Meet the new generation of Diana Award recipients
This year’s Diana Award recipients represent some of the most inspirational young people from across the UK and around the world. These exceptional young people have demonstrated their ability to inspire and mobilise new generations to serve their communities and create long-lasting change on a global scale.
Content warning: Diana Award Recipients address diverse, often personal experiences that may be difficult to read; click here for support if needed.
This roll of honour was empowered through a British Airways Crowdfunder by: Milan Paul Kumar BCyA; Dimitrios Varsamis; Hannah Walton; Cassandra Johnson, and Charles Combes
Aadya co-founded ‘uEmpower’ to combat gender inequality and inspire young girls to pursue leadership in traditionally male-dominated fields. Sparked by her experiences in STEM classes where she faced discrimination and discouragement, Aadya has united over 700 volunteers across 31 countries and 27 US states. Through ‘uEmpower’, she has organised 40 events for 4,000+ girls, connecting them with 20+ women leaders in STEM, business, and beyond. Her initiatives include a global mentorship network, the "Butterfly Blog," and "Research-Front," producing awareness-raising research papers. With over 28 chapters worldwide, Aadya empowers girls to challenge stereotypes, gain leadership skills, and create impactful change in their communities.
Aarush founded ‘BambooTree Children's Foundation’ to combat Parental Alienation, inspired by his own experience of separation from his cousin. He led a nationwide campaign, mobilising over 600 families across 12 cities for Parental Alienation Awareness Day, reaching 3,000+ people. His advocacy has influenced judicial reforms, brought the issue to Indian Parliament, and inspired the film Kuhudi and the song Haara Nahi. Aarush established an email helpline, organised counselling sessions, and expanded ‘BambooTree’s’ volunteer base from 15 to 300. Despite societal resistance, his leadership fosters hope for families and advances child welfare discussions, promoting awareness and change across India.
Driven by his belief that the root cause of climate catastrophe is society’s wasteful, linear economy, Aaryan founded ‘CirFin’ to champion the transition to a circular economy, promoting product reuse, repair, and sustainability. Through initiatives like workshops, his book Designing on the Brink: Products for a Climate in Crisis, and the Earth Day Everyday podcast, Aaryan has reached 5,200+ students in 38 countries and published 50+ articles on climate issues. His AI-powered platform ‘Ask CirFin’ offers insights to create sustainable fintech strategies, and the ‘CirFin CREATE’ challenge has funded over 100 youth-led climate projects. His work mobilises young people around the world towards practical, impactful climate solutions for a sustainable future.
Majid is a passionate advocate for equality in Afghanistan, dedicated to addressing social injustices through grassroots workshops, education, and economic empowerment. An alumnus of American Councils, he has worked with the Gender in Humanitarian Action Working Group, Afghanistan Protection Cluster, and Education Cluster to support Women Human Rights Defenders and civic youth activists. Majid’s initiatives empower communities, amplify marginalized voices, and inspire youth to lead social change. By fostering inclusion and capacity building, he plays a pivotal role in shaping a brighter, more equitable future for Afghanistan.
Witnessing a relative with sickle cell disease frequently require hospitalisation and blood transfusions, Abdullah founded ‘One Health Lifesavers’, an initiative promoting blood donation and healthcare access in underserved communities. Through regular blood drives and educational campaigns, the organisation has helped raise over 600 pints of blood, potentially saving more than 1,800 lives. ‘One Health Lifesavers’ also provides primary healthcare services, including check-ups, screenings, and health education, benefiting over 3,500 individuals. By fostering a culture of voluntary blood donation and preventive health practices, Abdullah aims to reduce preventable diseases and ensure a consistent blood supply for medical emergencies.
Abdulmalik has dedicated himself to bridging the digital divide in his home country of Uzbekistan and beyond. Growing up in a rural town with limited resources and general discouragement from tech careers, Abdulmalik rose to the challenge of teaching himself programming. Recognising the barriers faced by students in his community, he founded ‘E&E’, a non-profit providing free digital education to low-income teenagers. His initiative has empowered over 500 students with coding and digital skills, many of whom now aspire to careers in technology. He also founded the Navoi chapter of the Society of Women Coders, empowering over 30 girls to pursue STEM careers and breaking societal norms.
Adiba founded the ‘Esho Pashe Darai Foundation’ with the goal of addressing poverty and resource gaps in Bangladesh. Starting her journey when she was just 13 years old, her initiatives include improving education for underprivileged children, organising winter clothing drives, distributing mosquito nets, and providing food during Ramadan. Inspired by witnessing the struggles of marginalised and underprivileged people during the pandemic, Adiba recognised that even small acts of kindness could create significant change. Despite initial scepticism due to her young age, she persevered, raising funds and mobilising support. Adiba’s unwavering commitment and leadership inspire others, proving that age is no barrier to impactful change.
After overcoming cerebral meningitis in 2020, Adrian was driven to help others facing adversity. He founded ‘Steps of Hope’, distributing over 500 pairs of school shoes to children in Zimbabwe, enabling them to attend school with dignity and confidence. As Student Social Welfare Secretary, he improved school attendance for female students through the Sanitary Pads Campaign. Globally, Adrian advocates for sustainable development and water security as a UN diplomat and TED speaker. His podcast, The Morning Muse, with over 700,000 downloads, fosters discussions on societal and cultural issues. Inspired by his own challenges, Adrian hopes to motivate others to give back through volunteering with ‘Steps of Hope’ and similar initiatives.
Adriana, Regional Director for Asia at ‘Global Health Focus’ (GHF), is a medical doctor who advocates for breaking barriers to healthcare access. Motivated by the stigma she faced surrounding mental health and trauma, Adriana channels her experiences into impactful global health work, particularly in health systems strengthening. She has expanded GHF’s reach to new countries, led numerous campaigns, trained over 4,000 young leaders, and mentored 50+ students worldwide. Her research and advocacy work have been cited by policymakers globally. By openly sharing her journey, Adriana actively combats stigma, demonstrating the transformative power of accessible care and serving as a role model for resilience and advocacy in global health.
Agus is a dedicated youth advocate in the education sector, passionately addressing the issue of bullying through both personal and professional efforts. Having endured bullying in junior high, Agus turned his painful experiences into a mission to create safer school environments. He founded ‘kitakorbanbullying’, a platform with over 10,000 followers, and has led initiatives that have impacted thousands. By visiting more than 200 schools and over 100 online sessions, Agus has reached a broad audience with his anti-bullying education module. Recently, he united 100 youth organisations to sign Indonesia’s first anti-bullying declaration, marking a significant step toward systemic change.
Ahana’s journey from authoring a book at nine to founding ‘Saathi’ at 16 reflects her unwavering dedication to social impact. Recognising the pervasive issue of period poverty, she developed ‘Saathi’ to provide reusable period underwear using a sustainable "Buy 1, Give 1" model. Since its inception, Saathi has donated over 5,000 units across India, Uganda, and Burkina Faso, improving the lives of over 1,000 girls and reducing reliance on disposable menstrual products. Ahana’s efforts extend beyond donations; she actively educates communities about menstrual health, destigmatising periods through workshops and partnerships, while reducing environmental harm with biodegradable packaging.
Ahmed witnessed the devastating impact of pollution on his community, whether it be in Egypt or in the United States. His "Climbate" campaign bridges health and environmental awareness through climate education, research, and activism, reaching over 200,000 students in 53 countries – including modules tailored to those with learning disabilities. In his local community, Ahmed worked on a Reading Room project in which they received $3,150 to provide books for low-income families, whilst proceeds from his children’s book, Laila’s Toolbox, support climate relief efforts in Chad. Ahmed also developed an award-winning prototype using biodegradable magnetic nanoparticles to remove microplastics from water. Through innovative projects, speaking engagements, and global collaborations, Ahmed inspires youth to drive impactful climate solutions.
Aila is the founder of ‘Youth SMILE 4 Special Needs’ (YS4SN), a project that empowers young people to support individuals with disabilities and promote an inclusive world. Inspired by her older sister who has a rare genetic disorder, Aila developed programs that provide play-and-learn opportunities for people of all abilities. Over the past four years, she has organised youth-led camps, events, and fundraising initiatives, impacting thousands of individuals across Texas. Aila's dedication to inclusion extends through mentorship and curriculum development, with plans to publish a manual to help others create similar programs. Her work continues to inspire youth-driven social change.
Princess's presidency at the Ilorin University Medical Students’ Association (ILUMSA) was transformative. As ILUMSA's first female president, she pioneered initiatives to enhance academic, social, and infrastructural resources for over 1,500 medical students, including raising over $30,000 to build a multifunctional secretariat. Princess engages students through academic, business and talent development initiatives, as well as fostering social responsibility among medical students through blood donation drives and medical outreach programmes in rural communities. Her efforts also improved alumni engagement and media visibility, inspiring future leaders and leaving a legacy of inclusivity and empowerment across the community.
Alanna is the founder of ‘HOPE’ (Helping Our Planet Earth), a non-profit dedicated to youth empowerment and mental health advocacy. Inspired by her own experiences and her passion for accessibility, Alanna began advocating for mental health resources in Hong Kong after recognising the barriers faced by her peers. Since founding ‘HOPE’ in 2020, she has impacted over 900 students through mental health training, advocacy, and mentorship. Alanna aims to create self-sustaining wellness ecosystems across Asia-Pacific, empowering youth leaders to improve mental health support. Her work continues to inspire youth, break stigmas, and foster community change.
AlDhabi is the founder of ‘Rainbow Chimney’, where she empowers children through publishing. She has published books for 52 young authors through her initiative “Books from Children to Children,” with works signed at international events like COP28 Dubai. Passionate about environmental advocacy, AlDhabi has published 23 books on climate change and sustainability. She also developed an innovative augmented reality tool to support children with ADHD, ASD, and dyslexia. AlDhabi’s leadership inspires youth involvement in social action, and her mentoring has helped many young authors become published themselves, amplifying their voices and impact on global issues.
Alejandro founded Aurora App in 2023 to combat gender-based violence, providing free counselling and legal support for women. The app, offering GPS-powered safety features and legal support resources for over 358 registered users and has supported 53 victims of violence so far. In the future, Alejandro hopes to expand Azul App for anonymous corporate complaints on issues such as fraud, harassment, corruption and discrimination. Alejandro's own experiences with hardship and proximity to violence and macho culture in Colombia motivates Alejandro’s dedication to social impact volunteering in education, inspiring others to pursue learning and human rights, even giving free classes in social sciences, maths and English.
Alex founded ‘NYC Magnet Audition Prep’ (NYC MAP) to address the lack of acting resources in his underprivileged Brooklyn neighbourhood. ‘NYC MAP’ aims to give young actors from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds an even footing in an exclusive and competitive industry. Initially coaching over Zoom during the pandemic, Alex’s reach soon grew to over 4,000 students across 16 New York City schools. Through the programme, over 250 young actors have received private coaching, achieving an impressive 80% success rate in admissions to competitive arts programmes. By empowering underprivileged youth, advocating for neurodiversity and accessibility, and increasing minority representation in prestigious programmes, Alex is determined to democratise the performing arts in New York City.
Alexia is the founder and CEO of ‘GirlBoss New Zealand’ - New Zealand’s largest organisation for young women. Founded when Alexia was just 16, ‘GirlBoss’ now has 17,500 members. Alexia’s mission is to get women to the table - the boardroom table that is, and she believes the decisions made while young are crucial in paving the way. Alexia has spearheaded the groundbreaking “GirlBoss Edge” programme - a 10-day careers programme which has connected 5,000 youth to over 2000 corporate mentors. GirlBoss programmes have alumni from over 400 High Schools, including in the Pacific Islands.
Anaya has developed a pioneering early learning curriculum for tribal children aged 2–5, focusing on motor skill development using sustainable, cost-effective, and locally available resources such as mud, sand, and leaves. While interning with an NGO, Anaya saw the disparity in resources compared to her own childhood experiences with occupational therapy in Mumbai. This led her to create ‘SkillSnap’, a sustainable app designed to foster motor skill and sensory development, ensuring equitable early education opportunities. Through rigorous testing and collaboration with experts, her curriculum has significantly improved the skills of children in Kanha and is now poised for expansion with the potential to transform early education across rural India.
Aneeshwar, a nine-year-old conservationist and wildlife advocate, began his journey at four after seeing a whale filled with plastic, sparking his passion to protect nature. He creates educational videos on ecosystem conservation and holds Guinness World Records as the youngest documentary presenter for Six Ways to Save Our Planet and the youngest newspaper columnist. Aneeshwar has inspired millions globally through documentaries, articles, and collaborations with organisations like NASA, RSPB, and the Kennedy Center. Recently, he filmed a NASA documentary showcasing efforts to protect Earth. Aneeshwar champions sustainable living, involving children in conservation, and inspiring global action for a better planet.
Angad’s journey as a social entrepreneur began with a determination to address the e-waste crisis in his community. Despite various challenges initially, Angad raised $1,000 to launch ‘EcoBinRecycle’, an initiative focused on collecting and responsibly recycling e-waste while raising awareness about its harmful effects. Starting with just 15 households, Angad has grown his project to serve 12 offices and 70 households, collecting 1.5 tons of e-waste. He also founded ‘The Ambassadors Programme’, rallying youth to join his cause, and secured partnerships with organisations like ‘5RCycle’. Angad’s efforts have established a citywide e-waste collection system, inspiring sustainable practices for future generations.
Angelina is the founder of ‘Youth Space’, a community-driven initiative dedicated to bridging the educational divide in Indonesia. With a deep passion for social change, she has led various projects to support underprivileged youth, including creating virtual study spaces during the pandemic and publishing a children's book distributed across 21 orphanages. Through ‘Youth Space’, Angelina has mentored over 100 students globally and facilitated impactful educational campaigns, reaching thousands. Her work has earned international recognition, with over 9,000 followers and collaborations with global organizations. Angelina continues to inspire young people worldwide to advocate for education equality and social change.
Anh is dedicated to uplifting Vietnam's Deaf community through her nonprofit, ‘Colours of Hope’. Inspired by personal experiences with bullying and discrimination, Anh began teaching Scratch coding to Deaf students, equipping them with advanced skills and inspiring them to pursue diverse careers. Since 2021, the initiative she runs with her twin sister has empowered numerous Deaf youths nationwide, raised thousands of dollars to support scholarships and school resources, and organised outreach events to challenge stereotypes and foster inclusivity. A charismatic leader, Anh’s vision continues to inspire young people and transform lives across Vietnam, creating lasting change for the next generation.
