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.
Please note: the ages and biographies featured in this Roll of Honour reflect the recipients' ages, activities and achievements at the time of nomination in October 2025. These may have since changed or developed.
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
Determined to challenge the shame and stigma surrounding menstruation, Aadvik Jain has led Team Period since 2024 with a mission to “Unshackle the Shame and Unleash the Power”. Through social media campaigns, podcasts, flashmobs, workshops and health camps, he creates opportunities for people to talk openly about menstrual health. Team Period also advocates for equitable access to menstrual products through pad-dispenser installations and distribution drives in underserved communities. His work has reached more than 5,000 people, from young girls living in slums to menopausal women in gated communities.
Aanya Singh is a youth social innovator from Bengaluru focused on restoring dignity and purpose to isolated elders. She founded Project Silver Linings, a youth-led initiative supporting dementia and Alzheimer’s patients at Nightingales Medical Trust through motor-skill therapy, craft-based income opportunities and job fairs. Her work tackles elder isolation and economic exclusion by turning therapeutic activities into livelihoods and sustained community engagement. Aanya also mentors younger students to carry the project forward, ensuring long-term impact and a growing movement for elder empowerment.
Aanya Vora founded Equip2Empower to help reduce inequality by giving underprivileged children access to sports, mentorship and education. Since 2023, she has mobilised more than 200 volunteers across 25 global chapters, donated over 1,000 kg of sports equipment and supported more than 7,000 children across the UAE, India and Africa. Aanya has also led fundraising events with Al Jalila Foundation and built partnerships with organisations including Being Child Care, Rescue Foundation and Harmony House. Through her work, she uses sport as a way to create confidence, connection and opportunity.
Recognising that many classrooms leave little space for civic education, discussion and critical thinking, Aariv Patel founded Voices of Impact to help government school students develop the confidence and skills to participate in their communities. Through interactive workshops and his children’s comic book, Who Decides?, Aariv introduces citizenship, leadership and civic participation through relatable Indian stories. His initiative has reached more than 3,000 students across 25 government schools and distributed over 600 books. By creating a model that continues through teachers, school libraries and student volunteers, Aariv is helping ensure that civic learning becomes part of everyday education, empowering young people to understand their voice and use it.
Recognising the environmental impact of waste cooking oil, Aarya Borele founded Dhanaj Biofuels to turn an urban waste problem into a source of clean energy. The youth-led initiative converts used cooking oil into biodiesel while developing community-run energy systems that now operate independently across three cities. During her time at UC Berkeley, Aarya turned dining hall waste oil into fuel, led the Biofuels Tech Club’s scale-up team and mentored more than 30 young engineers. Her work combines climate action with practical innovation, while her wider mission is to make clean and reliable energy accessible to even the smallest communities
After becoming the Taliban’s youngest prisoner, Abdul Khaliq Towhidi dedicated himself to defending human rights and girls’ education across Afghanistan. Through Creative Youth for Change, he launched the Education as a Right Project, providing free educational opportunities to girls denied their fundamental right to learn. He has also led initiatives promoting gender equality, human rights, and youth empowerment, directly supporting more than 1,180 students, volunteers, and young people across over 10 marginalized communities. Abdul continues to stands for equality and opportunity and has shown how determination can turn adversity into a force for change.
Abdullah Al Imran founded Kaktaruaa.org to support people affected by online harassment, blackmail and cyber scams. Since 2023, he and his team have provided direct victim support, free online-safety courses, awareness programmes and tools for checking phishing links and leaked data. Their work has helped thousands of people, reached more than 20,000 students offline and millions online, brought together 100+ volunteers and connected with over 20 organisations across Bangladesh. Abdullah has also delivered a seven-hour training session to 40 officers from the Criminal Investigation Department of Bangladesh Police. Through education and practical support, he is working to make online safety knowledge accessible to everyone, helping people navigate the digital world with greater confidence.
After being diagnosed with cataracts as a child, Abhinav Sobti became passionate about helping other children access the gift of sight. He founded The Gift of Sight, a youth-led initiative that collects, refurbishes and donates used eyeglasses to children in underserved communities while promoting sustainability through reuse. Through partnerships with hospitals and NGOs across India, Abhinav has helped distribute more than 15,000 eyeglasses and built a network of 80 student ambassadors across the UAE, India, Singapore and the United States. His work combines healthcare access with environmental responsibility, empowering young people to organise collection drives and take practical action to improve the lives of children in communities that need support.
Growing up in poverty in Bihar, Adarsh Kumar experienced how limited opportunities can shape a young person’s future. Determined to create better pathways for others, he founded Skillzo, a social enterprise providing students with mentorship, skills development and access to educational opportunities. Through targeted programmes and strategic partnerships, Skillzo has empowered more than 20,000 students across India. Adarsh’s own journey has also received international recognition, when he became the first Indian recipient of the $100,000 Chegg.org Global Student Prize, awarded by Chegg.org and the Varkey Foundation. His story demonstrates how personal hardship can become a source of purpose, inspiring others and turning experience into action that opens doors.
Growing up between Brazil and Portugal, Aditya developed a deep appreciation for local communities and saw how their needs can be overlooked in public decision-making. Based in Caldas da Rainha, Portugal, he established Leve to help close that gap through environmental and intergenerational projects. Its activities include beach clean-ups, composting programmes, surplus food redistribution and collaborative art workshops, bringing residents together to create local impact. At the same time, Leve generates evidence that helps make community challenges visible to policymakers.
Growing up in the small village of Taroni, Aditya Yadav understood how important safe and reliable water is to rural communities. Determined to address water contamination, he founded EcoForce and developed an AI-based approach for detecting contaminants such as arsenic and nitrate using minimal real-world data. His system combines physics-based data generation, Wasserstein GANs and fine-tuning to help reduce the cost of water-quality detection. The technology has been tested on wells serving his village, while Aditya continues researching plant-based water remediation and integrating IoT sensors for continuous monitoring.
What began as a small home-gardening project during lockdown has grown into a movement helping families tackle food insecurity and child malnutrition. Advika Kasliwal founded Planting Hopes to combine sustainable gardening with nutrition education, supporting more than 5,000 people and 800 low-income families across Rajasthan. The initiative distributes fresh produce while training women to grow nutrient-rich food using recycled materials and limited spaces. Advika has led more than 50 workshops, reached 25 government schools, distributed 1,000 grow bags and built a network of 75 youth volunteers across India.
