous source of pride. Best of luck.”
Minister of Education Yoav Kisch added: “I congratulate the winners of the ISDG competition—young people who are shaping the future rather than waiting for it. The initiatives they developed—from innovative vaccines to environmental solutions—demonstrate what can be achieved when students are given a clear goal, responsibility, and the tools to succeed. Our vision is simple: set a high bar and provide the support needed to reach it. That’s how we build a culture of excellence—not as a slogan, but as a way of life.”
Ifat Ovadia-Luski, Chairwoman of KKL-JNF, said: “The projects submitted to the competition demonstrate how knowledge, imagination, and a sense of purpose can come together to create real solutions that save lives and change reality. The younger generation is the driving force that will lead the world toward a sustainable future. We at KKL-JNF are proud to be part of this initiative.”
Orli Gil, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Food and Agriculture Agencies in Rome, remarked: “The excellence and innovation shown by the high school students who took part in the competition is deeply impressive—a true source of pride for Israel on the global stage.”