Antonia’s journey to create a life-saving app began after suffering from two rare tick-borne diseases. After a year of misdiagnoses, she was finally treated, prompting her to prevent the same from happening to others. Using her self-taught programming skills, Antonia developed the ‘DETICKT IT’ app that leverages machine learning to identify tick species from user-uploaded photos and utilizes CDC data to predict disease risk, enabling faster, more accurate treatment. Antonia's work is also inspiring others, as she mentors peers to develop similar health-focused technologies. Her app, which has over 3,000 downloads, remains free to the public, helping countless people receive vital, timely medical care.
Anvi is a mental health advocate and artist transforming mental health education in India through her initiative, ‘The Mind Canvas.’ By integrating art and storytelling, she has reached over 250,000 students and educators across 6,000 schools, breaking stigma and fostering resilience. Her comics, workshops, mentorship and awareness programs promote early intervention and emotional well-being in young learners. Anvi also explored intergenerational perceptions of mental health and identifying current gaps in mental health scholarship, with her findings accepted for publication in the International Journal of Indian Psychology. Anvi also now champions universal access to mental health services, advocating for the removal of India’s 18% tax on such essential support systems.
Aryan is a passionate advocate for mental health, career counselling, and financial literacy. Struggling with mental health during his academic journey, he founded ‘Serenity’, a platform offering AI-driven mental health support, peer communities, and affordable services. Through ‘Serenity’, Aryan raised $60,000, impacting over 30,000 visitors and supporting mental health in high-risk cities. He also pioneered a debt-management tool, helping 15 farmers escape debt, and founded ‘Kingstuki’, a nonprofit empowering deaf woman. Aryan’s initiatives have reached over 8,000 students, helping them find work, manage stress, and achieve financial independence, while his advocacy continues to inspire youth globally.
After witnessing the devastating effects of climate change and colony collapse disorder on his friend’s grandfather’s honeybees, Atreya began working to address critical issues facing pollinators and tackling ecological and food security concerns. Atreya’s vision extends beyond environmental advocacy, aiming to democratise access to STEM education for underprivileged youth worldwide. As the founder of the ‘International Youth STEM Society’, he leads a team of over 100 officers across 20 countries, reaching 2,000 students directly and publishing 25 STEM curricula used globally. Atreya also advanced eco-friendly beekeeping with his invention, BeetleGuardAI, that uses machine learning to model future bee pest populations inside hives.
Motivated by a desire to tackle Nigeria’s homelessness crisis, Ayotomiwa founded ‘Homeless Not Hopeless Nigeria’ (HNH Nigeria) in 2020. After discovering that over 25% of Nigerians are homeless or insecurely sheltered, Ayotomiwa channelled his passion for social impact into raising awareness and advocating for solutions. Starting with limited resources, he taught himself website development to create an online platform for advocacy. Since then, he has impacted over 900 students through substance abuse awareness campaigns, reached 150 individuals through mental health projects, and led advocacy marches engaging over 5,000 Nigerians. Ayotomiwa also makes deliberate efforts to involve current and future young leaders, leading a team of 27 young people, aged between 16 and 23.
Batu, a young activist from Istanbul, merges environmental advocacy with sports to promote disability inclusion. He founded ‘Miles4Good’, an initiative that supports recycling campaigns while equipping tennis players with disabilities with essential resources. Batu's journey began at eight years old, collecting bottle caps to fund electric wheelchairs. His work grew into organising and taking part in marathons and securing corporate sponsorships from companies like Acibadem Healthcare Group and Finspor, raising $50,000 to fund sports training. His initiative has provided custom tennis chairs and training opportunities, enabling one athlete to join the national team. Recently, Batu launched a drone soccer programme, fostering aviation interest and social integration for youth with disabilities.
Bhavna is the founder of ‘RefugeEase’, a platform designed to support climate-displaced communities through AI-powered emergency responses, education, economic empowerment, and mental health services. Inspired by her heritage and experiences with refugees, Bhavna's work aims to address global displacement challenges. She has represented climate-displaced communities at international forums, advocated for policy changes, and founded the ‘International Council on Human Rights, Peace and Politics’ (ICHRPP). Bhavna has trained over 1,200 young leaders and mentored youth across 40 countries. Through ‘RefugeEase’ and ‘ICHRPP’, Bhavna continues to create lasting impact, empowering displaced individuals and advocating for systemic change.
Bibek’s journey from facing financial challenges to founding ‘COSOG Nepal’ is a story of resilience and transformative leadership. Motivated by his struggles to access STEM resources, he established over 25 computer science clubs across Nepal, impacting 3,000+ students. Bibek’s initiatives include coding competitions, career counselling workshops, and the publication of "Python Primer," a programming ebook downloaded by more than 600 students. His ‘Code for Charity’ programme extends support to nonprofits, multiplying his impact globally. Bibek’s leadership and collaborative efforts have created a culture of learning and inclusion, inspiring young minds to pursue STEM careers and leverage technology for social good.
Blanka, a young Hungarian writer and activist, founded ‘The Globe Review’ in 2022 to provide a diverse, inclusive platform for underrepresented artists. The magazine aims to democratise literature and arts, supporting LGBTQ+, disabled, young, and minority creators through fee-free submissions, partnerships, and competitions. Blanka’s efforts, including the Rising Voices Award, have elevated global voices, with ‘The Globe Review’ showcasing authors from over 70 countries. Despite technical and professional hurdles, she built the platform, coded the website, and fostered a supportive artistic community – transforming the magazine into a recognised voice for inclusivity across around the world.
Bushra launched ‘Mahwari Justice’ to combat period poverty and stigma in Pakistan, inspired by her personal experiences and the catastrophic 2022 floods. Her initiative raised $50,000 through crowdfunding and mobilised more than 250 student volunteers to provide over 150,000 period relief kits to flood survivors and educated communities on menstrual hygiene. Bushra’s innovative efforts include a superhero comic book on period positivity, the ‘PadCraft’ project producing reusable pads while creating jobs, and rap songs in regional languages to challenge taboos. With a focus on systemic change, she campaigns to remove the luxury tax on menstrual products, reshape attitudes, and empower menstruators across Pakistan.
Cameron is a passionate mental health advocate dedicated to improving youth mental health in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Drawing from his experiences supporting friends with anxiety and depression, he empowers young people as Director of the ‘ASEAN Youth Organisation Research Centre’, and consults on youth mental health for the Singapore government and European Union. He served as Global Chair of the ‘Youth Mental Health Summit’ at UN General Assembly (UNGA79) and collaborates on research with Harvard and Melbourne University. Through his work, Cameron inspires youths to become leaders in mental health advocacy, making a significant impact locally and globally.
‘BarrierMUN’, founded by Chapat, aims to expand access to Model United Nations (MUN) in Thailand by addressing language and financial barriers that have excluded many students. By offering free bilingual training sessions and creating ESL resources, the initiative has reached over 400 students and introduced Thailand’s first-ever translation of MUN procedures into Thai. Chapat’s leadership has advanced inclusivity, enabling state schools to establish their own MUN programmes and creating sustainable solutions for future access. Beyond training, ‘BarrierMUN’ has nurtured leadership skills in its diverse team of 30 youth volunteers, bridging gaps between international and state schools and creating a more inclusive, impactful MUN experience.
Yusi’s passion for mentorship was passed down from her own mentors, who guided her towards a career in medicine. She realised the profound impact of mentorship in bridging the gap between classroom content and career aspirations. As Chief Mentorships Officer at 'Advisory Singapore', a registered charity empowering young Singaporeans from all walks of life to make informed career choices, Yusi and her team have expanded Singapore’s largest career mentorship initiative, supporting 3,846 students with over 14,000 mentorship hours. Despite the demands of medical school, Yusi’s leadership has inspired both her team and mentees, creating a culture of empowerment, collaboration, and continuing the cycle of kindness and support that inspired her.
Naomi co-founded the ‘Alliance Against Antimicrobial Resistance’ (Triple-A) to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in low-resource communities through education, research, and advocacy. Her efforts include creating AMR-infographic campaigns in 53 languages and empowering 30 youth leaders to organise sensitisation programmes across Nigeria, Kenya, and Malawi, impacting over 4,000 individuals. Naomi also champions the integration of AMR education into healthcare curricula and has facilitated workshops that have benefitted over 1,000 students. Through her passion for strengthening health outcomes, Naomi has expanded the initiative to include research, curriculum integration, and youth leadership programmes, fostering collaboration among a network of 400 youth members.
Chloe founded ‘Code Green’ to address the gaps in climate education and empower young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to build a sustainable future. By teaching climate concepts alongside coding skills, she equips students with the tools to tackle pressing environmental challenges. Chloe’s workshops have reached over 1,100 students in Australia, inspiring them to use critical thinking and problem-solving to address real-world issues. With a team of 40 dedicated volunteers, Chloe has instigated a youth-led movement that not only educates but uplifts students. Her mission ensures that every young person, regardless of background, has the chance to thrive.
Chloe founded ‘Solis and Luna Arts’, a non-profit that uses music to aid healing in hospitals. She was inspired by playing music for her war-veteran grandfather, which drastically improved his mindset and, in turn, his engagement with his medical care. Her initiative demonstrating the therapeutic power of music has impacted over 4,000 patients worldwide and includes 400 members across multiple countries. With 70 annual performances, ‘Solis and Luna’ provides tailored music therapy, while Chloe amplifies her message through blogs, podcasts and events. Expanding her impact, she also launched ‘PassionProjectPioneers’, empowering young people to create their own social initiatives.
Christine is a peacebuilder and advocate for youth empowerment and democracy, leading Tek4Peace Africa, a platform using technology to foster social cohesion and development. Since January 2023, her YouTube series has raised awareness on critical issues, combating disinformation and engaging over 1,800 followers. A former Communications Officer at ACEPIS, she mobilised youth for peacebuilding trainings. Christine is pursuing a degree in International Relations and is an alumna of YALI RLC EA and the Hurford Youth Fellowship. She advises UNOPS on sustainable development and promotes innovative solutions to advance the 2030 Agenda.
Christopher is a youth advocate dedicated to addressing inequality, youth empowerment, and environmental challenges. He led the impactful “Vote Not Fight” campaign and set a world record with a 112-hour speech marathon, inspiring action on social change, gender equality, and climate justice. His efforts have promoted peaceful elections in Ondo State, mobilised youth through the PVC bus voter registration drive, and amplified marginalised voices. As Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Youth Network, Christopher mentors young activists and champions international youth diplomacy. His work fosters a vision of a more equitable and diplomatically engaged world.
Daiwik, influenced by his family’s experiences in conflict-stricken Kashmir, is dedicated to promoting dialogue, understanding, and critical thinking among young people. Co-founding ‘Debating404’, the largest student-led non-profit in its field, he has impacted over 20,000 students across 50+ countries, fostering global discussions on divisive issues. The programme equips young people from all walks of life with debate and critical thinking skills to address societal divides in constructive ways. He also co-founded the Middle East’s first Inner Development Goals Hub, securing $1 million in funding for UN SDG-focused youth initiatives. As a leader, Daiwik has organised major events like the Qatar Youth Power Conference and collaborated with over 300 organisations.
Milly founded ‘Arttitude’ to promote mental wellness through art therapy, inspired by her own journey in overcoming perfectionism through creative expression. Collaborating with psychologist Professor Pimpanit Condee, she developed an accessible art therapy technique for diverse groups, including neurodivergent people and trauma survivors. Arttitude’s initiatives include workshops and “Art Therapy First Aid Kits,” distributed to over 1200 people in 31 communities across eight countries. Milly’s leadership extends to mentorship, establishing school chapters, and speaking at public events. Despite challenges in raising awareness and securing support, her perseverance has driven Arttitude’s mission to destigmatise mental health and make art therapy accessible globally.
As a child, Dang accompanied his physician father through rural Vietnam, witnessing the devastating impact of inadequate healthcare on marginalised communities. This experience inspired him to establish the ‘CardiacLife Foundation’ to address systemic healthcare disparities globally. To date, ‘CardiacLife’ has partnered with international nonprofits to raise over $200,000, funding 87 life-saving heart surgeries and conducting medical missions that have benefited 8,500 individuals. The organization collaborated with media influencers to launch a YouTube health campaign on congenital heart disease, reaching over 1 million viewers. Now a graduate student at Harvard, he is developing sustainable solutions like Cardiovascular Screening Units to provide early cardiac care for 10,000 children annually, transforming healthcare accessibility in Southeast Asia and worldwide.
Arriving in the UK as an infant after fleeing Afghanistan, Darius became a tireless advocate for refugees, turning adversity into impactful action. Growing up in Southeast London, he graduated from King’s College London in 2021 with a BA in Politics and Philosophy. At 17, he secured grants to relocate the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) and launch a Saturday School for refugee children. As Head of Funding at ACAA, he raised £8 million to support refugees, including £300,000 for Ukrainian resettlement. In 2023, he diversified income through 20 government contracts supporting ESOL and employability. Darius has also led impactful projects like the ‘Green Education Project’ and ‘Muslim Girls Football Club’, inspiring change through advocacy and mentoring. He champions refugee integration, entrepreneurship, and UK-Central Asia relations.
Darlene’s ‘Semangat Sehat’ addresses Indonesia’s healthcare inequities by providing underserved Menteng slum residents with access to free medical checkups, consultations, and health education. Motivated by her mother’s health scare, Darlene partnered with labs, doctors, and local organisations to deliver over 300 checkups, 17 hours of consultations, 10 hours of seminars, and 350 packets of medication donations. She expanded her initiative to include seminars for millennials, addressing issues like sleep quality and body image. Beyond immediate health services, Darlene provides resources like sphygmomanometers for long-term care and is tackling stigmas around HPV screenings.
David founded the ‘Learn AAPI History Project’ after witnessing anti-Asian hate during the pandemic to combat ignorance with education. He and his team of 25 other young people create comprehensive resources, curricula and podcasts, as well as advocating for legislative changes to mandate AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) history in schools, reaching over 6,000 people so far. His book, AAPI History A to Z, along with his website, has reached over 3,000 impressions, and he collaborates with organisations like ‘Teach Asian American Stories’ and the ‘Asian Americans with Disabilities Initiative’ to amplify his impact. David wants to empower young people and foster collaboration, and encourages other organisations to do the same.