After losing his mother and sister in a tragedy that shaped his mission, Sajidan dedicated his work to strengthening communities facing crisis. He founded Shirin Sajmila International Foundation, which now supports more than 800,000 people across 20+ countries through disaster response, rehabilitation, refugee care, women’s dignity, education and climate resilience. Sajidan also leads ApexStride Systems, whose Apex MedTech Lab advances climate-adaptive prosthetics, medical devices, digital health and resilient infrastructure. He co-founded Caribbean Studies Lab to strengthen Caribbean and diaspora research. His work brings together innovation, humanitarian service and resilience to improve lives worldwide.
Ali Ahmed Manj is dedicated to improving access to healthcare for underserved communities across Karachi and rural Sindh. Over five years with Humanity Initiative, he has helped lead student-led medical camps and collaborations with NGOs, providing longitudinal healthcare to communities with limited resources. His work has also supported relief campaigns following floods and other natural disasters. Under his leadership, Humanity Initiative has expanded across three university chapters, engaged more than 1,000 student volunteers and served over 10,000 patients. Through determination and community action, Ali is helping make healthcare more accessible and equitable, while inspiring other young people to use their skills in service of those who need them most.
After arriving in Hamburg, Ali Sajad was determined to help Afghan girls continue their education despite restrictions imposed by the Taliban. He founded New Hope, creating pathways for young women to access learning, mentorship, vocational training and apprenticeships in Germany. The initiative has already helped hundreds of girls pursue new opportunities, with more than 200 expressing interest in joining the programme. Ali’s work goes beyond education, giving young women the confidence and support to imagine a different future. By creating opportunities where access to learning has been severely restricted, he is helping turn education into a source of equality, independence and lasting hope.
Growing up selling newspapers, Aman Kumar saw first-hand how limited access to information could quietly restrict young people’s opportunities. Rather than accepting this inequality, he turned his experience into a movement built around one belief: No Youth Left Behind. Through the MY Bharat-affiliated Udaan Youth Club and Project Contest 360, Aman works to make information, participation and opportunity more accessible to young people. His work has grown into a movement reaching millions, encouraging people to participate, lead and create positive change in their communities. Aman believes that equal access to information can help people become visible to opportunity, institutions and society, transforming lived experience into meaningful action.
Anakh Sawhney founded Rice Kids with the goal of helping underprivileged children break the cycle of poverty through education. Since 2018, she has built the initiative into a global movement that has empowered more than 110,000 people across five US states and India. Supported by $150,000 in ongoing donations, the organisation has developed a network of more than 300 partners, 1,500 teachers and thousands of volunteers. Anakh’s commitment to education and youth leadership has earned international recognition, including the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes and recognition from the New Jersey Legislature. Through Rice Kids, she continues creating educational opportunities and empowering communities to build brighter futures.
Angelika Bachleda-Curuś is passionate about ensuring that girls from rural communities across Poland can access the education and opportunities they deserve. She founded ToMyDziewczyny! (It’s Us Girls!), a nonprofit creating opportunities through mentorship, leadership and career-readiness programmes. Angelika has built partnerships with educators, businesses and nonprofit organisations while combining research, advocacy and community engagement to address educational inequality. As an active student leader, researcher and youth advocate, she is committed to creating opportunities that can have a lasting impact on young people. Her work earned her recognition as the youngest Forbes Poland Top 50 Women 2025 honoree in the Social Change category.
Annoy Debnath is a social entrepreneur and Co-founder and Head of Operations of Science Bee, Bangladesh’s largest STEM education platform. He works to reduce educational inequality by making quality science education accessible to underserved Bengali-speaking students through digital resources, workshops and community initiatives. Under his leadership, Science Bee has reached more than 2 million learners globally, while its science workshops have benefited over 15,000 students in marginalised communities. Annoy also mentors young volunteers, helping them develop the confidence and skills to become future changemakers. Through his work, he is expanding access to STEM education and showing how creativity, technology and community leadership can open new opportunities for young people across Bangladesh.
Anvi Chaturvedi co-founded The RAY Foundation with her twin, Tanvi, to improve access to resources and support for neurodiverse and underserved young people. Recognising that stigma can prevent families from seeking support, Anvi works to raise awareness and encourage greater understanding of neurodiversity. Through RAY, she leads awareness campaigns, sensory-friendly events, community outreach and the distribution of educational and therapeutic resources. Her work has helped the organisation reach more than 7,065 young people, distribute over $22,500 in resources and engage more than 150,000 people online. Anvi has also helped expand RAY's international network of volunteers, chapters and young leaders.
Anwiketh Reddy has dedicated himself to bringing healthcare to people who might otherwise struggle to access it. As Secretary and Project Leader at the R.K. HIV AIDS Research and Care Centre, he coordinates large-scale free medical camps across underserved and rural communities in India. Working with healthcare professionals and volunteers, he has helped organise thousands of camps delivering screenings, medicines and mobility aids to millions of patients, including record-breaking events recognised by Guinness World Records. During COVID-19, he directed mobile-unit outreach across rural India.
Areeba Suleman wants to ensure geography never becomes a barrier to education and opportunity. As Founder and President of SheRise Pakistan, Dera Ghazi Khan’s first student-led youth organisation, she has built a growing network of young women advancing educational equity across South Punjab. Through mentorship, advocacy and community initiatives, Areeba has directly impacted more than 6,000 students, while creating engaging learning experiences that encourage primary school children to develop a lifelong love of learning. Her work also expands access to leadership opportunities for young women, empowering them to become active participants in shaping their communities and creating greater educational opportunity for others.
Arisa Thongtang is passionate about protecting the environment and inspiring young people to take action on climate change. As the founder of Below the Tides, she combines youth mobilisation, public education and advocacy to address the impacts of global warming and marine degradation. Arisa has represented Thailand as a youth speaker at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil, using the platform to raise awareness of regional climate challenges. Through her work, she connects environmental advocacy with creative solutions and encourages young people to see themselves as part of the response to the climate crisis.
After seeing Ukrainian students have their education disrupted by war, Artem Filyk founded Razom Impact to help young people continue learning and plan for their futures. Through free online courses, university preparation and volunteer-led tutoring, the initiative has supported more than 150 young people. Artem has also coordinated humanitarian projects, delivering care packages to displaced families and supporting school rebuilding efforts. His approach combines immediate practical support with a long-term commitment to education and opportunity. By creating spaces where young people can continue to learn despite extraordinary circumstances, Artem is helping communities rebuild with hope, resilience and purpose.
