The Diana Award was joined by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex as young people took centre-stage at the Concordia Annual Summit in New York to drive a global movement of young activists, from across the world, for The Diana Award’s ‘Decade of Youth Wellbeing’.
The Diana Award was joined by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex as young people took centre-stage at the Concordia Annual Summit in New York to drive a global movement of young activists, from across the world, for The Diana Award’s ‘Decade of Youth Wellbeing’. The event marks The Diana Award’s 25th Anniversary and looks ahead to the next decade for young people across the world.
Chiara Riyanti Hutapea Zhang (18yrs) from Indonesia and Christina Williams (27yrs) from Jamaica used this global platform to lead an inspiring and engaging discussion with Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex and Dr Tessy Ojo, CEO of The Diana Award. Their powerful testimony saw them representing their generation as they discussed the unprecedented challenges young people face today and what can be done to drive positive change. Both Christina and Chiara urged people to not just listen to young people’s voices but act on them.
Mental ill health represents the principal threat to the wellbeing and productivity of young people. Despite facing challenges that impact on their mental health from; economic uncertainty, climate change and social media pressure, young people, like Christina and Chiara, care deeply about these issues and are inspired to address them.
Speaking at the event Christina Williams sent a powerful warning,
“None of what you’re doing and working on will mean anything unless you have a competent generation to pass it on to."
Sharing her thoughts on ‘what brings her hope’, Chiara Riynti Hutapea Zhang said,
“What gives me hope is when people have even an ounce of willingness to change the status quo."
The Diana Award CEO Dr.Tessy Ojo, CBE said:
“The Diana Award is delighted to put young people centre-stage at The Concordia Annual Summit in New York alongside Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex. Through their activism young people are already shaping their future and it’s our responsibility to amplify their voices. When empowered and given the tools to unlock their potential, we know young people can lead the positive change the world needs.”
Matthew Swift, Co-Founder, President & CEO, Concordia says:
“Concordia is proud to partner with Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex and The Diana Award to provide a platform that encourages greater partnership in addressing the mental health needs of our future leaders. It is our shared mission to strive for meaningful, cross-sector solutions that ensure the next generation is empowered to tackle the pressing issues of our time.”
This event was made possible through the kind support of ServiceNow.
Vanessa Smith, President, ServiceNow.org says:
“ServiceNow is committed to uplifting the global community through our purpose to make the world work better for everyone. We are honoured to collaborate with Concordia, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, and The Diana Award to ensure young people across the globe can thrive and excel. It is through the power of technology and thoughtful partnership where we can change lives and make an impact for generations to come.”
Watch the video shared on stage at Concordia Annual Summit where young people tell us what helps them 'find hope'.
ENDS_
Further info:
Emma Pelling: 07958 558172, emma@pellingpr.co.uk
About the charity – The Diana Award
The Diana Award was set up in memory of The Prince Wales and Duke of Sussex’s mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, and her belief that young people have the power to change the world. The charity exists to empower young people to make positive change by unlocking potential, creating opportunities and inspiring action through four key programmes which include; a mentoring programme for young people at risk, a youth-led anti-bullying ambassadors campaign, a collaborative Changemakers programme that aims to reimagine mental health support for young people from racialised communities and a prestigious award which publicly recognises young changemakers – The Diana Award.
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