Growing up in rural Lagos without electricity or digital resources, David experienced firsthand the challenges of limited access to education and technology. Determined to make a difference, he founded ‘Tech Now Global’, an initiative that has equipped 15,000 students across 42 Nigerian communities with essential digital skills. From running a three-week training during the COVID-19 lockdown to establishing digital hubs, David’s efforts have sparked innovation and opportunity. His leadership has inspired countless young people to embrace technology as a tool for empowerment. David’s work exemplifies how determination and vision can drive transformative social change.
Delight is addressing youth crime and school dropouts through a variety of projects. These include book drives for underserved schools, empowering children with visual impairments through a fashion show, and delivering peace poems and peace walks. Delight has helped reduce crime, school dropouts, and teenage pregnancies by 50%, instead encouraging responsibility and confidence in young people through the arts and community initiatives like cleanups and tree planting. Leading teams such as ‘Destiny Explorers’ and ‘Delight Book Club’, she instils confidence and leadership among youth. Supported by parents and peers, she plans to impact 1,000 children by 2025, with her work earning accolades and media attention.
Informed by her lived experience of environmental challenges in Uganda, Denise founded ‘A BetterLife International’, an NGO that works with children, young people, refugees, and internally displaced people to take climate action. Through ‘A Betterlife’, Denise has positively impacted over 10,000 individuals so far, offering solutions to environmental challenges while cultivating environmentally conscious future leaders. As a founder, educator, researcher, advisor and mentor, Denise’s activism is both wide-ranging and intersectional. She champions environmental justice, community empowerment, gender equality, and sustainable development, brought together to create powerful impact and lasting change.
Diana, a passionate advocate for children with disabilities, has dedicated her life to supporting those facing challenges due to speech impairments and health issues. Diagnosed with dysarthria caused by decades of nuclear tests near her hometown of Semey, she overcame obstacles like bullying and surgeries. Unable to speak as a child, she expressed her thoughts through writing, later crafting stories about the dreams of children with disabilities. These stories became the basis for her animated film, Umit ar daiym zhanymyzda (“Hope is Always with Us”). Founder of the ‘Inclusive Academy’ and creator of SpeakUp, an AI app for speech disorders, Diana inspires global inclusivity through education, technology, and storytelling.
Diya is a founder of ‘E-Cycl’, a youth-led initiative focused on raising awareness about e-waste and its environmental impact. Starting at the age of 14, she launched e-waste collection drives and educational seminars across Hyderabad, later expanding to major cities in India. Through partnerships with organisations like SOIF Futures and Meta, Diya has collected over 10,000 kg of e-waste and reached 3,000 students with her message. Her work has reached over 5,000 individuals through global advocacy and conferences, such as WFSF (UNESCO) and GNIT’s WLC. Diya continues to inspire young people globally to take action on environmental issues and is dedicated to creating sustainable, youth-driven change.
Dr Anza is a medical doctor, public health specialist and social entrepreneur with a focus on education and healthcare. Growing up, she experienced firsthand the challenges that many young people face in accessing quality education. Inspired by these experiences, Anza founded the ‘Bright Young Leaders Initiative’ (BYLI) in 2018, combining her expertise in medicine and education to empower students through science and leadership programmes. Under her guidance, BYLI has reached approximately 150,000 students annually, enhancing STEM engagement and public health awareness. Her initiatives, such as the Rural School Innovation Camp, equip students with critical thinking skills while fostering awareness of public health issues, creating a future generation of informed leaders.
Through her youth organisation, ‘Humanity Still Exists’, Dr Tehniyat Iqbal has transformed the lives of marginalised communities by addressing disparities in healthcare and education. Her initiatives include organising free medical camps and hosting food drives, as well as raising over 4 million PKR for flood relief and delivering ration bags to more than 5,000 families, impacting thousands of lives. With over 37 free medical camps benefitting 15,000+ individuals, she demonstrates her dedication to underserved populations. Her ability to mobilise resources and inspire others ensures a lasting impact, creating a ripple of compassion in the community.
Emma’s journey in charity began at age 10, evolving into ‘Toys From The Heart’ (TFTH), an initiative supporting children and families through handmade crochet items and essential supplies. Inspired by a young boy with leukaemia, Emma has raised 250 million VND, aiding over 3,500 children, 2,000 families, and 7,000 individuals. Her team has donated 3,000 gifts, plushies, and clothes; crafted 500 amigurumi hearts; and made 1,500 animal balloons. Emma also rebuilt a bridge for 400 households, improved school facilities for 250 students and teachers, and leads young volunteers in fostering empathy and action, leaving a lasting impact on her community.
Kenneth is a passionate advocate for combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Nigeria and across Africa. As the co-founder of the ‘AMR Intervarsity Training Program’, he has trained over 100 youth leaders and established 35 AMR clubs in Nigerian universities, reaching thousands of students. Kenneth's work has attracted several grant funding for AMR education, with his efforts reaching more than 1 million people globally. His webinars and Twitter Space discussions have educated over 20,000 individuals on responsible antimicrobial use. Kenneth’s leadership continues to inspire youth-driven initiatives to tackle AMR, ensuring a healthier future for communities worldwide.
Elaine is an environmental advocate who has transformed her community’s sustainability practices. Recognising a hyper-consumerist culture in Waterloo, she founded ‘Mism’, a non-profit promoting upcycling, environmental awareness, and "mutualism" — a system where everyone benefits from collective action. ‘Mism’ has shared over 2,000 items across four cities, engaged more than 2,000 youth in climate action, and generated over $13,000 CAD in the valuation of community contributions, including item donations to underserved groups such as neurodivergent students and Ukrainian refugees. Through initiatives like the Book & Battery Drive, which collected 3,900 books and recycled 430 kg of toxic batteries, Elaine continues to inspire impactful action and expand her activism.
Eliana, Music Director for ‘Music4America,’ leads a transformative initiative bringing the benefits of music to all ages. She oversees tutoring programs, mentors young musicians, and performs for nearly 600 seniors at care centres. Her compassionate leadership shines in her work with neurodivergent children, using tailored teaching methods to make music accessible, fostering confidence, focus, and inclusion. Eliana uplifts high-need individuals, breaking stigmas and empowering youth globally. By mobilising young people to engage in music, she creates community, opportunity, and lasting change, providing experiences many would never otherwise have. Her dedication continues to inspire and enrich lives across generations.
Growing up in Turkey’s Kurdish region, Gulce faced significant barriers, including inadequate educational resources and political unrest. This motivated her to lead change through initiatives like ‘Lignopure’, a project that transforms rice husks into eco-friendly water filters. Her work addresses urgent water contamination issues, particularly in areas impacted by conflict. Gulce also launched ‘Fluvius’, a water quality mapping app, which earned international recognition, including the NASA Space Apps Challenge Local People’s Choice Award and Global Nomination. Beyond her technical innovations, Gulce serves as Vice Chairperson of ‘Hevsel Times’, the region’s only STEM journal, and actively volunteers with impactful organisations such as the ‘Young Guru Academy’, inspiring peers to overcome barriers through resilience and innovation.
Lizzie founded ‘Women in Neuroscience UK’ (WiNUK) in 2022 to address gender disparities in neuroscience, inspired by her experiences of sexism as a female researcher. WiNUK now connects 4,000+ members across 38 countries through free workshops, blogs, and virtual events tackling gender bias and amplifying women’s voices. Lizzie mentors over 70 volunteers, fostering skill development and inclusion. Her work includes a session at the UK’s largest dementia conference and a collaboration with UCL to address gender and queer identity in neuroscience. WiNUK’s positive impact led to a 2023 National Diversity Awards nomination, and Lizzie is planning the inaugural WiNUK Awards to celebrate under-recognised female neuroscientists.
Elizabeth is creating lasting impacts through initiatives she founded to address gaps in STEM education. She established the ASEF Student Spokespersons Board, the first youth-led team in the organisation’s 69-year history, raising $16,000 to sustain the Alaska Science and Engineering Fair and enabling record-breaking participation at international competitions. Her ‘Future Women of STEM Podcast’ reaches listeners in 10 countries, empowering young women worldwide. Locally, she founded the Enigma Math Club, reigniting national competition participation and training over 50 peers in advanced problem-solving. Elizabeth’s innovative research and leadership have elevated STEM opportunities, providing and reviving opportunities for young people in Alaska not seen in a generation.
Ella founded ‘Broken Flames Productions’ as a teenager, inspired by her personal struggles with depression, self-harm, and eating disorders. Drawing on her experiences Ella’s mission is to reshape mental health representation in media. Her award-winning films, including Bibimbap for One on suicide grief, Why Wouldn’t I Be? addressing male mental health, and Smudged Smile for young audiences, have screened globally, sparking meaningful conversations and changing the narrative around mental health. Ella speaks on panels about mental health in media and mentors young creatives through partnerships with organizations like PAPYRUS and stem4. Her advocacy promotes inclusivity, reduces stigma, and fosters understanding, creating impactful stories that resonate with diverse audiences worldwide.
Ella founded ‘The Pachamama Project’ to combat global period poverty, ensuring access to safe and reusable sanitary products for all who menstruate. Motivated by her own struggles with debilitating period pain and the barriers it created during her education, Ella empathised with those in poverty or upheaval, where lack of sanitary products can impact health, education, and dignity. Starting with home-sewn “Pacha pads”, Ella rallied 2,500 volunteers across 13 countries to create over 160,000 reusable pads distributed to vulnerable communities worldwide. Her charity promotes menstrual health education and sustainable practices, reaching over 20,000 people and breaking stigmas globally and ensuring no one is held back simply because of menstruation.
Emily recognised the urgent need to preserve indigenous cultural heritages after witnessing the challenges faced by her grandparents' Bai ethnic minority community in China. Globalisation had led to cultural homogenisation, language extinction, and economic hardship, particularly for women. Determined to address these issues, Emily founded ‘CreativeArtReach’, a non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving cultural identity through arts programmes, reversing language loss, and supporting economic resilience via microfinance campaigns. To date, the organisation has taught cultural art to over 800 students and has promoted the Bai language and heritage in more than a dozen schools, while supporting women with microloans in multiple countries, ultimately spreading the importance of language and cultural heritage and transforming lives globally.
Emma is a medical student who has transformed personal challenges into powerful advocacy for mental health and healthcare equity. While managing her Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome diagnosis, Emma has developed a deep commitment to supporting others. At 20, she co-founded ‘Mind Health UK’ providing vital mental health resources for medical students, which has reached over 3,000 peers across 10 universities. Her leadership in organisations like UAEM, the Healthcare Leadership Academy and Students for Global Health has inspired thousands to take action. Emma’s work exemplifies resilience, empathy, and transformative social impact
Fabio founded the ‘Hot Meal Challenge’ in 2023 to combat the UK’s escalating cost-of-living crisis and its devastating impact on food-insecure families. This innovative social fundraising campaign aims to address the intersection of food poverty, mental health, and loneliness. Fabio developed a unique donation app enabling university students to nominate friends to donate hot meals, fostering a ripple effect of giving. Donations fund meals distributed by Sufra, a leading London food charity. By combining technology with community-driven activism, the campaign fed hungry families in London, reached 90,000 on people on social media and secured global press coverage.
As co-founder of ‘Youth for Climate Morocco’, Fatna is a passionate climate and social activist who empowers young people in Morocco to tackle pressing environmental challenges. Witnessing the effects of climate change in her community inspired Fatna to create programmes that educate and mobilise young people for sustainable solutions. Under her leadership, the organisation has launched workshops, campaigns, and advocacy efforts, fostering environmental awareness and activism. Despite limited resources at the start, she forged partnerships and creatively secured funding, ensuring Youth for Climate Morocco’s success. Fatna’s resilience and innovative approach inspire a new generation to prioritise climate action.
Growing up on the outskirts of Lagos, Favour witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of climate change and the lack of resources to address its impacts. This inspired her to establish the ‘Friends of Nature Network’, an organisation dedicated to giving young Africans the tools and knowledge to drive climate action. Through her leadership, the network has implemented more than 50 projects, ranging from cleanups to climate education, impacting over 15,000 individuals across 17 African nations. Her work with ‘Nature Positive Universities’ has also empowered students worldwide to contribute to biodiversity restoration, reflecting her vision to prepare five million young Africans as climate leaders by 2030.
After a tragic attack on his school that claimed over fifty lives, including two friends, Feda channeled his grief into meaningful action. Following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, while supporting his family, he founded the ‘Afghan Scholars Academy’, offering free guidance for Afghan students pursuing international college admissions and helping over 3,000 students, the majority of whom are girls banned from schools, and 115 secured scholarships abroad. Feda also raised funds to support underprivileged families, providing financial aid for 300 children. Despite immense challenges, Feda remains hopeful, focusing on rebuilding opportunities and communities through equal access to education.
Growing up as the granddaughter of a rural farmer, Francine saw firsthand how gender roles and malnutrition disproportionately affect women and youth. She founded ‘Put Your Best Fork Forward’, an initiative combining grassroots action, policy advocacy, and education to tackle these issues, reaching diverse communities around the world. Locally, it empowers girls by raising awareness and equipping them with leadership and advocacy skills. Globally, it drives policy change and increases representation in decision-making. At a Manila event, 50 leaders committed to prioritising girls’ nutrition, influencing national policy. At the 2023 World Food Forum, Francine introduced the Serving Up Sustainability: What’s On Your Plate Toolkit, on behalf of the ‘Food and Nutrition Youth Network’, promoting healthy diets and agrobiodiversity worldwide.
Marie leads a transformative youth program in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), mobilising over 1,000 volunteers to support vulnerable populations in North Kivu’s displacement camps. With 9.9 million displaced people nationwide, the DRC faces one of the world’s most critical humanitarian crises. Volunteers provide food, clothing, and psychological and medical support, especially to survivors of sexual violence. Under Marie's supervision, these young leaders have helped over 15,000 individuals, while fostering civic leadership. Her guidance has propelled graduates into impactful community roles and politics. Making smart use of limited resources and public goodwill, Marie inspires trust and action, creating lasting change through teamwork and innovation.
Gakii is a passionate mental health advocate and founder of ‘Growing Up and Liking It’ (GULI) –a youth-led organisation combating mental health stigma and promoting accessible care. Inspired by her own experiences with mental health and a half-deaf family member, she these integrates lived experiences into her advocacy. GULI has so far reached over 1,200 students and staff at Egerton University through mental health literacy seminars and trained 26 peer counsellors at local schools. To ensure inclusion in her programmes, Gakii has become certified in Kenyan Sign Language, and has further widened her scope to WHO QualityRights training, where 109 participants learned human rights-oriented mental health approaches.