Concerned about the loss of urban tree cover, Aryan Mago has spent the past five years working to protect trees and promote environmental responsibility. He founded Club EcoSaviours, a youth-led non-profit with 50 volunteers that has freed more than 3,500 trees from concrete encasements that can restrict their roots and contribute to collapses. Using a geotagging app, the team has mapped more than 5,000 trees nationwide and helped drive policy mandates in Gurgaon and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Inspired by forest-dependent tribal communities and their relationship with nature, Aryan also created an award-winning documentary exploring these ideas.
Aryav Odhrani is a student innovator using technology to create greater inclusion and opportunity. As Co-Founder and Director of UAE InnovAIte, developed in partnership with the UAE Government’s Artificial Intelligence Office, he helped establish a national AI education programme and the UAE’s largest youth-led hackathon. Through training, mentorship and instruction, InnovAIte has enabled more than 750 students from over 50 schools to create more than 150 social-impact projects in areas including education, mental wellbeing and sustainability. Aryav has also developed AI-powered systems designed to improve healthcare access for more than 25,000 patients and used drone technology to help farmers expand agricultural output in India. His work connects innovation with practical community impact.
Asha Moni Akter is a Bangladeshi youth leader and Founder and Executive Director of Young Hearts United, advancing sustainable food systems, climate resilience and community-led action. Drawing on her studies in Agricultural Science, she develops practical initiatives focused on urban agriculture, circular resource use, climate action and environmental sustainability. Her work has reached thousands of people, engaging young people and underserved communities in shaping inclusive, lasting solutions. Through research, innovation and grassroots leadership, Asha believes communities should not simply benefit from change, but help design and lead it.
After seeing his sister struggle to access blood donations during her treatment for leukaemia, Avighna Daruka decided to act. From Oslo, Norway, he founded Hamara Prayas to tackle blood shortages affecting Thalassemia and Leukaemia patients in Bihar. The initiative has organised 24 blood donation camps, collected nearly 7,000 blood units and supported more than 300 patients, with donors contributing from 10 countries. Avighna has also developed an app that helps people locate blood banks and send real-time blood requests. Alongside this work, he supports education in rural Uttarakhand. Avighna has transformed a deeply personal experience into a movement built around compassion, access and hope.
Azzah Abrar is passionate about turning compassion into meaningful action for communities in need. She began a Warm Clothes Donation Drive that grew from a single classroom to more than 800 students, providing essential winter clothing to orphaned children in Kashmir. Her commitment to creating lasting change also extends internationally, with her contribution through the African Well Fund providing clean drinking water to 20 people in Bangladesh for the next 10–15 years. As Vice Head Girl, Azzah encourages other students to become involved through awareness campaigns and outreach. Through service, leadership and empathy, she is showing her peers that young people can make a practical difference both in their own communities and around the world.
Benjamin is a youth advocate, leader and social entrepreneur working to expand equitable access to legal education across Africa. As Executive Director of the Lawrit Journal of Law Francophonie, he has grown a student-led movement across 13 countries, leading more than 20 programmes that have empowered over 570 young people through debates, research, workshops and the Law and Perspectives series. He also founded The Growth Sphere, connecting young people with mentorship and global opportunities. Benjamin’s work tackles educational inequality by strengthening legal knowledge, critical thinking and leadership skills.
Berra Eylül Toprak combines engineering, biotechnology and youth leadership to tackle environmental challenges. As the founder and lead engineer of EcoCurrent, she invented “The Kalkan”, a 3D-printed rescue device designed to safely free marine life from entanglement, which was tested at the National Sea Turtle Rescue Centre. Her youth-led platform has mobilised more than 60 volunteers for coastal clean-ups and educated 75,000 people digitally. Berra has also developed a sustainable fashion line inspired by seagrass fibres and launched the Generation Sun Initiative to install solar panels in regional schools. As a UNICEF Youth Leadership Council Representative, she continues to empower young people to become leaders in sustainability.
Determined to tackle educational inequality, Bhakti Mundra founded the Book Donation Drive in 2022 to help children in underserved African communities access books and learning opportunities. She has led the collection and distribution of more than 55,000 books to children in rural Kenya and Senegal, carefully sorting them by age and genre to make sure they reach the right readers. Bhakti has also managed more than 150 student volunteers across the UAE, building a community of young people committed to service. Alongside her educational work, she has supported environmental sustainability by donating 1,100 kilograms of paper to local recycling organisations and founded Researchory to expand access to student research publishing.
Bhavna founded Project Parwaaz to create new pathways for resilience among refugees, women and communities living in fragile circumstances. Beginning in India before expanding to Afghanistan, Palestine and Syria, the initiative uses entrepreneurship, freedom of expression, journalism and art as interconnected tools for empowerment. Rather than relying solely on traditional humanitarian aid, Bhavna explores how cultural production and enterprise can help communities build autonomy and economic resilience. Her work challenges conventional approaches to development by placing creativity, dignity and self-determination at the centre. Bhavna demonstrates how communities can use their own voices, skills and culture to create opportunities even in extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
Motivated by youth exclusion, school dropout and digital illiteracy, Blaise co-founded Football Initiative for Bridging African Communities to support underserved young people in Cameroon. Having faced educational obstacles during childhood because of the Anglophone crises, he saw how technology could open doors others were denied. Combining his passion for football with digital learning, Blaise uses sport to re-engage displaced, low-income and out-of-school youth. Through FIBAC, more than 480 young people have been reached, 300 trained in ICT and basic data skills, and over 100 discarded laptops repaired for learning. Blaise shows how football opens pathways to education, confidence and opportunity.
Blessing Alims Ojisor founded Bagori Care Foundation in 2023 to advance access to education, sexual and reproductive health information and protection from gender-based violence. Her work has reached more than 10,000 people across Nigeria. In 2024, Blessing also became the first female President of the Student Union Government in the 49-year history of the University of Calabar, representing more than 45,000 students. Among her achievements, she secured a solar-powered borehole now serving more than 30,000 hostel students. Through advocacy, entrepreneurship and leadership, Blessing continues to create practical opportunities for young people to shape change in their communities.
