Lessons in leadership, collaboration and global impact, in partnership with libra philanthropies
In September, five members of The Diana Award Alumni network were selected through a rigorous and competitive application process for the opportunity to represent The Diana Award in New York during Concordia and United Nations General Assembly week, thanks to the support of Libra Philanthropies.
Bringing together leaders from government, business, civil society and philanthropy, the experience offered a unique opportunity to engage with some of the world's most pressing challenges while ensuring young people were part of the conversation. Throughout the week, delegates contributed youth perspectives to discussions shaping the future, while building connections and learning from leaders across sectors.
We asked the delegates to reflect on their experience and share their biggest takeaways. Their responses highlight the importance of collaboration, diverse perspectives and meaningful youth participation in creating positive change around the world.
Arthur Templeman-Lilley
The Diana Award Young Advisor
Wales | Age 19
"There's something valuable about hearing governments, businesses and NGOs in the same room, finding common ground whilst also approaching ideas from very different directions. It's a perspective I don't often encounter through my own advocacy work, and one that made the Concordia Summit particularly insightful.
From discussions on global challenges spanning human rights, health and technology, to more focused conversations around leadership and youth participation, there were plenty of opportunities to listen, question and contribute. The smaller sessions were especially valuable in allowing for a more open exchange of ideas, while getting to know the other delegates, particularly the other young people attending through The Diana Award, was a real highlight!
What I've taken away isn't just a broader understanding of the issues being discussed, but a better sense of how these spaces operate, what might be useful to bring back into my own work, and how I want to navigate and contribute to similar conversations in the future. I'm very grateful to The Diana Award and Libra Philanthropies for the opportunity, and for the people, perspectives and conversations that made it so worthwhile."
Kupakwashe Matangira
2024 Diana Award Recipient
Australia | Age 24
"The Concordia Summit was an incredible week. It was a sheer privilege and honour to be surrounded by young leaders from across the world, and learn from each other as we met politicians, ambassadors, generals and CEOs. Together, we grappled with what it means to be a leader who centres people, is values driven and doesn’t lean on convenience, but instead fights the fight for justice.
In my work, I am surrounded by people with a particular view of seeing the world, especially as it concerns climate change. What I loved about the Summit was learning about what the same issue, addressing climate change, looks like from the world of business, tech, and health as well as politics and social justice. We were challenged about the world and encouraged to add more perspectives to that of my own.
As we all undertake the journey of making the world a better place, we shared the stage with figures like the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry and members of Obama’s presidency to discuss the role young people have in shaping world affairs.
I am so grateful to The Diana Award and Libra philanthropies for this opportunity to be surrounded by leaders, young and experienced. I am grateful to have been inspired by them and spend meaningful time discussing and seeking to action a better world for us all."
Nebiyou Timotewos
2024 Diana Award Recipient
Canada | Age 22
"My biggest takeaway from the Concordia Summit was the power of unity in diversity. Being surrounded by people from different countries, cultures, sectors, and lived experiences reminded me that our differences don't have to divide us. In fact, they can be one of our greatest strengths when we are willing to listen to one another and find common ground.
I was especially reminded of this in the side events and chats we had. I left the week with an even stronger belief that meaningful change is never the work of one person alone. It requires us to build bridges, bring different voices to the table, and work together with a shared purpose/goal. Most importantly, I was reminded that meaningful development can only be done with young people at the table (as equal partners), not done to them"
Olivia Zhang
2023 Legacy Award Recipient
United States of America | Age 21
"The biggest thing that I gained from the Concordia Summit experience, specifically through The Diana Award and Libra Philanthropies, was the conversations that I had outside of the sessions and the plan programming with the other changemakers.
These are individuals that I would have never met otherwise… They came from across Europe and even Canada. Sometimes, doing service work can be very lonely, as is finding young people who understand the trials and tribulations of working in the non-profit world.
It was not only refreshing, but also eye-opening to converse with the other Diana Award alumni who came on this trip and connect over what truly matters in this world, give each other advice on social impact opportunities and work, share ideas in regards to different ways to make change, and bond over trivial problems that we faced in our personal lives.
I firmly believe that one of the biggest assets a young person can have is their network/community, and I just gained 4 incredibly inspirational humans in mind."
Oyinda Adeniyi
2023 Diana Award Recipient
United Kingdom | Age 25
"The Concordia Summit was my first time in the USA, and the people made it. Every delegate arrived with a story, and getting to hear about the work they’re doing in their communities was my biggest takeaway from the week.
My standout moment was day one. Nothing compares to walking through Manhattan, properly talking to my fellow delegates for the first time and capturing our first bits of footage together. It set the tone for everything that followed.
Another highlight was our session with the Global Impact Advisory Group from Libra Philanthropies. It made me think about what it really means to be a sustainable changemaker, and how lasting change has to be built with communities, not just for them.
As a doctor with a long-term focus on global health, that message will stay with me. I’m leaving with new ideas, new friends and a much bigger sense of what’s possible."
As we mark the anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, we remember how her compassion, courage, and commitment to humanity continues to inspire generations around the world. Nearly three decades after her passing, her legacy lives on through young people who are creating positive change in their communities and leading with empathy.
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.
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.