After a school nurse classified him as "unhealthy" at 11 years old, Harrison resolved to fight for a healthier food system for all young people. He joined Bite Back at 14, bringing passion and personal insight to the movement. Over the years, Harrison has emerged as a key youth leader, advocating for fairer food environments through impactful campaigns like "Fuel Us Don’t Fool Us" and the “Free School Meals” campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic. His testimony at the House of Lords, social media outreach, and school assemblies have inspired thousands. Harrison’s evolution from a reserved child to a dynamic campaigner positions him as a role model for young activists.
Harroop founded the ‘British Indian Medical Association (BIMA)’ in 2020, addressing the lack of mentorship and support for British Indian medical students. A first-generation medical student at Imperial College London, Harroop overcame personal challenges to create a thriving community. Now in his final year, he has led four committees, collaborated with the General Medical Council, and advocated for British Indian representation in healthcare. BIMA has grown to 2,000+ members, providing career support, mentorship, and cultural initiatives. Harroop has organised 250+ events, supported 200+ students with applications, and mentored hundreds of future medical leaders. His work has inspired similar initiatives, making a lasting impact on medical communities across the UK.
Helai is a dedicated humanitarian and advocate for human rights, actively engaged in volunteer work and social action projects. In addition to her other social activities, she has established a public speaking platform for Afghan youth, particularly girls and women, providing vital opportunities for dialogue and personal development. Helai's efforts through this platform aim to create an atmosphere of dialogue, learning, equality, and unity. Her initiatives connect young people with educators and civil society activists from around the world through online platforms.
Helen’s passion for bridging educational inequality began at a community school in India, where she witnessed students’ determination despite scarce resources. This inspired her to found ‘Embrace Minds’, a student-led platform advocating education as a universal right. Her workshops have already reached over 250 tribal students in India with STEM knowledge and life skills, with global initiatives underway to expand to Malaysia and Mexico. Helen’s leadership extends to ‘Operation Smile’, where, as a student ambassador and club co-president, she has supported 36 children, recently as Student Team Leader, through three surgical programs where patients receive free, life-changing cleft surgery. Her dedication inspires others to join her mission of empowering lives through education and healthcare.
Wei Liang’s dedication to social action stems from his passion for leveraging technology to address global challenges. Focused on environmental sustainability and accessibility, he has developed innovative solutions such as wildfire disaster management systems and assistance tools for the visually impaired, using AI, IoT, and drone technology. He is founder of the ‘Global Sustainability Organisation’ (GSO), collaborating with young leaders across ASEAN to deliver tech solutions for NGOs worldwide. As the first generation in his family to attend university, Wei Liang wants to inspire future innovators, mentoring over 900 young people and empowering them to pursue STEM careers and create meaningful change.
Hridaan’s passion for education and awareness led him to address the challenges of vision impairment in underserved communities. Observing students struggling to see, he founded ‘Vision to Vision’ to provide free eye tests, glasses, and counselling to students from Delhi’s low-income schools. The initiative’s two-pronged approach includes on-site camps and the ‘Vision to Vision’ app, which empowers users to perform basic eyesight checks at home. Hridaan has impacted over 16,000 students through 43 camps providing glasses to 1,600 students, breaking stigmas around eye care and enabling countless children to fully participate in their education.
As a volunteer coding tutor at a local school for Deaf students, Huong was moved by the outdated facilities and decided to take action. Inspired by the students' artistic talents, Huong and her twin sister launched ‘Colours of Hope’, selling their paintings to raise funds for facility upgrades and scholarships. Starting from her bedroom, she created a website, collected artwork, and began marketing. The project has raised thousands of dollars, funding significant school improvements and scholarships. Through art classes, workshops, and outreach, she highlights the talents of Deaf students and combats stereotypes, with plans to expand nationwide.
Ibrahim has made transformative contributions to empowering youth, women, and girls. Inspired by his mother’s journey as an orphan who defied societal norms to become a professor of medical sociology, Ibrahim believes in education and empowerment as critical tools for change. He has spearheaded several impactful initiatives, including leadership training for medical students, advocacy programmes on sexual and reproductive health, and the distribution of 50,000 HIV test kits and contraceptives. His ‘Hope for HER Initiative’ combats gender-based violence through education and vocational training. Recognised globally, Ibrahim’s work has led to scholarships for young female orphans and workshops empowering victims of violence, inspiring a brighter, equitable future.
Idmane is an advocate for youth engagement, social change, and empowerment. As a UN volunteer in Djibouti, she promoted disability inclusion, women’s and youth empowerment, and digitalization. In Canada, she serves on the Prime Minister's Youth Council, bringing youth perspectives to policy discussions. Passionate about increasing civic engagement, Idmane collaborates with Canadian embassies to share a Digital Booklet encouraging young people abroad to engage in their communities. She mentors youth and works with associations to inspire active contributions to global issues like gender equality and climate change. Through her initiatives, she empowers young people to drive positive change locally and globally
Realising the life-saving potential of blood donation, Ibrahim founded ‘One Health Lifesavers’ to address Nigeria’s critical blood shortage. Over 70% of Nigeria’s blood donation demand goes unmet; Ibrahim’s initiative aims to change this by transforming the culture of blood donation, especially among young people. Through awareness campaigns and regular blood drives, ‘One Health Lifesavers’ has helped collect 600 pints so far, saving a potential 1,800 lives. Their work also extends to providing primary healthcare services to vulnerable communities, reaching over 3,500 people so far, including medical check-ups, screenings, and health education, leading to improved preventive care and early treatment.
Ishan, a passionate advocate for caste equality, founded the ‘Global Dalit Development Organisation’ to combat caste-based discrimination across South Asia. Prompted by witnessing many marginalised children in India and Nepal who were unable to access proper education, Ishan created initiatives combining art education with advocacy, which over 200 children in America have participated in so far. Through his work, Ishan he has supported over 500 Dalit children, providing resources for education, housing, and healthcare, and empowering them to fight against the discrimination they face. Further motivated by trips to India and Nepal to see the impact of his work first hand, Ishan also spearheaded Global Caste Awareness Day to spotlight marginalised groups worldwide.
Ishika founded ‘Resident Radiance’ during the pandemic to combat critical issues in such as loneliness and ageism. Through her project, Ishika mobilises young people to volunteer at nursing homes, has distributed over 20,000 sanitary pads and meals in communities across India, impacting thousands of people. Her novel, written during the pandemic, supports tweens and teens with self-esteem and confidence, raising funds to further her initiatives. Despite challenges in funding and being underestimated due to her youth, she continues to inspire young people to advocate for change and contribute to a sustainable future.
Izwirashe founded ‘Together in the Kitchen’ to empower young people who are Deaf in Zimbabwe's culinary spaces, tackling communication barriers in skills training. Her programme organises cooking sessions for young people who are Deaf with a low-income, reaching 100 per session, and includes a free recipe book, Flavour City. Supported by volunteers and disability rights groups, Izwirashe also creates sign language videos to help families bridge communication gaps at home. Rising to the challenge of learning Zimbabwean sign language and Deaf culture, she ensures inclusive, sustainable impact, and has been recognised for her leadership. Izwirashe’s initiative promotes intersectional understanding, inclusion, and skill-building for young people who are Deaf in historically marginalised communities.
From teaching his friends chess at age five to mentoring hundreds in the KVO community, Jaisal has championed the transformative benefits of chess. Through free workshops and tournaments, he has instilled skills like critical thinking and confidence in participants of all ages. Awarded the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement and the Global Child Prodigy Award, Jaisal’s initiatives have strengthened family bonds and created a culture of resilience and creativity. As one of India’s youngest TEDx speakers and motivational leader, he inspires others to overcome failures and embrace challenges, leaving a lasting impact on his community and beyond.
At just 18, James launched ‘Giving Simplified,’ a campaign providing clothes and food to children in Nairobi’s shelters, earning him the King Constantine Medal. At 19, he led ‘Pamoja 4 Turkana’ to rally famine relief support, followed by ‘Kumbuka’ at 20, promoting unity among marginalised youth affected by post-election violence. At 21, he joined the Millennium Campus Network, contributing to its growth into a premier global youth leadership program. James has introduced thousands to social impact careers by curating webinars with top leaders and mentoring young people. Through voluntary info-sessions, he has guided hundreds in designing impactful projects and applications, fostering meaningful local change.
As the founder of ‘Trio Business Cubers’, Jawad is dedicated to reducing unemployment, empowering Bangladeshi youth, and creating global opportunities through innovative business solutions. Addressing barriers such as financial constraints and lack of skills, he has conducted free training sessions, equipping over 30,000 young people with business and entrepreneurship skills. Through one-on-one consultations, he has supported more than 320 individuals in starting small businesses or gaining employment. Jawad’s live online shows, Hustle & Bustle and Let’s Amaze, have connected youth with global experts, reaching an audience of 100,000 worldwide. His vision includes organising more seminars, launching a global entrepreneurship magazine, and establishing a skills training centre to achieve a zero-unemployment Bangladesh.
Jayveer's ‘BreatheFree’ project works to improve healthcare in India, especially for marginalised communities. His innovative device tracks breathing patterns to detect spinal and respiratory problems early, which are common causes of disability among disadvantaged groups. By catching these issues early, the device helps protect people's health and livelihoods. Jayveer worked with healthcare experts and institutions to test the device on 84 individuals and aims to refine it into an economical, accessible and user-friendly diagnostic tool. Supported by a provisional patent, ‘BreatheFree’ holds great promise to significantly impact health outcomes while improving the social and economic conditions of some of India’s most vulnerable populations.
Jeya has dedicated herself to empowering students with digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills. As a founding member of ‘Tinker Champs’, she has mentored over 90,000 students across India, teaching them crucial skills for launching digital ventures and becoming changemakers. Jeya spearheaded the ‘ATL Tinkerpreneur’ program and created ‘BizBox’, an entrepreneurship kit used by over 100 students. She also led ‘Maker Faires’, engaging 500 participants in innovation and collaborated with Atal Innovation Mission, Niti Aayog, Government of India. With a team of 50, she has provided free education through self-learning portals and workshops, inspiring young minds to break barriers and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
Jiayuan’s work centres on educational equity and global accessibility. His experiences as an international student motivated him to found the ‘Tilting Futures’ Chinese Media Center and co-found ‘OneXplore’. These initiatives provide educational resources and foster cultural exchange, focusing on underrepresented communities. His platforms reach thousands globally, creating opportunities for personal and professional growth. Jiayuan also mentors young people, guides them in cross-cultural exchanges, and encourages social action. In the face of new challenges, Jiayuan has turned adversity into impact, inspiring a new generation of socially engaged young people and driving inclusive education that crosses cultures and borders.
At 17, Jodie founded ‘Teach the Teacher’ (TtT) after encountering a climate-denying science teacher. Starting locally, she expanded TtT globally, training over 130 young activists and creating a ripple effect. With support from ‘Fridays for the Future’ and ‘Students Organising for Sustainability’, Jodie brought TtT to 26 countries by COP26, delivering sessions to UK and US ministers. Her efforts secured $25,000 from the US Embassy and a £300,000 OVO Foundation grant, reaching 116 schools and 122,264 pupils. Her interviews preceding COP26 reached millions worldwide and the global attention led to her involvement in shaping the UK’s Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy that would invest over £30m in climate change education projects in English schools.
When Joshua was young, they were turned away from serving at soup kitchens and pantries due to age restrictions. In response, Joshua created ‘Kid Changemakers’ to give young people an opportunity to volunteer with other young people. Focused on sustainable solutions, Joshua has donated over 100,000 diapers, 50,000 feminine products, and 500,000 pounds of food, addressing immediate needs while driving systemic change. During the pandemic, he successfully lobbied to eliminate Maryland’s diaper tax, saving families over $12 million annually. Through ‘Kid Changemakers’ Joshua provides weekly opportunities for youth, fostering a strong culture of service.
Joy Oluwatoyin is a Feminist and a survivor of Rape at age 14, dedicated to empowering women and girls. Through her ‘Resilient Girl Initiative’, she tackles sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), period poverty, economic inequality, self-esteem and leadership mentorship and sustainable development practices, impacting over 20,000 women and girls. In 2020, at just 18, Joy prosecuted the first convicted sex offender in her community, showing courage and resilience despite facing threats and violence. Undeterred, she mobilised over 5,000 young women and girls for community interventions against SGBV. Her initiatives continue to provide mentorship, leadership training, and economic tools, equipping young girls to overcome challenges and build brighter futures.
Kavya champions disability inclusion by addressing accessibility, fostering inclusive attitudes, and creating impactful content. A Chevening Scholar pursuing her master’s degree in Disability, Design, and Innovation at University College London (UCL), she combines humour, storytelling, data-driven research, and her own experiences as a disabled person to challenge societal barriers. ‘Namastey Disability’ is a virtual support network empowering people through peer dialogue on inclusion and accessibility. From advocating for ramps in her school to global representation at UN forums, Kavya addresses the issue at every level. Her impactful initiatives include accessible tourism research as an NCPEDP-Javed Abidi Fellow on Disability and her digital content creation, reaching over 100,000 people.
Kehinde began advocating for women’s equality in Nigeria at 16, helping displaced women and girls during a period of intense insecurity in the country. She soon founded the ‘Purple Pact Initiative’, so far reaching over 10,000 people across 30% of Nigeria’s states. The completely youth-led initiative recently established a student representative network across Nigeria, as well as over 500 volunteers around the world. Despite pushback and funding challenges, she persevered, providing reusable period products, supporting girls' education, and combating period poverty through education, advocacy, and resources. Kehinde's vision is clear: to create a world where women and children stand on equal footing in society, free from harmful norms and discriminatory laws.
Determined to improve hygiene in Indonesia’s underserved communities, Kharisa founded ‘Soap for Indonesia’ during the 2020 pandemic. The pandemic not only highlighted the importance of hygiene and sanitation, but also the gaps in access to these vital resources. To date, ‘Soap for Indonesia’ has donated over 13,000 bars of soap to slums in four cities: Surabaya, Jakarta, Semarang, Malang. Partnering with multinational companies and international organisations (e.g. The Learning Planet & UNESCO) and recruiting student volunteers, Kharisa has created a nationwide effort to address hygiene inequities. Through media engagements, including national newspapers and podcasts such as ‘Top of the Class: Asia’, she encourages other students to take initiative and create impactful social projects.