Aaron founded The QiHang Initiative to promote educational equity across China, using his own academic opportunities to help others reach their potential. He established the JianQiao Bookhouse, a free public library in his hometown where hundreds of residents can access historical and literary books. His scholarship project, developed with schools in rural Guizhou, has helped prevent students from dropping out after completing China’s publicly funded compulsory nine-year education programme. Having earned Olympiad medals and received offers from Oxbridge and Ivy League universities, Aaron is using his academic achievements to open doors for others.
Passionate about protecting the ocean and responding to the climate crisis, Brigitta Gunawan founded Diverseas and 30x30 Indonesia to help more people become active environmental stewards. As a conservation biologist and scientific scuba diver, she combines science, community engagement and immersive learning to make conservation more accessible. Her programmes have supported more than 22,000 people through leadership training, coral reef restoration, policy advocacy and virtual reality experiences. Brigitta works closely with local diving communities, helping connect environmental knowledge with practical action. Her contribution has received international recognition, including Forbes 30 Under 30, National Geographic Young Explorer, the Millennium Oceans Prize and the Ocean Awards Young Initiative Winner.
Bruce Matos discovered the power of youth-led service through his work with Joshua’s Heart Foundation. Over five years and 1,000 service hours, he has helped champion young people working to support underserved communities. Starting as a volunteer, Bruce became Co-Founder of the Connecticut Junior Advisory Board and Head of Partners & Sponsors, securing more than $43,000 in corporate funding for a movement that has distributed over 10 million pounds of food. He also led a year-long initiative bringing together sponsors, volunteers and young leaders to deliver food and essential supplies to more than 1,300 people. Bruce’s work demonstrates how young people can turn service into meaningful, sustained community action.
Bryanna Mariñas is dedicated to creating a future where every child can grow up free from violence. She founded the Global Youth-Led Movement on Ending Violence Against Children, the first coalition of its kind to address all forms of childhood violence. Her work brings together programmes, research, advocacy and storytelling, creating opportunities for young people and institutions to work alongside one another. She led an ASEAN consultation involving 1,100 young people that informed regional policy, produced a film challenging corporal punishment and its lifelong impact, and convened the “Violence Ends With Us” Asia-Pacific Summit. The summit united 150 children, young people and survivors from 23 countries to develop solutions to child protection challenges.
Inspired by a friend who missed a scholarship because they did not have access to the right information, Caleb Okegbemi founded ICANSTUDENT to make opportunities more accessible to students across Africa. The free platform connects young people with scholarships, grants, fellowships, internships and other global opportunities. Since its launch in 2023, ICANSTUDENT has reached more than 45,000 students across 18 or more African countries and over 290 universities, supported by a network of more than 80 campus ambassadors. Members have secured over 8,500 opportunities.
After seeing the importance of quality education and effective guidance, Caleb P. Owolabi founded CHAMP Tutorials to help Nigerian students access better learning opportunities and improve their chances of university admission. Over the past five years, the education initiative has trained thousands of students and supported more than 2,500 university admissions across 23 Nigerian institutions. Under Caleb’s leadership, students have also achieved national top scores in major entrance examinations. Through innovative teaching, mentorship and technology-driven learning, he is helping students overcome barriers to higher education and giving thousands of young people the knowledge, confidence and support they need to pursue their ambitions.
At just 14, Chris Quian founded ReTech for Kids after recognising the growing digital divide affecting students who lacked access to technology. Through the nonprofit, he collects, refurbishes and distributes second-hand devices to under-resourced students across the United States. Over three years, Chris has led more than 100 youth volunteers and helped distribute 2,000 refurbished devices to students who need them most. By partnering with businesses and organising technology collection drives, he is also helping divert unwanted electronics away from landfill. Chris’s work combines environmental responsibility with educational opportunity, demonstrating how technology that might otherwise be discarded can become a valuable tool for a young person’s learning and future.
Inspired by her own experience of overcoming barriers through education and mentorship, Christine Semekal founded Oral Health Mashinani in 2024 to help improve children's oral health in underserved communities. As an oral health practitioner, she focuses on prevention, education, hygiene promotion and community outreach, particularly among school-going children. Her organisation has now empowered more than 12,000 children and community members with the knowledge and resources to take greater control of their wellbeing. Working within the West Pokot community, Christine is committed to developing lasting, innovative and community-led solutions, showing how education and practical support can help children build healthier futures.
Christos Charalambous is a social entrepreneur and science communicator dedicated to expanding access to quality education through astronomy, space and innovation. He has delivered free educational activities, workshops and public-engagement programmes for schools, youth groups and underserved communities, making complex scientific ideas accessible and inspiring. Alongside his educational work, Christos develops socially driven technology initiatives addressing climate action, sustainable agriculture and environmental resilience.
Cindy is the Founder of IgniteHER, the first initiative dedicated to rhetorical feminism. A United Nations recognized organization, IgniteHER has established over 100 chapters across 66 countries, reached 3 million, and provided leadership training and education to over 3,000 girls worldwide. Her work has been featured on Fox News and Spectrum News, and she was recognized by the US Senate as one of two state delegates to the Senate Youth program. She also served as the UN Global Ambassador for Gender Equality, representing the United States and the UN Foundation in global diplomatic discussions.
Inspired by patients he encountered during his medical training, Daniel Adejumo founded The Adejumo Sickle Cell Alliance to raise awareness of sickle cell disease and support those living with the condition. Through the organisation, Daniel has reached more than 6,000 people, provided free genotype screenings, trained hundreds of young volunteers and worked to reduce stigma in schools and communities. His advocacy aims to help young people make informed health decisions while increasing understanding of sickle cell disease. Through awareness, testing and support, Daniel is helping communities have better access to information and working towards a future where fewer children are born with preventable sickle cell disease.
Since founding Green Kites International Association in 2023, Daniel has dedicated his time to improving water access, health, STEM, and hygiene education for underserved children in Vietnam. Through rainwater-harvesting and filtration projects, he has supported eight schools and benefited 1,730 students and staff, while building strong partnerships with local communities. He has also taught water-survival skills, supported networks of more than 2,000 blood donors and 80 breast-milk donors, and helped create a computer lab, library, and playground.
