Earlier this summer, alumni from across The Diana Award programmes attended SXSW London, a festival bringing together global leaders, creatives, innovators and changemakers. To capture the experience through their own lens, we invited attendees to document their time at the festival on film and share their reflections. Hear directly from Jaysim, Shomy, Emma and Sawan as they reflect on the lasting impact of SXSW London.
SXSW London brings together global leaders, creatives, innovators and changemakers to explore the ideas shaping our world today. Through thought-provoking talks, networking opportunities and immersive experiences, the festival creates a space for learning, collaboration and inspiring new perspectives.
Earlier this summer, alumni from across The Diana Award programmes attended SXSW London and were given the freedom to capture their experience on film. To hear directly from our young people, we invited them to document the talks, connections and moments that resonated with them most and stayed with them long after the festival ended.
It was a pleasure to attend SXSW London with The Diana Award, and I even got a job out of it, so am very thankful for the experience.
Jaysim
SXSW London was a powerful reminder that meaningful change happens when young people are trusted with a seat at the table. It was inspiring to exchange ideas with innovators, creators, and leaders from around the world, while celebrating the work of The Diana Award.
One of the highlights was reconnecting with HRH Prince William and reflecting on how far my journey has come since receiving the Diana Legacy Award. I left feeling energised by the conversations, the collaborations, and the shared belief that the next generation has an essential role in shaping a better future.
Shomy
I really enjoyed connecting with other people involved with The Diana Award in different ways — both fellow awardees and people supporting the work behind it. It was such a good reminder of how many young people are doing thoughtful, ambitious work to create change in completely different spaces.
One of my favourite parts of SXSW London was the range of talks on offer — the hardest decision was often choosing between sessions happening at the same time and figuring out whether I could sprint across Shoreditch quickly enough to make the next one. I came away feeling incredibly inspired listening to researchers, doctors, health tech founders, philanthropists, and speakers including Michelle Obama, Sadiq Khan and Queen Rania.
As someone building a portfolio career across healthcare and social impact, being in that environment felt energising and reassuring! It reminded me that that bringing together healthcare, research, policy, community work and entrepreneurship can create opportunities to have a much wider impact.
The Diana Award panel was particularly great. The discussion was centred around the power of young people, along with the importance of social connection, and what becomes possible when young people are given opportunities and trusted to lead. Seeing the great work of the young people highlighted in the panel made the idea of having tangible impact as a young person feel much more within my grasp.
I left feeling excited to continue the work I’m already doing, but with renewed energy and a stronger sense of possibility, with the support of some great people I met at SXSW.
Emma
SXSW London taught me about how technology and AI is reshaping youth-led ventures, entrepreneurship, and society. Understanding how to face technological advances is an increasingly AI-dependent society is essential to developing your organisation and skillset
Sawan
The multi-year partnership between SXSW London and The Diana Award reflects a shared commitment to championing young people as drivers of positive change. Rooted in the 2026 festival theme Society Rewired, the collaboration celebrates the leadership, creativity and action of a new generation already shaping the future of business, technology, culture and social impact.
We're excited to see how this partnership continues to grow and to welcome even more young changemakers to the conversation at SXSW London 2027.
For more information about the partnership, read the full Press Release here.
Wrapping up Volunteers Week this year, we share some insight into what it’s like to be a Mentor on our Mentoring Programme. Hear directly from Mentors Sarah, Arjun, Funmi and Deepika.
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To celebrate International Women’s Day and this year’s theme - ‘Give To Gain’, we asked our Diana Award Recipients “What does Diana, Princess of Wales’ leadership teach young women today?”. Read our blog to find out what they thought.
This International Volunteers Day, we are celebrating our incredible Mentors who are working with us to empower young people in their communities. We asked Sanjeev to share his experience as a Volunteer Mentor since joining our Autumn 2025 cohort.