Kinlo founded the ‘KET Academy’ to address the educational challenges faced by youth in conflict-affected regions of Cameroon, inspired by his own experience with displacement and losing access to formal education. Over three years, he has built a dedicated team of 25 young people, many of whom are also internally displaced persons, to run this e-learning platform. The initiative offers academic resources, mentorship, and 21st-century skills such as leadership, digital literacy, and content creation, reaching over 15,000 young people. Now studying in Germany, Kinlo continues to lead remotely, using the skills he gains abroad to expand the academy's impact and develop an AI-powered learning platform.
Kitgak is a social activist dedicated to sustainability, gender equality, and youth empowerment. As a final-year Electrical Power Engineering student, his passion for renewable energy led him to establish ‘Kitron Green Initiatives’ in 2022, addressing environmental challenges in his community. The initiative involved impactful projects like tree planting, agroecological training for rural farmers, and a rural electrification research project using wind and solar power. His work extends globally through organisations like YOUNGO and UNEP, advocating for strong climate policies and youth participation. By engaging in international platforms and mentoring women and youth, Kitgak cultivates inclusive leadership and environmental stewardship, showing the potential of youth-led initiatives to create a sustainable future.
While consulting for Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Energy, Klau learned how limited reproductive autonomy hinders women’s access to work and education in rural areas. Inspired to act, Klau founded ‘Lafiya Nigeria’ in 2021 to empower women by distributing the self-injectable contraceptive Sayana Press to over 70,000 women via a network of nurses from those same rural communities. By securing $1.3m USD in funding and a team of 270, Klau and this network of “Lafiya Sisters” can provide access to contraceptives to women in the most underserved and overlooked communities for $1 USD/month, reducing maternal mortality and enabling women to pursue their goals.
Kupakwashe is a passionate advocate for youth rights, women's rights, climate justice, and anti-racism. Growing up as a migrant, she faced adversity that fuelled her commitment to empowering young people. Kupakwashe has led impactful initiatives, including policy reforms that secured over AU$400 million in benefits for youth. She was instrumental in empowering young Australians affected by the 2020 bushfires to engage directly with policymakers. Her work extends globally, having represented youth at forums like COP28 and COP29. Kupakwashe’s advocacy ensures that young voices shape policies, fostering a future where every young person can actively participate in decision-making.
In February 2023, an image of a landfill in Ghana spurred Laura to tackle the growing issue of textile waste. Recognising Indonesia's role in the crisis, she channelled her passion for sustainability and her experience from a US entrepreneurship programme to establish ‘Our Commuknitty’. Partnering with Wisma Cheshire, Laura provided training for 15 artists with disabilities to upcycle textile waste into products like yarn and coasters. Her leadership has initiated school chapters, clothing drives, and partnerships with four local businesses, collecting and repurposing over 100 kilograms of textile waste. Showcased at three bazaars, the organisation has raised over 15 million rupiah to support its artists, combining environmental impact with social empowerment.
Lia is a dedicated feminist and human rights advocate, committed to driving local and global social change. Her activism began with ‘Global Youth Leaders Canada’, on initiatives such as creating care packages for victims of gender-based violence and organising free tutoring services for underprivileged youth, raising over $6,000 and dedicating 500+ volunteer hours. Transitioning her focus to systemic issues, she expanded her impact globally as a UNHCR Young Champion, engaging over 720,000 young people in policymaking and presenting their perspectives at high-level forums. Lia also advises Canadian policymakers and contributes to Plan International’s global campaigns, making tangible impacts worldwide with human rights at their centre.
In 2022, Lila founded ‘Dress UP’, a non-profit dedicated to providing formalwear for young people of all identities and orientations who may lack access to dresses for school dances. Through partnerships with dressmakers, Lila has donated over 300 dresses across the US, including 200 prom dresses to Florida teens impacted by Hurricane Ian, helping them experience a rite of passage they would otherwise have missed. She collaborates with organisations like ‘The Princess Project’ and ‘Kids4Kids Relief’, expanding Dress UP's scope with jewellery and sustainable fashion initiatives. Lila manages logistics single-handedly, fostering confidence and dignity for marginalised young people, and remains committed to her vision of inclusive access to joy.
Lochlan champions Type 1 Diabetes awareness through his charity, ‘Lochlan's Legacy’. Diagnosed at age four, Lochlan's journey began after a severe leg injury in 2018. To raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes and mental health, Lochlan challenged himself to walk 28 miles in four days around all the Premiership football stadiums in Scotland. Determined to spread awareness and reduce stigma, he officially founded ‘Lochlan’s Legacy’ in 2020. Lochlan also developed Scotland’s first CPD-accredited Type 1 Diabetes awareness course for football coaches and organised youth programmes, reaching 1,500 learners so far, established vital community resources, and empowered other young people in leadership, advocacy, and health.
Maegha is the founder of ‘Girls4Sports’, an organisation dedicated to providing underprivileged girls with sports opportunities and advocating for gender equality in sports. After facing sexist behaviour in competitive swimming, she created the initiative to empower girls and ensure they have the resources and support to succeed in sports. Maegha’s work includes hosting sports camps, equipment drives, and advocacy conferences, impacting over 23,000 young people worldwide. She has expanded ‘Girls4Sports’ to 37 chapters across 20 countries, inspiring young leaders like Shreeya, who founded her own chapter. Maegha’s commitment continues to break barriers and inspire the next generation of female athletes.
Mannat’s work in prisoner rehabilitation and refugee education honours her experiences seeing the ongoing impact of Indian Partition, and the devastating consequences people face when met with a punitive legal system. In prisons across four Indian states, she has organised health camps, donated medicines, and created libraries and recreational gardens. Her vocational training programmes have enabled 160 people to earn money by working with fashion designers, and she is collaborating with psychologists to create a curriculum for young people in the justice system. For refugees, she partners with NGOs to deliver entrepreneurship programmes and has supported over 50 Gazan refugees in pursuing higher education. Mannat’s work champions education, inclusion, and above all, second chances.
When Mariama’s younger sister received a diagnosis for depression, she was struck by the negative response from their community and the lack of vocabulary and awareness to talk about mental health. Mariama committed to bridging the gap between marginalised communities and healthcare systems; through the ‘Young Changemakers Programme’, she organised events like Mental Health Day and joined Barnardo’s Black and Brown Minds Matter group. Her leadership inspired initiatives like the creation of community outreach worker roles and the development of trauma-informed training programmes on racial health disparities. She also helped create a short film on the warning signs and impact of honour culture on girls, reaching over 350 students and professionals.
Following the Beirut Port explosion in 2020, Marina launched an initiative to address Lebanon’s urgent medical needs arising amid existing political and financial crises. Initially gathering medicinal donations door-to-door, their mission grew into ‘MEDONATIONS’, now an international NGO providing essential medical supplies, hygiene products, school materials, and COVID-related resources. Working tirelessly, Marina’s support expanded to providing surgeries, therapies, and partnerships with medical professionals. Their impact has saved and improved thousands of lives, inspiring a “circle of help” where those who have received assistance often go on to give back to their communities. Marina's dedication has fostered a global support network, tackling corruption and logistical barriers to bring healthcare access to vulnerable Lebanese communities.
Maurizio is a passionate youth advocate with influential voluntary roles across Europe. Elected to represent the British Youth Council in 2021, he has led campaigns to restore the UK's place in Erasmus+ and establish a UK-UN Youth Delegate programme. As Vice-Chairperson of the Council of Europe's Advisory Council on Youth, he champions policies for marginalised youth communities, including asylum seekers and migrants. Maurizio also advises intergovernmental institutions on youth policy and non-formal education. He played a key role in saving the British Youth Council from liquidation and works to create networks, mentor young activists, and build inclusive pathways for youth involvement in voluntary and intercultural exchanges.
Maxmilian’s ‘Klinair’ initiative has transformed indoor air quality in under-resourced schools across Greater Jakarta. Inspired by the need to combat airborne illnesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the team mobilised resources, raising $7,000 through corporate partnerships, to produce 90 Corsi-Rosenthal Boxes, benefiting nearly 2,700 students. Their hands-on workshops and collaborations with local non-profits teach students and teachers about indoor air pollution and environmental health. By involving young people in building and distributing the air filtration devices, ‘Klinair’ encourages a sense of responsibility and ownership. Many participants have developed a newfound passion for environmental science and a drive to contribute to social change.
Maya is a certified consent educator and the co-founder of ‘Stories of Consent’ (SOC). In college, she co-founded ‘Space to Speak’, a support network for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ survivors that raised over $118,000 to directly support survivors experiencing domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. This work with other survivors laid the groundwork to co-found ‘Stories of Consent’ (SOC), a U.S.-based organisation that advances sexual violence prevention through the first-ever youth-led peer education model, featuring nearly 200 stories from people across, nationalities, identities, and backgrounds. SOC has initiated conversations about consent with over 462,000 individuals and has implemented an educational model that impacts middle and high school students across 45 U.S. states. Maya’s innovative work is transforming how communities address consent and mental health.
Diagnosed with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare genetic disorder that causes extreme skin fragility and life-threatening complications, Mehar transformed his personal struggles into a mission for change. Witnessing the lack of support for EB patients in India, he co-founded the ‘DEBRA International Youth Council’ (DIYC) in 2023 to provide a safe and inclusive space for young people with EB. Mehar’s leadership has expanded the council to 82 members across 35 countries, fostering global awareness through events like the DEBRA Care Conference and the first EB World Congress in Egypt. His advocacy for patient-centric care and innovative projects, such as 3D-printed prosthetics, has inspired meaningful change in the EB community.
Mia is the Founder and CEO of ‘LingoX’, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to making language education accessible to under-resourced communities worldwide. Operating across six continents, ‘LingoX’ has provided over 101,000 hours of free education and reached thousands of students in 136 countries. Mia has raised over $100,000 in corporate sponsorships and earned recognition from Congress, Teen Vogue, and the Rhodes Trust. As a digital creator, Mia also shares educational content with over 2.8 million followers across her platforms. Through their work, Mia empowers youth to bridge language disparities, fostering global connections and creating new opportunities for countless individuals.
Minn Myoh founded the project ‘Bamboo Delight Summer Youth Camp’ in 2022 amidst Myanmar’s political unrest to help underprivileged young people to continue their education. Since 2022, the project generated a total of 155 young leaders from 12 villages through leadership training, social studies, music classes, English courses and interpersonal skill development workshops. His project has also resulted several community initiatives led by youth alumni such as Eco-Warriors Nyaung Shwe and Sunday Youths’ Corner. He keeps moving forward and focusing on creating educational alternatives for these youths, and developing politically and socially informed young leaders, despite security threats.
Inspired by her mother’s journey, Mischa committed herself to education and community impact. Economic struggles in Gary, Indiana motivated her to establish ‘Clear the Path’ in 2019, addressing financial literacy gaps among young people. Her organisation combines student-centred lessons with community collaboration to provide essential financial tools and knowledge. ‘Clear the Path’ has delivered education to over 1,000 students and raised $250,000 through partnerships with organisations like ‘Junior Achievement’ and ‘RoadTrip Nation’. By encouraging financial independence and instilling confidence, Mischa empowers youth to build brighter futures through innovative and inclusive education.
Misia’s mission stems from her deep commitment to equity and social justice. Inspired by her visit to a foundation for disabled children, she founded ‘Capable Crafts’, working through hundreds of volunteers across Indonesia to support disabled children through workshops promoting art therapy, exhibitions, and fundraising initiatives. Misia’s efforts have raised significant funds to support various resources for the foundation, and her approach always emphasises inclusion and challenges stereotypes, proving that stigma and poverty do not define potential. Within her other initiatives, Misia has also organised donation drives supplying necessities to orphanages and food kits for the homeless.
Molly founded ‘Love Your Period’ (LYP) after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour that would drastically impact her hormones. Determined to end menstrual stigma and encourage body health awareness, she and her sister Tilly lead period dignity drives, distribute free products, and share educational resources across Wales. LYP’s influence earned Molly a role on the Welsh Government’s Period Dignity Roundtable, where she advocates for nationwide policy changes and free product initiatives. Despite health challenges, Molly inspires young people globally, championing menstrual equity and aiming for a world where no one is limited by their period. Winning the UNICEF Cardiff Child Friendly City 2023 social action award, she continues to champion equal, stigma-free support for all menstruators.
Mosawer’s vision for educational equality stems from his experiences as a refugee and a deep commitment to social justice. In 2023, he initiated the ‘NSDE Foundation,’ a non-profit advocating for education as a fundamental right, with a focus on marginalised communities and girls’ education. Leading over 70 volunteers, Mosawer has spearheaded the provision of online schooling, language classes, and capacity-building initiatives, benefiting over 400 girls deprived of education, including 25 enrolled in IGCSE programs.
Through ‘idediskusi’, Muhammad addresses Indonesia’s educational inequalities by combining literacy programmes, digital outreach, and grassroots initiatives. Starting with campus campaigns, the platform evolved to include "idebaca" reading sessions and "berbagiide" book drives, delivering books to underserved schools and orphanages. Their digital outreach promotes career insights, critical thinking, and responsible internet use, inspiring intellectual curiosity in young people. By bridging gaps in access to resources and fostering community impact, ‘idediskusi’ has made strides in empowering students. Muhammad’s commitment to long-term educational reform has earned international recognition, including his participation in the Japan Youth Summit, where he advocates for inclusive learning solutions.
Muzhda, an Afghan refugee and advocate for girls' education, founded 'CodeGreenAfg' at 16 to promote education for girls despite Taliban restrictions. Drawing from her experiences, she organized protests and offered STEM education through online courses and workshops to champion the rights of Afghan girls. To date, 'CodeGreenAfg' has donated over 1,500 books, established the GreenHope Library in Kabul with around 1,000 books, hosted advocacy events in Canada to raise awareness, published an advocacy toolkit, collected over 100 letters from Afghan girls for the Dear World Project, and provided free leadership workshops. Muzhda's mission is to empower girls to overcome challenges, build leadership skills, and connect within a supportive community. Through proactive initiatives and collaboration, 'CodeGreenAfg' stands as a beacon of hope for Afghan girls striving for education against the odds.