Determined to tackle period poverty and help girls access menstrual health resources with dignity, Deborah Oludimu founded A Pad for Her, a youth-led nonprofit focused on education, advocacy and sustainable access to menstrual products. Drawing on her background in law, communications and social impact, Deborah has helped establish pad banks in public schools across Nigeria, supporting thousands of girls to manage their periods and stay in education. Through strategic communications and community engagement, she continues to advocate for menstrual equity and gender equality. Her work combines practical support with awareness and advocacy, creating community-led solutions that help women and girls access the resources and opportunities they deserve.
After watching his grandmother struggle with technology because of her impairments, Dhanvin Kumar Ganeshkumar became determined to make digital tools more accessible. He founded Swype AI, an assistive technology platform designed to help people with motor disabilities use computers through gestures and voice. The platform has reached more than 250,000 people across 30 countries, with Dhanvin collaborating with over 15 accessibility organisations. He has also advocated for digital accessibility at forums including the United Nations and US Capitol. Through the OneWeb Movement, which he founded to bring communities together around lived experiences of digital barriers, Dhanvin continues working to make technology more inclusive and accessible.
Diana Virgovicova is a Slovak-born social entrepreneur based in Canada and founder and CEO of Xatoms, a climate technology company developing new materials for water purification using artificial intelligence and quantum chemistry. Her work tackles global water pollution and unequal access to safe water by creating scalable, sunlight-powered treatment solutions for communities and industries. Under Diana’s leadership, Xatoms has advanced projects across multiple countries and sectors, bringing innovative approaches to one of the world’s most urgent challenges. She also advocates for greater participation of young people and women in science, technology and entrepreneurship.
After the Taliban banned university education for women in Afghanistan, Divya and her friends Toni and Scarlett founded University Students for Afghanistan Education and Development in 2024. Through USAED, their team has taught more than 1,000 students in Kabul, offering courses from Chemistry to Literature and helping students access education. The organisation has received recognition from the United Nations, and expanded its initiatives internationally. Through creativity and collaboration, Divya is helping students believe in their potential.
Inspired by growing up in a Nigerian community affected by plastic pollution, Ekene Udebuana founded Kids in LET to help children become part of the solution to environmental challenges. A doctor, social entrepreneur and robotics developer, Irene uses climate technology to teach children aged 6–17 about the circular economy, solar technology, green robotics, artificial intelligence and environmental leadership. Her programmes have empowered more than 2,000 children across Nigeria and Namibia, including children with visual and hearing disabilities through inclusive programmes. Irene is now developing a gamified digital application to expand access to climate-tech education, helping more young people gain the skills to create sustainable solutions.
Dr Karanjot Chhatwal co-founded MedNex to expand equitable access to medical education, mentorship and research worldwide. As a first-generation medical student at Imperial College London, he recognised the barriers many aspiring healthcare professionals face and created MedNex to ensure success is not determined by privilege. Today, the initiative supports more than 7,000 pre-medical students, medical students and early-career doctors across 75+ countries through free mentorship, research training and educational resources. Karanjot’s vision extends beyond providing opportunities: MedNex empowers members to become mentors and leaders themselves, creating a sustainable global community.
Passionate about creating more inclusive workplaces, Earlene Rundengan founded Disabilitas Berdaya Indonesia (Disabisa) to help people with disabilities access meaningful career opportunities. Drawing on her experience as a human resources professional and her background in Social, Health and Organisational Psychology, Earlene works with companies, nonprofit organisations and government institutions to build more equitable pathways into employment. Through Disabisa, she has connected more than 2,000 people with disabilities to career opportunities, mentoring, psychological assessments and employment resources. Alongside her corporate career, Earlene continues to advocate for inclusion and equal opportunity, driven by her belief that everyone should have the chance to reach their full potential.
While studying medicine at Babcock University, Emmanuel Owolabi became passionate about making preventive healthcare more accessible and founded EOhealth in 2023. Through health education, research, community campaigns, screenings and medical outreaches, EOhealth has reached more than 10,000 people. Emmanuel has also trained over 400 medical students from more than 30 Nigerian medical schools in emergency response and health literacy, while mobilising more than 40 volunteers across 10 universities. Alongside EOhealth, he founded MentorMatrix Network and Publish to Greatness, creating further opportunities for aspiring health leaders, researchers and changemakers.
Enkhuun Byambadorj is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Breathe Mongolia, a nonprofit working to improve air quality and tackle climate change through policy reform, advocacy and community engagement. As a youth climate negotiator, Enkhuun advocates for a fair transition to a more sustainable future, ensuring that the needs of younger generations are represented in international discussions. She also serves on the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Clean Air, contributing to efforts to address air pollution. Through her work, Enkhuun helps communities access the knowledge and resources needed to advocate for healthier environments and lasting systemic change.
Growing up in East Africa as a Korean, Eunchan Hwang witnessed the barriers many patients face when trying to access affordable orthopaedic care. Determined to find a solution, he founded 3D CURE in Addis Ababa, creating personalised 3D-printed prosthetics, braces and casts for underserved communities. Using 3D scanning and printing, his devices cost around 60 percent less than conventional methods and are designed to be biodegradable. So far, 3D CURE has provided cost-free devices to more than 120 families, including amputees and war survivors, and now partners with five hospitals.
Inspired by her family’s experience of energy poverty, Eunice Adewale set out to find solutions that could make clean cooking more accessible to underserved communities. She founded Smokeless Briqs Energy Solutions, a social enterprise that transforms agricultural waste into smokeless briquettes and efficient clean cookstoves. Through her work, Eunice is helping communities reduce their reliance on firewood and tackle indoor air pollution and climate change, while also creating green jobs and supporting more sustainable livelihoods. Her approach combines environmental innovation with practical community needs, showing how locally driven solutions can address major challenges while helping families and communities build healthier, more resilient and sustainable futures.
Combining technology, climate action and gender advocacy, Eunice ‘Climiradi’ Adewusi founded the Climiradi Roberts Foundation to create opportunities for young people across Africa. A machine learning engineer and AI researcher, she has empowered more than 70,000 young people across 20 or more countries through initiatives including Nexo Girls and Girls Hack for Impact, which advance STEAM education and digital literacy, and Project Ayika, which trains young African women to develop climate-tech solutions. Her #16DaysLoudItQuotes campaign also reached 74,283 people in support of action against gender-based violence.
Determined to help young people find greater purpose and direction, Faith Omeje founded Teengress Development Foundation, a youth-led nonprofit supporting teenagers and young adults through mentorship, school outreach and leadership programmes. Her work addresses the lack of guidance that can prevent young people from reaching their potential. Through Project Purpose 300, Faith impacted more than 15,800 secondary school students across Nigeria in just three months, while Teengress has reached more than 20,000 young people through its wider programmes.