Mendel is a strong advocate for access to education and digital technologies for all. As a Microsoft Student Ambassador and mentor at NkwangTech, they lead initiatives like nomination sessions, which recognise young learners’ progress and mastery of digital technologies. Mendel also delivers free masterclasses on AI and robotics, equipping young people with skills for future careers. Their outreach includes marginalised communities, such as orphanages, where they use robotics to spark innovation and creativity. Mendel’s efforts and ambitions go hand in hand with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, bridging the digital divide and driving social progress through inclusive and transformative education.
Growing up in an immigrant family, Nathaniel faced significant challenges, including disability, academic struggles, and witnessing his parents work multiple jobs to make ends meet. After surviving a major suicide attempt at 16, he committed to breaking the cycle for others like him. Nathaniel founded ‘Future Minds Network’, a social enterprise that has empowered 13,000 marginalised young Australians with employability skills, mentorship, and entrepreneurial training. Nathaniel also joined the Board of SENVIC, supporting 1,200 social enterprises and was Chair of the Victorian Government’s Youth Advisory Board, where he helped shape the 2022-2027 Youth Strategy, supporting 1.05 million diverse youth.
Nayla, founder of ‘The Hemisphere Project’, is a passionate youth leader focused on environmental sustainability and empowerment. Troubled by Indonesia's waste crisis, she spearheaded initiatives like the PLUME and BLUE projects, promoting eco-friendly practices and educating over 30,000 students in 53 schools across 37 provinces. Nayla manages a team of 18 members, has secured $1,512 in funding, and organised the national “Trash to Treasure Challenge”, engaging Angkasa schools across Indonesia. Under her guidance, Hemisphere has developed innovations such as the Hawk Eye waste sensor and a trash collector ship prototype. Collaborating with NGOs and government agencies, Nayla has advanced environmental education and mentorship access nationwide.
Nebiyou began social work at 15 with the Secord Youth Council, aiding homeless individuals with food, clothing, and gardening services. Overcoming personal hardship, including war displacement and living in a shelter, he embraced the motto "There Is a Power in Kindness." At university, he founded ‘Brothers4Brothers’, a mentorship program for young men’s mental health, and ‘Communities Care’, which has supported over 1,500 youth in Canada and Ethiopia with essential items and workshops. His "Kindness Tour" inspired 10,000+ people and raised funds for orphans. Now on his "Stronger Together" world tour, he raises scholarships to help African street youth transition into classrooms.
As the Founder and Lead Coordinator of the ‘Irma Pince Club’, An has built a community of over 500 volunteers, creating accessible literary programmes across the country. Her initiatives include book discussions, interactive events, and campaigns like ‘Black Voices, Black Poets’, emphasising diversity in literature. An’s strategic approach — partnering with local governments, the American Centre Hanoi, and other organisations — secured funding to expand the club’s reach to 34 provinces. Her innovative programmes, like Pride Month’s “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” workshop, have touched hearts and inspired youth to embrace reading and critical thinking.
Nicola founded ‘Innovation Hub’ to democratise science education and empower young voices in STEM. Frustrated by the barriers to publishing scientific content, she created a free platform where students worldwide could share articles, research, and reviews. Since its launch, ‘Innovation Hub’ has grown into a global community with over 100 authors from 30 countries, providing opportunities to underrepresented groups, including women in STEM. Nicola oversees all activities, from managing partnerships to producing a biannual magazine supported by sponsors like Samsung. Her initiative inspires thousands, with 50,000 students reached globally by this more open and inclusive approach to STEM learning and science communication.
Nikhil addresses challenges faced by older people through innovative ventures. His standout project, ‘Meditel,’ is a device ensuring timely medication adherence, enabling safer, more independent health management. He also founded ‘Elder Allies,’ which connects students and older people through tech workshops teaching essential digital skills like online communication. Through these workshops, young volunteers and older participants engage in cross-generational learning, fostering mutual understanding and empowerment. These initiatives promote independence for older people and inspire young people to engage in meaningful community service. With ‘Meditel’ and ‘Elder Allies,’ Nikhil creates impactful connections and drives lasting change in communities.
Nikolaus’s passion for social action stems from his personal journey as an amputee and his commitment to fostering inclusivity. Born without his left hand, Nikolaus’s lived experiences drive his advocacy for people with disabilities. As a founding member of the UBC bionics design team, he helped develop a low-cost 3D-printed prosthetic hand for amputees in impoverished regions, merging technology with accessibility. Through his leadership roles at organisations like ‘Nubability Athletics’ and ‘Lime Connect’, Nikolaus has inspired and empowered disabled youth, championing inclusivity in sports, education, and employment. His advocacy has garnered global recognition, proving that disabilities are not limitations but opportunities for impactful advocacy and action.
During her sophomore year, Nishka visited a rural school in Modinagar, India, where she witnessed the impact of mentorship on students excelling in robotics and engineering despite limited resources. Inspired, she founded the ‘Youth Mentorship Project’ (YMP) to enhance STEM education and guidance. Using YMP Digital, an AI-powered platform, and YMP Match, a mentorship web app, she has connected over 500 mentors with students, benefiting more than 3,500 individuals globally. Despite facing personal and financial challenges, Nishka’s determination and leadership continue to advance educational access and mentorship, creating lasting opportunities for underserved communities worldwide.
Niyati founded the ‘Pratisandhi Foundation’ at 17 to tackle taboos surrounding sex education in her community. Under her leadership, Pratisandhi has grown into a youth-led safe space that trains over 1,000 young volunteers and has directly impacted more than 75,000 people through training, advocacy, and outreach. Despite challenges and opposition, Niyati has worked tirelessly; she has built extensive volunteer networks, distributed thousands of condoms and sanitary products, and created India’s first free digital sex-ed library with over 1,000 resources. In 2023, she also spoke at the FemNet4GTE conference and the UN, advocating for her vision of a youth-led, inclusive, and transformative approach to sex education.
Favour is dedicated to empowering African women in tech through the ‘Women Techsters Initiative’. This beginner-friendly training equips women with essential digital skills, making them employable and capable of navigating the technical space, so far reaching 20,000 women across 22 African countries. The programme includes five training paths – Data Analysis, Software Development, Cybersecurity, Product Design, and Product Management – and fosters a supportive community to overcome gender biases and barriers in tech. Her advocacy extends to marginalised communities through the ‘Women Techsters TechGirls Drive’, inspiring over 51,000 girls to explore STEM careers. In the face of scepticism, Favour’s resilience has led to impactful partnerships, providing mentorship and technical skills.
Over the past 18 months, Olivia has dedicated herself to spreading kindness and fostering social impact through her ‘#keepitkind’ campaign. Speaking to around 2,000 primary school children, she inspires them with her acts of kindness, such as volunteering, fundraising, and distributing handmade gift bags to strangers. Her presentations encourage children to become Raktivists (Random Act of Kindness activists) and participate in movements like “Kindness Rocks”. She openly shares her struggles with OCD and anxiety, teaching children the importance of self-care. Olivia has raised over £4,500 for charities, organised community service activities, and created a growing network of 40 young women to collaboratively support community service projects.
Olivier established the OHMO Global Research Fellowship in 2018 to support researchers in low-and middle-income countries through mentorship and training to address critical health disparities, impacting the lives of over 200,000 young individuals so far. His fellowship has awarded $75,000 in grants, and produced over 200 scientific publications, significantly boosting representation in prestigious journals. During COVID-19, Olivier collaborated with Harvard Medical School students to share health resources in 26 languages. Recognised by Forbes Africa and the UN, Olivier continues to champion global health equity through education, research, and grassroots outreach, inspiring systemic change.
Through his organisation, ‘Archivan’, Otito-Jesu is dedicated to reducing employment inequalities faced by millions of people with disabilities in Nigeria. With systemic biases and stereotypes creating significant barriers to meaningful employment, Otito-Jesu has spearheaded initiatives to deliver entrepreneurship and employability training, promote digital literacy, and advocate for inclusive hiring practices. Since its inception, ‘Archivan’ has trained 3,000 disabled people and indirectly impacted 7,000 others, with 75% securing employment and 20% starting businesses within months of completion. Through advocacy and partnerships, Otito-Jesu is redefining inclusion, challenging biases, and creating pathways for people with disabilities to achieve professional success.
Oyindamola established ‘Shapers Network Africa’ to empower young Africans with education and economic opportunities. Her initiative so far has reached over 1,000 young people across 9 African countries, equipping them with digital skills, entrepreneurial knowledge, and access to ongoing mentorship. While she served as a Youth Advisor to the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, she contributed to impactful initiatives such as the Africa-EU Youth Climate Pact. Her global reach also includes participation in the United Nations Office of CounterTerrorism Youth Engagement and Empowerment Programme (UNOCT-YEEP) and the Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) programme. Oyindamola’s innovative efforts and advocacy reflect her commitment to creating a skilled and resilient workforce, driving Africa’s sustainable development and economic empowerment.
Twice surviving devastating fires, Paul Junior has committed his life to tackling environmental and social challenges. He founded ‘Ndzilo Fire Solutions’, developing innovative fire detection systems to safeguard South Africa’s biodiversity, farmlands, and communities. As a High Seas Ambassador, Paul Junior champions marine conservation and advocates for the ratification of the High Seas Treaty. His impact extends to youth empowerment through ‘Mosetsana Pads’, providing sustainable menstrual health solutions that help young women continue their education. A mentor and advocate, Paul Junior engages with emerging leaders through initiatives like the BeVisioneers fellowship and LCOY South Africa Moonshot Platform, inspiring meaningful, community-driven change.
Following a visit to Mai Am Tam Duc orphanage in Vietnam, Khue Anh founded ‘Embrace Her’, a non-profit improving girls’ access to education, healthcare, and sanitary products. Initially focused on local impact, her organisation has grown to 17 chapters and 170+ members. ‘Embrace Her’ has so far raised over $6,000 for projects around the world, including surgery in Vietnam, sanitary products in Korea, clothing and financial aid in Western Massachusetts, and providing nutritious foods to the Mai Am Tam Duc orphanage. Despite facing scepticism that a young girl could make an impact, she embraced collaboration, proving her slogan, “Together, we can lift every female’s potential”, in more ways than one.
Poppy’s dedication to social action and inclusion shines through her role as a UK Youth Ambassador for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE). Having completed all three Award levels, she sought to give back to a programme that boosted her self-belief. As a youth representative for 2023/24, her contributions to the “Youth Voices” report – including hand-delivering policy recommendations to 10 Downing Street – highlight her passion about challenging perceptions of Autism and fostering inclusivity. Whether she’s addressing challenges in mental health, environmental conservation, or educational reform, Poppy inspire others to embrace their individuality and push boundaries to achieve meaningful change.
Praise is committed to addressing youth unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria. Identifying gaps in employability education, he founded ‘The Leverage Project’, which has supported more than 1,270 young people and professionals through mentorship, training, and resources – enabling more than 150 of them to secure internships and global opportunities. Among his initiatives are ‘The Exemplars Magazine’, with 1,780 readers across 15 countries, and ‘The Innovation Workshop’, which connects changemakers and teaches them to address social problems in their communities through design-thinking. Despite challenges like limited funding and juggling medical studies, Praise has raised over $5,000, partnered with 35 organisations, and sparked transformative social action.
Precious is an activist committed to advancing gender equality and supporting marginalised communities in Nigeria. As Executive Director of ‘The Girl Child Values Support Initiative’, she has led impactful projects tackling gender-based violence, menstrual health, economic opportunity, and STEM education for young women, particularly in crisis-affected regions. Her work includes the ARTvocacy initiative, where artistic projects like plays and documentaries raise awareness of issues such as female genital mutilation and disability rights. Through programmes like ‘STEMinists For Social Good’, she’s empowered over 10,000 girls with STEM skills, and her ‘Period in Crisis’ project has benefited over 50,000 women so far.
At just 12, Priya joined Project Fearless with ‘Integrate UK’, sparking her dedication to social justice. She co-created Vitriol, a youth-led film addressing anti-migrant, Islamophobic, and xenophobic sentiment, which has been screened in over 250 schools to educate students and professionals about radicalisation. In 2022, Priya starred in Love Bomb, a short film on coercive control that amassed over 510,000 YouTube views and won a Silver Smiley Film Award. At its premiere, Priya delivered a compelling speech on representation for women of colour, resonating with over 150 attendees. Now leading Project Fearless, she mentors 50+ young people, spearheading initiatives like an upcoming film on knife crime and driving systemic change.
Rachel founded ‘Securing Safe Food’ in 2020, aiming to ensure unrestricted access to allergy-safe foods for those in need. Since its founding, this student-led nonprofit has distributed over 29,500 pounds of allergen-free foods, partnered with over 30 food pantries across nine states, collaborated with over 18 allergen-friendly food manufacturers, and implemented groundbreaking allergy-safe zones in food banks. Through virtual training and bilingual signage, the initiative educates staff on preventing cross-contact and understanding dietary needs. Despite living with chronic medical conditions, Rachel’s determination drives her to expand the organisation’s impact, addressing both food insecurity and sustainability. Her passion inspires a nationwide movement toward safe, inclusive, and equitable food distribution systems.
Radhika grew up in Rajasthan, witnessing severe water scarcity that hindered agricultural productivity and caused financial strain on local farmers. Motivated to find a solution, she founded ‘WaterAid’, introducing a cost-effective greywater recycling system made from sustainable materials like activated charcoal, moringa seeds, and crushed corn cob. Her initiative has installed over 620 systems across 950 households, improving irrigation efficiency, boosting crop yields by 90%, and enhancing incomes by 20%. Radhika’s leadership includes mentoring 120 young people, organising 30 workshops on sustainable practices, and overcoming challenges like social resistance and supply chain disruptions. Her efforts help foster environmental stewardship and long-term resilience in communities.
Growing up, Ratna found her closest companion in nature, but as she grew older, she witnessed the rapid pollution of the Ganga River. This inspired her involvement in the ‘Clean India Campaign’, alongside organising climate strikes, cleanup drives, and workshops. Ratna expanded her efforts globally, hosting seminars, interviewing environmental scientists, and creating I Can't Breathe, a climate comic showcased at COP27. With her initiative, ‘Earth Safety Valve’, Ratna has reached young people from 15 nations across 5 continents, educating over 50,000 students and mentoring schools to adopt sustainable practices. Her programme ‘Ecofreak’ combines climate action and education, conducting engaging nature-based workshops.
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Reese founded ‘ISSIA HK’ in 2019, which is now Hong Kong’s largest youth-led non-profit, having involved over 500 volunteers implementing 30+ projects promoting global citizenship education. In the UK, Reese became a community-builder, leading as President of LSE’s Entrepreneurs Society, Trustee of LSE’s Student Union, and Curator of the WEF Global Shapers London Hub II. Reese has spoken at 100+ global events, mentors young people, and holds multiple strategic roles focused on empowerment and community across continents. Reese’s latest venture, currently in prototype, is ‘Micromeetup’, which uses AI to cultivate real-life connections and combat loneliness in young people.
Spurred by her experiences during Australia’s COVID-19 lockdown, Rhea founded ‘Eudaimonia’ to tackle eating disorders through preventive measures. Frustrated by the reactive focus of existing support systems, Rhea partnered with leading institutions like Harvard’s STRIPED program to advocate for policy reform. Her achievements include amending Australia’s curriculum to remove damaging BMI practices, integrating mental health resources for culturally diverse young people, and securing $55 million in federal funding to support culturally and linguistically diverse young people. Reaching over 1 million children globally, Rhea has introduced workshops, education modules, and healthcare reforms, creating a robust foundation for long-term systemic change in mental health and body image awareness.
Rishan founded ‘Lending Lockers’ to provide sports equipment to underserved schools. During basketball tournaments, Rishan noticed unfair differences in shoes and uniforms between teams, compared to piles of nearly-new equipment wasting away in his own school and home. Beginning with a single locker and one-time donation drive, Rishan's vision has expanded to 300 locations globally, impacting over 200,000 young people. Through Lending Lockers’ parent non-profit, ‘Alley-Oop Kids’, he empowers young people through leadership roles, mentorship, and collaborations, making play more accessible. Rishan has raised over $300,000 and built partnerships with organisations like ‘Good Sports’ and ‘Project Play’, turning ‘Lending Lockers’ into a scalable, impactful model for promoting play equity worldwide.
Robina, a young Afghan education activist, has dedicated her life to advocating for Afghan girls’ education. Forced to leave school herself, Robina created ‘Girls on the Path of Change’ in April 2023, an international online platform inspiring thousands of girls who have been deprived of education in Afghanistan and globally. Together with international volunteers at Girls on the Path of Change, she campaigned against the closure of schools and universities, raising the voices of Afghan girls. She has also spoken to international media on behalf of thousands of Afghan girls, calling for urgent global action against the Taliban’s atrocities. Overcoming significant obstacles, hostility and personal risk, Robina’s determination, resilience, and commitment continue to uplift and educate Afghan girls is changing the world.
Rohit founded ‘Leidlik’ to bridge educational and developmental gaps in rural India. Through initiatives like TechMastering, Innovation Port, and Nexture Summit, he has provided free education to over 10,000 students in need, fostering innovation and connecting them with industry leaders. He is also spearheading ambitious projects in Rasabeda and Phulbani, a rural village in Jharkhand and Odisha respectively. Rohit funds these efforts through TechMastering and strategic partnerships, ensuring sustainability. As a learner, mentor and writer, he inspires young people by sharing his journey from a middle-class background to becoming a dynamic young entrepreneur.
Through ‘Safina Development Organization’, Daniel addresses environmental sustainability and social empowerment in Kenya’s arid regions. His projects include training women in sustainable agriculture, planting trees with students, and providing digital skills training to girls to prepare them for careers in sustainability. Initiatives like tree nurseries, digital skills training, and afforestation projects with schools have empowered communities in arid regions like Kajiado County. Through partnerships with organisations advancing agroecology, climate justice, and digital entrepreneurship to create lasting community impact, and participating in global forums like the UN Civil Society Conference, Daniel is constantly expanding his impact, driving forward digital empowerment and climate justice.
Saawan founded ‘LiteratureDiversified’ to address the lack of racial and cultural representation in education. His initiative creates inclusive curricula that highlight the experiences of marginalized groups, such as Black, Native American, Hispanic, Asian, and LGBTQ+ communities. Since its inception in 2023, Saawan has developed over 450 educational resources, reaching 12,700 students globally. Through partnerships with over 30 organisations, he has led projects focused on racial justice, identity, and inclusion. Saawan’s work has earned him multiple awards, including the Prudential Emerging Visionary and Ashoka Young Changemaker. He is dedicated to using education as a tool for social change and empowerment.
Samson’s interest in social change began during an outreach programme in Ghana, where he encountered students struggling with undiagnosed visual impairments and girls using unsafe materials for menstrual protection. This sparked his creation of ‘iCare Network Ghana’, which addresses healthcare gaps through more than 250 volunteers. His focus on visual impairments and period poverty is rooted in dignity and opportunity – both issues create barriers to education that are both physical and rooted in social stigma. By providing eye screenings up to 4,000 students and menstrual health support for over 1,000 girls, ‘iCare Network Ghana’ is improving education, opportunity, and dignity across Ghana.
Alarmed by reports highlighting the struggles of internally displaced (IDP) children, Samuel launched a rural leadership bootcamp in the Durumi IDP camp in Abuja. The project taught 50 children essential skills like teamwork and problem-solving while introducing economic concepts. With 7,347 volunteer hours and $600 raised, the project significantly improved health and education outcomes for displaced children. He also volunteered and collaborated with ‘CleverMinds Education Foundation’ to launch the “Count Every Child” initiative to address a critical lack of birth certificates and immunisations, partnering with the ‘National Population Commission’ and local organisations. Samuel also uplifts young people through mentorship and education initiatives, building digital, civic and skills for thousands of young Africans.
Samuel, a third-year Sociology and Gender student at Kenyatta University, is a passionate youth leader and activist. As chair of the ‘Young Leaders Association’ (YOLA), he empowers youth through initiatives like the Mawega Avocado Initiative, promoting sustainable farming, biodiversity, and economic empowerment in rural Kenya. Samuel has organised impactful events, including the Kiambu Youth Development Conference, attended by over 1,200 youth, and tree-planting drives with partners like the Global Peace Foundation, contributing to a goal of 15 billion trees by 2032. With a focus on education, mental health, and entrepreneurship, Samuel leverages media and partnerships to inspire youth and drive sustainable change in communities.
Dimple founded 97percent to address reproductive health stigma through education, advocacy, and medical support. The organisation runs sex-ed workshops, the #TalkAboutIt challenge for student leaders, and policy campaigns like mindfulness programmes for postpartum depression in state prisons. It also improves access to HIV treatment by partnering with ‘AidForAids’ and raising funds. After witnessing her cousin’s struggles with HIV stigma, Dimple wanted to combat silence around sexual health in Myanmar’s conservative culture. From a one-person team, she grew the organisation into six chapters, empowering youth leaders to drive change and improve access to reproductive healthcare for underserved communities.
Shawon Mahmud founded ‘BigyanPriyo’ to address gaps in science education and combat pseudoscience in Bangladesh. Established in 2018, the platform has become the largest Bengali science network, reaching 1.5 million students globally with engaging content, VR-based first aid training, and community-driven initiatives. Despite being the target of a 2021 cyberattack that erased his online presence, Shawon rebuilt ‘BigyanPriyo’ from scratch, inspiring his team with the motto: “I can start from zero a thousand times.” His commitment to fostering scientific literacy has impacted 3,000 individuals directly and his resilience and dedication to advancing science advocacy earned him the prestigious ‘Joy Bangla Youth Award’ in 2022.
Sheryl, a lawyer and tech expert, is passionate about leveraging her skills for social impact. Inspired by witnessing harmful practices like FGM and child marriage, she founded the Isisa Foundation to empower marginalized communities and inspire youth-driven innovations. Her initiatives address period poverty and shame through sustainable menstrual cups and biodegradable sanitary products made from food waste. To combat low education rates among girls at risk of early marriage and exploitation, Sheryl has adopted schools in Kajiado, Machakos, and Northeastern Kenya, helping keep girls in school. Using her legal and tech expertise, she drives systemic reforms, builds partnerships, and advocates for climate action and education equity.
Shivani, founder of ‘Survivor Talks’, is dedicated to combating sexual violence and mental health stigma through education and advocacy. Their platform offers a safe space for survivors and experts to discuss abuse, shame, and trauma. Shivani has actively lobbied for mandatory sex education, directed a documentary Through My Eyes on survivor experiences, and led workshops on consent, rape culture, and healthy relationships. Despite facing discrimination as a racialised, bisexual woman and survivor, Shivani remains steadfast in her mission. Their advocacy has gained national recognition, including a Top 25 Under 25 Award, and continues to impact diverse communities.
Witnessing the myths and taboos around menstruation and moved by her domestic helper’s lack of access to menstrual products, Shreya founded ‘Period Power’. This student-led organisation combats period poverty by providing menstrual products, conducting self-defence sessions for empowerment, and promoting menstrual hygiene education. Through ‘Period Power’ Shreya has raised over 100,000 rupees, distributed more than 70,000 pads, and introduced the idea of sanitary pad vending machines in schools. Initially managing everything independently in Jharkhand, she expanded to Rajasthan, building networks and recruiting youth volunteers. Her goal is to create a stigma-free society where no one is hindered by their menstrual cycle.
Shreya’s experiences with water scarcity in California and India motivated her to address the global water crisis. Alarmed by the statistics, she founded ‘The Grey Water Project’ to promote water conservation through grey water reuse. Her non-profit has educated over 100,000 people globally, helping to save 180 million gallons of water. Shreya developed grey water curricula taught in nearly 100 schools across five continents and influenced policies like climate education mandates and grey-water-ready pipelines. As a UN youth representative and speaker, Shreya continues to advocate for sustainable water practices, inspiring youth and shaping global policy on water conservation.
After learning about the alarming impact of food waste on climate change, Shrusti was on a mission to create sustainable solutions. She founded the ‘Rise N Shine Foundation’, implementing composting programmes in schools to divert over 206,000 pounds of waste annually from landfills. Noticing uneaten food destined for compost, she expanded her scope to recover surplus food, contributing 300,000 meals worth $450,000 to those in need. Her advocacy secured $1.25 million for compost programmes in Maryland schools, mobilising 17,000 students, making it one of the state’s largest youth campaigns. Shrusti also operates a mentorship scheme as part of the project, helping other young people build the skills and confidence to lead and enact change.
Shylette Ngwenya, an empowerment champion from the marginalised Binga region, has dedicated her life to uplifting underserved communities. Growing up in poverty, she founded ‘Young People for Jesus’ (YPFJ) in 2018 to address education, healthcare, and gender equality. Through YPFJ, she provided sanitary pads to over 100 girls, school supplies to 200 students, and Christmas donations for 100 homeless children. As a final-year medical student, Shylette organises medical consultations and mentorship programmes for rural communities, impacting over 1,000 patients. Recognised by numerous awards, she continues to inspire young girls to pursue education and fundraises for initiatives like building a classroom in her hometown.
Sofie Roux, an architecture and engineering student at Stanford University, is the founder and CEO of ‘BloomBox Design Labs’ (BBDL). This social enterprise is dedicated to improving global access to STEAM education, particularly for girls. Since childhood, Sofie has been deeply committed to empowering underserved communities, fundraising for computer labs, freshwater wells, and sanitary pad machines. Through BBDL, she has implemented three solar-powered educational spaces – “BloomBoxes” – in Malawi, transforming education for over 5,000 students. Sofie’s innovative solutions, including a patented retractable solar roof and the SuperBloom app, are designed to promote inclusive and open learning environments where students can direct and pursue their own futures.
Sophia co-founded ‘iReach’, a youth-led non-profit addressing educational and mental health challenges in collaboration with state-level youth councils, providing essential resources to thousands, bridging learning gaps and offering new opportunities. Sophia has dedicated over 900 hours to delivering online education programs and mentoring children with learning disabilities, as well as championing inclusivity through TEDx talks, public speaking, and innovative research on school dropouts through an AI model. She also co-founded a BLOOM365 club at her school, engaging over 200 students on awareness about interpersonal and domestic violence. Since its inception, iReach has grown to over 450 youth volunteers, hosted more than 60 free summer camps, and delivered over 6,000 online tutoring hours to young people around the world.
Sophia is the co-founder of ‘Science Humanitarian’, a non-profit addressing global inequities in education and health access. Inspired by personal struggles, Sophia launched Science Humanitarian during the pandemic to empower marginalised communities. She has led initiatives providing free health education to children in 20+ countries and raising funds for Alzheimer’s disease and cancer research and humanitarian aid. Sophia also extends her impact into policymaking and community building, collaborating with congressional leaders to draft legislation on healthcare access and organising impactful community events, including cultural celebrations and charity drives.
Apollo is the founder of ‘Signals from the Grassroots’ (SftG), a global youth empowerment NGO uniting over 5,000 young people from 54 countries to address community challenges. Inspired by his own struggles to find volunteer opportunities as a teenager, Apollo created SftG to empower youth to lead change. SftG’s flagship initiative, “Keep Her in School with a Reusable Sanitary Pad”, tackled period poverty in Uganda by distributing 2,000 reusable pads and soaps to 1,000 girls in impoverished districts. The project also fostered awareness among boys to combat menstrual stigma, ensuring girls could stay in school and thrive.
Having experienced conflict and displacement firsthand, Steven co-founded "Let’s Help Cameroon" in high school, focusing on supporting displaced girls and igniting his commitment to social change. He later founded the ‘G3 For Peace’ initiative, a two-phase programme addressing income generation through agriculture and offering trauma support for displaced women. Collaborating with grassroots organisations like RELUFA and HARO, Steven has ensured the initiative’s sustainability. In its first phase, the project has provided food stability and boosted income by 30-60% for 100 women and girls. Steven envisions a third phase focused on reintegration post-conflict, bringing the project’s impact full circle.
Following the loss of his cousin to Thalassemia, Tamzid founded ‘BloodLink Foundation’, Bangladesh's first peer-to-peer blood donation app. His mission is to eliminate child mortality due to lack of blood transfusions, with a particular focus on children affected by thalassemia and dengue. BloodLink Foundation has already reached over 20,000 people, enabling over 2,500 connections between donors and recipients. Tamzid also created Bangladesh’s largest open repository of blood donors, enlisting over 950 active participants and, with the support of over 100 volunteers, his initiative has engaged thousands of young people through workshops and advocacy to raise awareness of the importance of blood donation. Tamzid’s work has earned him recognition, funding, and the drive to expand BloodLink Foundation’s impact nationwide.