Finn Järvi has combined entrepreneurship, research and technology to explore how emerging artificial intelligence can be governed responsibly. As founder of the Perrin Institution, a Washington, D.C. think tank, he has helped engage hundreds of congressional offices on legislation covering AI, robotics, energy, industry and safe intelligence. He has also built a network of more than 1,600 stakeholders and developed a following of more than 48,000 people on TikTok. Finn is now developing an AI-native insurance claims platform, alongside technology designed to send collision evidence directly into the claims process. His ambition reflects a determination to turn emerging technology into practical solutions with public benefit.
Inspired by his own experience with uncorrected myopia, Dr Gabriel Kwaku Agbeshie has dedicated his career to improving children’s eye health in Ghana. He founded iScreen4Kids, a community-based initiative combining eye screening, research and advocacy to expand access to paediatric eye care. Through the programme, Gabriel has already impacted more than 170 schoolchildren, while also supporting optometry students in clinical practice, research and leadership. His work generates evidence that can help inform wider eye-health policy, ensuring that children have a better chance of seeing clearly, learning fully and thriving.
Gastón Díaz has competed in math olympiads, represented Argentina through the Science Foundation, and developed a blockchain transparency solution through MIT Solve. Named a Global Student Prize finalist and one of the world's top 10 students, he was also recognised as a "Brilliant Mind" by Argentina's National Senate after graduating valedictorian with a 10/10 GPA. Through volunteering with vulnerable children, Gastón has shown that achievement matters most when used to help others in need.
For more than five years, Gautam Gupta has dedicated himself to volunteering and empowering communities through compassionate leadership. His journey began at 18 with Project Dhruvtara, a Leo Club initiative focused on making quality education more accessible. As President of Leo District 321-A2, he went on to lead more than 10 clubs and 200 Leos, spearheading over 100 community initiatives that reached thousands of people. His work has addressed a wide range of issues, including mental health, organ donation awareness, food distribution, menstrual hygiene, animal welfare and support for people with disabilities.
Inspired by his connection to Cuc Phuong Forest, Gia Bao Le founded Tram Zung Tam, Vietnam’s first fully eco-friendly tourism initiative, to combine conservation with community development. Through the initiative, he has generated more than USD 20,000 for forest preservation and created sustainable employment opportunities for local residents. Gia Bao also recognised the importance of helping young people understand their role in protecting the environment. Through student programmes, club activities and field experiences, he has engaged more than 12 university communities across Vietnam in conservation learning. His work connects environmental education with practical conservation, inspiring young people to see nature not simply as something to admire, but as something they can actively help protect.
Connecting public health and environmental action, Godwin Lasisi leads the Interfaith Alliance for SDG Action Plan as Programme Manager at CASS Educational Foundation. A public health professional and climate policy analyst, Godwin is pioneering the Youth for One Health Initiative, bringing young people together to address public health, climate change and biodiversity loss through action and policy. His work has reached more than 20,000 young people through health education and climate literacy. With recognition from the European Union, United Nations Youth Office and UNODC Headquarters, Godwin continues to champion meaningful youth participation in sustainable development and help young people become active contributors to healthier, more resilient communities.
Grace Magny-Fokam combines climate research, artificial intelligence and youth education to address agricultural and environmental challenges. She founded Folia Technologies, a youth-led nonprofit that developed FoliaNet, an edge-deployable AI system designed to detect crop disease in low-resource settings. The technology was adopted by a USDA research lab and used to protect more than 10,000 corn crops. Through Folia, Grace also helped reach 20,000 young people around the world, expanding access to research and technology education. Her work earned her recognition as the youngest-ever United Nations Land Hero for climate action and food security. Grace continues to show how emerging technology can help communities respond to environmental challenges.
Grace Sun founded Melodies for Remedies to use music and the performing arts to bring joy, healing and connection to people facing illness and isolation. The student-run nonprofit supports seniors, people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and individuals with chronic illnesses through music-based programmes and performances. Since its founding in 2020, the organisation has grown to more than 540 members across five countries and raised over $5,000 for Alzheimer’s disease research. By combining creativity with compassion, she is helping demonstrate how the arts can create connection and support wellbeing.
Driven by a commitment to gender equality, youth empowerment and education, Happiness Emordi spearheaded the Benin City School Tour, a youth-led initiative helping secondary school students understand gender-based violence, safeguarding and safe reporting pathways. Alongside this work, Happiness designs and manages programmes that create opportunities for women and young people through leadership, literacy, entrepreneurship and digital inclusion. Her programmes have empowered more than 12,000 people, helping them develop skills and confidence to shape their futures. Happiness is working to create sustainable opportunities and inspire young people and communities to lead lasting social change.
Henry Hughes DLY is a Deaflympian (DLY) and dedicated advocate for greater recognition and support for the Deaflympics in the UK. While the Olympics and Paralympics receive UK Government funding, the Deaflympics remain excluded, motivating Henry to take his campaign directly to Parliament. He has given evidence to the Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee as part of the State of Play Inquiry at the UK House of Commons, using his experience to highlight the importance of equal recognition. Beyond advocacy, Henry serves as a Co-Chair, Trustee and Youth Board Member, dedicating his work to social causes involving young people. Through determination and leadership, he is challenging barriers and creating a stronger voice for Deaf athletes.
Passionate about making artificial intelligence easier to understand and use, Heon Hi Teng, also known as Sherlyn Heon, is working to close the AI literacy gap. A PhD researcher in intelligent systems and AI educator, she created ai.sherlyn to translate complex AI concepts and tools into clear, practical knowledge through short-form videos. Her content has reached more than 30 million views and attracted over 300,000 followers across social media. Alongside this, Sherlyn delivers hands-on workshops for companies and community groups, helping people use AI with greater confidence and responsibility. Through education and digital inclusion, she is encouraging more people to use AI to create positive impact.
After seeing the unequal impact of Hurricane Sandy on marginalised communities as a child, Hikaru Wakeel Hayakawa began organising for social justice at just 14. He later became the first full-time Executive Director of Climate Cardinals, a youth-led organisation working to make climate information accessible across language barriers. The organisation now mobilises 19,000 volunteers across 145 countries, translating climate information into more than 100 languages and leading grassroots education initiatives. Hikaru has advised organisations including the U.N., Kennedy Human Rights and Veolia, while speaking at institutions including Harvard and Google. His work is helping communities around the world access the knowledge they need to take action on climate change.
Ian Waite founded Bigger Than Sports after recognising that young athletes need support preparing for life beyond the game. The nonprofit places young professionals inside Title I high school athletic departments as mentors, helping student-athletes develop plans for college, trades or careers. Since founding the organisation in 2024, Ian has built a mentorship model serving 10 sports teams across three schools in two states, secured more than 100 community partnerships and hosted events reaching over 2,000 people. His work encourages young people to see their potential beyond the playing field and gives them practical guidance as they prepare for their futures. In 2025, Ian received the Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award at the ESPYs.
Passionate about making preventive healthcare more accessible, Ifeoluwa Oyewole founded The Cardio Health to promote cardiovascular wellbeing through education, advocacy, community outreach and preventive care. As a medical doctor in training and public health advocate, she has helped the initiative reach more than 30,000 people and grow to 33 chapters across Nigeria. Alongside leading The Cardio Health, Ifeoluwa mentors young changemakers and works to make reliable health information more accessible to communities. Through education and prevention, she is helping people take greater responsibility for their wellbeing while inspiring a growing network of young people to contribute to healthier communities.
After learning about the environmental impact of Indonesia’s leather industry, Rayden Yap began looking for a way to make fashion more sustainable. He founded Symbia, an impact startup that grows sustainable leather from recycled kombucha and bacterial cultures. Determined to share the solution with communities, Rayden travelled to rural provinces across Indonesia to deliver free training programmes, teaching craftspeople how to grow their own Kombucha Bioleather. Symbia has now trained more than 5,000 craftspeople across over 10 provinces and offset more than 8,000 kilograms of carbon emissions. Now studying in the US, Rayden continues to develop Symbia, working towards a more sustainable future for fashion.
After seeing how limited access to eye care can affect underserved communities, Ilina Mukherjee founded The Lens Project in 2021 with local volunteers, ophthalmologists and hospitals. The initiative focuses on marginalised communities in rural West Bengal, particularly people affected by leprosy. Over five years, it has screened more than 4,500 people and enabled over 1,000 free cataract and complex retinal surgeries, helping restore sight, dignity and livelihoods. Ilina has also worked to make the project sustainable beyond her own involvement, while exploring low-cost machine-learning solutions that could extend eye care to remote and vulnerable populations.
Isabel Candir is a newly qualified doctor and widening access advocate dedicated to tackling structural inequality in medicine. She founded the Leeds Access to Medicine Society to support working-class and underrepresented students pursuing clinical and scientific careers. With only around 4% of UK doctors coming from working-class backgrounds, Isabel focuses on breaking down barriers through mentoring, practical guidance and outreach programmes. Her work has helped students build confidence, develop skills and access opportunities that may otherwise have remained out of reach.
Believing that children’s play can become a powerful tool for environmental change, Ishaan Surve created Praakruti, an initiative offering eco-friendly DIY toy kits made with ethically sourced materials from Indian tribal communities. In a plastic-intensive toy sector, Ishaan wanted to reconnect children with nature while creating sustainable livelihoods for communities. Praakruti has generated $21,500 in sales, with 50% of profits reinvested into tribal and rural welfare. His work has empowered 56 tribal families through sustainable livelihoods and launched a Rural Street Play Collective that has sparked environmental conversations across 35 villages. Through workshops over three years, Ishaan has also reached more than 40,000 people, encouraging sustainable lifestyles.
Since founding Generation of Thinkers (GOT) in 2019, Israr Ahmad Arghandiwal has dedicated his time to creating opportunities for young people to learn, lead, and make a difference. Israr has built a movement creating learning opportunities, connecting youth with scholarships, developing digital and leadership skills, and encouraging solutions to social and environmental challenges. Through GOT, he has focused on empowering young people and women to become changemakers and community leaders.
James Barber is the co-founder and CEO of Harker, a Liverpool-based technology startup using data and innovation to improve homelessness services. Harker helps charities and local authorities understand people’s needs, coordinate support and measure outcomes more effectively, reducing fragmented systems and helping frontline teams provide better care. James has led the development of Harker’s AI-enabled case-management platform while building partnerships across the homelessness and social-impact sectors. His work is focused on ensuring organisations supporting people experiencing homelessness have the tools and insight to deliver more connected, effective and person-centred services. Through technology and collaboration, James is helping create systems that put people’s needs at the heart of homelessness support.
Jordan Chen co-founded Restoring Rainbows after noticing how many usable school supplies were being discarded while students in his community faced educational inequalities. What began as a high-school initiative has grown into a global youth-led organisation with more than 4,000 volunteers across 52 countries and over 200 youth-led branches. Together, they have donated more than 200,000 school supplies, diverted thousands of pounds of reusable materials from landfill and supported more than 18,000 students worldwide. Jordan’s work connects sustainability with education, giving young people practical opportunities to reduce waste while helping other students access the resources they need.
Passionate about making environmental action more accessible, Joshua Wang founded Sprout and developed Votebins to help underserved schools create more engaging waste-disposal spaces. His innovative idea uses “this or that” signage on rubbish bins, encouraging students to think differently about how they dispose of waste. Through his work, Joshua has helped more than 2,000 students across 10 or more low-decile schools and communities gain access to improved rubbish-bin infrastructure. He is also a PLANE leader, where he has fundraised thousands and supported more than 10,000 trees through the 1 Million Trees initiative, while helping provide educational supplies to students in Kampala.
Combining legal expertise with grassroots advocacy, Juan Pierre has dedicated his work to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and strengthening protections for communities. Recognised as the youngest UN Expert in the world, he has contributed to international discussions through the Win-Win Award and King Hamad Award for SDGs. A prolific legal scholar, Juan has authored four UN General Assembly publications, 32 OHCHR-ratified publications and 18 UNFCCC-ratified publications addressing human rights and environmental law. His work has also contributed to practical change in Mauritius, including national free internet access, free menstrual products and an athletic scholarships fund, helping turn global principles into tangible opportunities for communities.