Tanishka, following the loss of a family member due to delayed medical help, launched ‘Every Citizen a Life Saver’ to bring emergency preparedness to rural areas. She collaborated with local hospitals to organise CPR workshops, first aid training and roadside trauma assistance, reaching over 5,000 people in 15 months – from schoolchildren to factory workers. Introducing the concept of ‘health messengers’, Tanishka trained two representatives in each village to address emergencies like cardiac arrests and natural disasters. Her efforts also include annual blood donation camps and fundraising to install defibrillators in village panchayats, ensuring swift medical assistance in remote areas.
As founder of ‘Impvest’, a pioneering youth-led organisation, Tanont has made significant strides in empowering Thai SMEs and young people alike. His initiatives span pro-bono consulting, financial literacy workshops, and cutting-edge innovations like AI-powered tools for marketing. From partnering with the Ministry of Finance on debt-saving programmes to organising workshops with Amazon and the SME Development Bank, Impvest has transformed the lives of over 12,000 individuals and trained more than 300 youth volunteers. Tanont’s vision extends beyond immediate impact; he aims to foster a generation of socially conscious leaders, proving that business knowledge can be a powerful tool for uplifting communities.
Tanyaradzwa, founder of ‘The Tanyaradzwa Initiative’, is transforming lives through advocacy, training, and mentorship. Her projects span SRHR, climate justice, mental health, and entrepreneurship, addressing systemic barriers faced by women and girls. When Tanyaradzwa first entered the workforce, she came up against prejudice and discrimination for her age and gender – but rather than be discouraged, she was inspired to create a world where women and girls can thrive. This has resulted in over 300 training sessions and inspired numerous mentees to launch their own initiatives. Her efforts have earned her recognition, including the ‘40 Under 40 Young Leaders in Zimbabwe Award’.
Tara founded ‘Youth for Youth’ (YfY) to support teenagers struggling with bullying, low self-esteem, and learning difficulties, inspired by her own experiences in school. Recognising the lack of support for students, especially in government schools, she developed YfY to promote peer-to-peer support and foster emotional wellbeing. The programme combines mindfulness, breathing exercises, and confidence-building workshops, helping students cultivate empathy, collaboration, and critical thinking. YfY’s hybrid model has impacted over 650 schools in 20 states, improving leadership skills, academic performance, and self-esteem among participants. Tara envisions expanding YfY globally, creating youth-led networks that address bullying and mental health challenges in communities worldwide.
Tariq is a passionate advocate for social, racial, environmental, and gender justice. In 2023, he raised awareness about the climate crisis in Lagos Island, earning recognition from UNICEF Nigeria. Tariq, a UNICEF Nigeria Young Influencer and Global Citizen 2024 Emerging Creative, has received accolades like the UNODC #BeWildForNature Competition award and The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition Silver Award. As Director of Creative Media for the LOG OFF Movement, he promotes healthy digital habits among youth, with the nonprofit featured by outlets like The New York Times and CNN. Tariq aspires to mobilise young people to create a better future through advocacy and creative expression.
Tejas founded ‘Threads4Good’, to merge environmental sustainability with education. By upcycling 3,000 kg of textile waste, the organisation has created over 2,400 eco-friendly school bags for children across seven cities, whilst saving 60 million litres of water and 55,000 kg of carbon emissions. These schoolbags have enabled more children living in poverty to attend school, who would otherwise miss three months of school during monsoon season, increasing attendance from 44% to 78%. ‘Threads4Good’ has reached over 3,000 people offline and 60,000 online. With 450 volunteers, 20 employees from marginalised backgrounds, and partnerships with textile mills and NGOs, Tejas continues to expand his mission to support education and reduce waste.
When Gunn first learned about a rural village in Phetchaburi using renewable energy like biogas and solar power, it sparked a lifelong passion for sustainability. Gunn founded ‘Between The Roots’ (BTR), focusing on providing biogas balloons to rural communities. These balloons offer a sustainable alternative to cooking gas, breaking down food waste to produce gas and fertiliser while cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Gunn also developed an instalment-based repayment model with EXIM Bank to make the balloons financially accessible. His efforts have been recognised globally and have inspired young people across Thailand to join the movement for environmental change.
Overcoming significant challenges from his autism and cerebral palsy diagnoses, Thomas undertook a self-organised 5K walk, raising £1,800 for the National Autistic Society, surpassing his £1,000 target. Through this campaign, he advocates for equitable education, autism acceptance, and improved healthcare resources. Beyond fundraising, Thomas mentors his peers at Ariel Othellos drama academy, supports LGBTQ+ rights, and promotes mental health awareness. In his vlogs, he shares personal challenges, expressing his determination to create a fairer system for young people in the future. Thomas’s resilience and advocacy highlight his commitment to improving lives and fostering acceptance for those navigating similar challenges.
Growing up in Nigeria and the United States, Titilope gained insight into global inequalities, especially in women’s health. Her experiences with FGM and menstrual stigma fuelled her passion for change. In Nigeria, she saw the use of rags as menstrual products, contrasting with the abundance in the United States, inspiring her to act. She founded 'PERIOD PADÍ,' a nonprofit providing pads and education to over 10,000 Nigerian girls, raising $12,350 through initiatives like a digital guidebook. Her project, 'PADÍ WELLNEST,' tackles mental and menstrual health disparities among underserved youth, earning recognition from Vice President Kamala Harris and media coverage. Titilope collaborates with resourced communities to bridge gaps for underserved students.
Born in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Duy grew up facing the educational inequalities of rural areas, where opportunities for personal growth were limited. Determined to create change, Duy founded ‘Tra Da Mentor’, Vietnam’s first life mentoring social enterprise, supporting high school and university students nationwide. Offering affordable one-on-one mentoring in career orientation, personal development, and emotional management, the initiative has impacted 200 mentees across 40 provinces in Vietnam, with 30% receiving financial aid. One of the community projects of Tra Da Mentor, “Internship Seeker”, has helped approximately 100 college students landing their internship offer and organized career-orientation webinars for 2,000 participants. His inspiring journey earned him a full scholarship to VinUniversity and national recognition.
Ubaid founded the ‘Kundan Help & Development Organisation’ to address healthcare gaps and empower young people in rural regions. Through initiatives like free medical camps, awareness campaigns on Hepatitis B, C, and HIV, and youth-oriented programs, the organisation operates a variety of projects, including the Kundan Health Association and Kundan Blood Society. Serving communities in areas like Cholistan and Sindh, Ubaid has mobilised a team of medical and professional volunteers. His initiatives inspire others to engage in philanthropy and social work, with ambitious long-term goals, including establishing a hospital, free water plants, and old age homes.
Ubalda is an advocate for empowering young girls in rural communities. As founder of ‘Upward Motion Foundation’, she has equipped over 2,000 young girls with vocational skills, educational support, and leadership training. In partnership with CAMFED Ghana, she has guided over 120 girls as a Transitions Guide and supported 600 more through back-to-school campaigns and community initiatives. Ubalda’s programmes like the Girls’ Club and Girls Inspiring Girls summit have inspired girls to pursue higher education and entrepreneurship. Ubalda’s work is a testament to her belief in creating opportunities that foster resilience and hope for the next generation.
Umme’s journey to medical school inspired her to support aspiring medical students from underrepresented backgrounds. In 2020, she began volunteering with ‘In2MedSchool’, where she discovered that 80% of successful medical school applicants came from just 20% of UK schools, while half of schools had no applicants. Determined to address this inequality, Umme founded the ‘In2MedSchool Acceleration Programme’ in 2021. The programme supports students from schools with low medical admission rates, combining guidance on medical applications with public health education and interpersonal skills development, equipping students for diverse career paths. With a team of medical student volunteers, IAP has reached over 1,000 students in 80+ schools nationwide.
At 19, a ruptured appendix nearly cost Clement his life, sparking his commitment to address healthcare disparities. As the founder of ‘HIESMEDIC’ and ‘Star Hive Nigeria’, Clement launched impactful initiatives such as Optimal Health, providing free screenings for conditions like sickle cell anaemia and breast cancer, and Artificial Intelligence for Malaria, using AI to predict outbreaks and save lives. His efforts also include tackling dental health and substance abuse awareness, benefiting over 12,000 people so far. Clement also organises annual leadership summits for young change-makers He actively involves other young people in his projects, leading a team of more than 50 young people with ages averaging 16-25 years.
Through the Lantern Foundation, Valerie addresses the gaps in education and medical care for children in rural China. Her efforts have provided cleft lip surgeries, books, school supplies, and financial aid to over 280 children across six rural provinces in China. Valerie’s non-profit raised over $70,000 including $20,000 for cleft lip and palate surgeries for children in rural areas. She has faced in her own community, stemming from negative perceptions towards China, but sees this as even more reason to raise awareness of these overlooked issues. Valerie continues to expand her foundation’s reach, advocating for justice in health and education in China, and dismantling harmful prejudices closer to home.
Varsha launched ‘Smira’, aiming to alleviate urban homelessness by providing clean clothing to improve health and hygiene, and instil hope. Motivated by her childhood tradition of donating garments during Diwali, Varsha began with a single drive in Pune, later scaling to 100+ drives across India. ‘Smira’ has since donated 50,000 kg of clothing, as well as providing first aid and food to those in need, impacting 30,000 people. With a vision to expand globally, Smira’s first international drive in Nigeria inspired plans for operations in Algeria and Ethiopia. Varsha’s leadership, volunteer engagement and corporate collaborations, including Tech Mahindra and Decathlon, continue to position ‘Smira’ as a force for social impact worldwide.
Vedanth founded ‘STEMLabs’ in rural India, to promote programming as a tool for social impact and youth empowerment. Through the project, he partnered with underprivileged schools to launch three STEM.org-accredited robotics and innovation centres. Expanding his reach globally, Vedanth established ‘STEM4Impact’, which organises innovation bootcamps, SDG and ‘people of determination’-themed hackathons across 40+ countries, while also maintaining an ethical AI blog. Vedanth’s efforts began after witnessing the untapped potential of rural students hindered a lack of access to technology. His initiatives have empowered 1000+ students to create socially impactful projects, from AI tools for farmers to waste segregation algorithms, transforming STEM education into a vehicle for meaningful change.
Victory Ashaka is a passionate climate leader dedicated to using art for environmental advocacy and social impact. Through his projects, such as "Plant A Tree for Life & Climate Education," he has empowered over 7,200 students in Lagos State with climate education. His creative approach integrates spoken word poetry, painting, and multimedia to engage youth in sustainability. As a Lagos State Youth Ambassador, Victory has led 17 impactful projects, reaching over 17,500 young people. His initiatives, including partnerships with local and global organisations, aim to foster environmental stewardship, build community capacity, and inspire the next generation of changemakers.
Vidhi’s dedication to financial literacy and empowerment has transformed the lives of over 5,000 rural women and established a network of 200 peer educators across four states in India. Through her organisation ‘DhanSarthi’, she has conducted 300 workshops, collaborated with banks to open 2,000 accounts for women, reached over 20,000 people in 10 states with her Guide to Financial Literacy, and is currently working on developing an audiobook and podcast. Vidhi’s hands-on approach, from assisting women with government schemes to organising vocational training, addresses systemic barriers, nurturing a self-sustaining network of women equipped to dismantle patriarchal norms and achieve economic equality.
Vivaan’s initiative, ‘CricMaths’, revolutionises maths education in India by combining his love for cricket and mathematics. Using live cricket scores, the platform teaches math concepts in an engaging, relatable way, addressing a critical gap revealed by ASER 2023: over 50% of Indian students struggle with basic division. Building on his earlier project, ‘Maths Made Easy’, Vivaan collaborated with PlanetRead and other NGOs to pilot ‘CricMaths’. His projects have benefitted more than 1000 students across six schools. His hands-on approach, from coding prototypes to consulting NCERT textbooks, ensures the platform’s impact. With funding secured for expansion, ‘CricMaths’ promises to make math accessible and enjoyable nationwide.
Vivaan founded ‘Ignite India’ to empower marginalised women and underprivileged children through financial literacy, microloans, and education. Collaborating with NGOs like Chaupal, Vivaan helped provide $50,000 in microloans to 330 women, enabling them to start small businesses like tailoring and tea stalls. Vivaan also distributed 10,000 booklets to families living in India’s slums, highlighting the government policies and resources available to them. Understanding the value of technology in social justice, he also worked on apps to reduce environmental waste and pollution through trash collection and carpooling, as well as creating websites for underrepresented NGOs that could not afford professional services.
Yash founded ‘Official Humans of Queer’ to address the lack of authentic queer narratives in India, aiming to create a safe, representative space for diverse LGBTQ+ stories. Inspired by personal struggles with visibility, Yash launched the platform to provide hope and true representation, showcasing experiences from across India. Initially modest in scope, with a need to build trust among a typically maligned community, ‘Humans of Queer’ has since received an overwhelming response. Reaching over a million people, and featuring thousands of individuals, it highlights underrepresented voices, offers resources, and builds community. Through workshops and mentorship, Yash empowers young queer writers and advocates for youth-led queer initiatives, fostering inclusivity and resilience.
Born prematurely with Cerebral Palsy, Zehn is a dedicated advocate for inclusion and diversity. Through workshops, mentoring, podcasts, and TEDx talks, she has impacted over 5,000 students and influenced policies in education and employment. Partnering with the Children First Mental Health Institute, she helped secure interventions for 10 underprivileged children with disabilities and raised awareness about special education in over 100 households. Zehn also raised $5,500 to support artists with disabilities and provided educational kits to 500 children in rural India. Her initiatives have reached over 500,000 people globally, spreading her message of empathy and transformative change.
During the catastrophic 2022 floods in Pakistan, which displaced over 33 million people, Zoha founded ‘SavePakistan’ to ensure transparency and accountability in aid distribution. Through blockchain and NFTs, she pioneered a transparent fundraising mechanism, ensuring real-time distribution of essential resources to thousands of survivors. Her initiative not only quadrupled impact through matching grants and provided immediate relief to over 30,000 people but also inspired systemic solutions for sustainable aid distribution. Recognised as Pakistan’s “Tech for Impact” Ambassador by GBBC, Zoha’s groundbreaking work and vibrant network of over 200 young leaders sets a new precedent for tech-driven philanthropy in humanitarian crises worldwide.