After losing a friend to mental health struggles, Khademul Kibria Turjo founded HearMeOut to help young people in Bangladesh access emotional support and speak openly about mental health. He built a network of volunteers and counsellors who provide peer support, organise awareness campaigns and encourage conversations that challenge stigma. Through HearMeOut, Khademul and his team have directly supported more than 500 young people and reached over 31,000 people through community programmes and digital awareness efforts. His work is driven by a simple belief: no teenager should feel alone when facing emotional difficulties. By empowering young people to support one another, Khademul is helping create a more understanding and compassionate culture around mental health everywhere with compassion.
Growing up in Borneo, Kiranamulyа Arthanti became passionate about protecting the island’s rainforests while creating sustainable opportunities for local communities. While still in high school, she began Rattan for Life, encouraging villagers to plant rattan seedlings in areas affected by deforestation. Rattan can grow in degraded areas and provide a sustainable source of income without requiring the forest to be damaged during harvesting. Since its launch, the project has planted 11,500 seedlings across eight hectares of land and motivated more than 100 villagers to continue harvesting rattan sustainably. Now studying Conservation Biology, Kirana continues to champion an approach that connects environmental protection with long-term community livelihoods.
Concerned about the impact of indoor air pollution on children, Krish Aggarwal co-founded Project Vayu to make clean air more accessible in schools with limited resources. The initiative developed a low-cost retrofit filter that transforms existing fans into affordable air purifiers, creating a practical alternative for communities that may not have access to expensive air-cleaning systems. Project Vayu has distributed air filters across underprivileged schools in Delhi, benefiting more than 10,000 students. Alongside developing the technology, Krish advocates for evidence-based environmental solutions and youth-led climate action. Through his work, he is helping create healthier learning environments while showing how young people can turn environmental challenges into practical solutions.
Krish Bindal is presented in the source material as a youth climate innovator and co-founder of Project Vayu, working to tackle indoor air pollution in schools. The initiative developed a low-cost retrofit filter that transforms existing fans into affordable air purifiers, helping make cleaner air more accessible to students in resource-constrained communities. Project Vayu has distributed filters across underprivileged schools in Delhi, benefiting more than 10,000 students. Alongside the project, Krish advocates for evidence-based environmental solutions and youth-led climate action. His work demonstrates how accessible technology can respond to environmental challenges while creating healthier learning environments for children and communities.
After spending five years leading book drives, Krish Nachnani founded the African Literacy Club to encourage other young people to become involved in expanding access to reading. By mentoring more than 30 students, he has helped raise $12,500 and collect 15,000 books, contributing to the creation of 15 school libraries serving more than 20,000 students. Krish’s approach goes beyond simply collecting books: he gives other young people the tools and confidence to organise their own literacy initiatives. Through this work, he is helping communities in sub-Saharan Africa gain greater access to reading resources while creating a new generation of young leaders committed to educational opportunity.
When the pandemic exposed the growing digital divide in education, Kushal Khemani decided to turn concern into action. He created a teacher-support movement offering practical training, personalised guidance and freely accessible digital resources to educators navigating new challenges. What began by supporting individual teachers grew into a wider movement that has empowered more than 1,000 educators, helping strengthen learning for over 30,000 students. Kushal has extended his work across technology, sustainability, authorship and youth advocacy, consistently focusing on how knowledge can be shared and multiplied.
At just 11 years old, Kushal Sachdeva began feeding a starving street dog during lockdown. That small act of kindness grew into Protect Paws, a registered organisation dedicated to protecting India’s community dogs. Since 2020, the initiative has cared for more than 1,500 dogs through vaccinations, medical treatment, feeding programmes and QR-coded reflective collars that improve visibility and help reunite lost animals with their communities. Kushal also advocates for humane alternatives to mass removal of stray dogs, promoting sterilisation and coexistence. His work has earned national media recognition, including coverage by CNN. Kushal shows how compassion for one animal can grow into meaningful change for thousands.
Inspired by her grandparents’ experiences with cancer, Kyraah Shah wanted to make the hospital journey a little brighter for children and their families. She founded Shooting Stars, a youth-led initiative bringing joy, dignity and emotional support to children with cancer. Through the Genie Programme, trained volunteers fulfil wishes and provide companionship to children in hospitals. Kyraah has raised more than US$6,000, fulfilled over 50 wishes, built a network of 25 student volunteers and reached more than 1,500 patients. She also created Care for Caregivers and introduced empathy training within her school, helping build a sustainable model where young people can support others and grow into compassionate leaders.
Lamia’s journey in mental health advocacy began after the suicide of a close friend, motivating her to help build the support young people should never have to go without. As General Secretary of Let’s Talk Mental Health, she spearheaded BrainWaves, a youth-led programme training teachers across 50 rural schools in 26 districts to recognise early signs of emotional distress and create safe spaces for students to seek help. The programme has reached 39,500 schoolchildren, alongside 8,000 children with disabilities through Happy Minds. Lamia’s work is helping communities recognise mental health needs earlier and respond with compassion.
Lizzie Shacklett founded Literacy Is Lit to help close literacy gaps by making books more accessible to children in underserved communities. Since 2021, she has led drives and initiatives that have distributed more than 80,000 books across the Mid-Atlantic, working with schools, early education centres, food pantries and other nonprofits. Lizzie also created Literacy Leaders, a mentorship programme that gives young people the opportunity to launch their own literacy initiatives, and published the children’s book I Read Before Bed in English and Mandarin. Through her work, she is helping children develop the literacy skills and confidence they need to succeed while inspiring other young people to become leaders in their communities.
Mahamud Yeamin is a youth leader and Founder and Chairman of Shishu Ullash Organisation International Global Youth Platform, working to advance quality education, climate justice and youth entrepreneurship for underserved communities. His initiatives engage 85,000+ students worldwide and have supported the education of 5,200+ Afghan women. Together with his team, he is working to strengthen education systems in disadvantaged communities, with their efforts reaching 110 countries to date. Mahamud believes education is a foundation for equality, peace and sustainable development.
Marcelina Maciąg founded the Kintsugi Foundation to create youth-led solutions to mental health challenges, loneliness and social exclusion. One of her key initiatives is the Blue Box of Youth Mental Health, a school-based programme giving young people a safe and accessible way to seek psychological support. The initiative now reaches approximately 120,000 students across Poland. Marcelina also created the Youth Kindness Revolution, mobilising young people to build more empathetic and inclusive communities and turn kindness into practical social action. Through her work, she combines grassroots youth leadership with wider social change, creating spaces where young people can be heard and play an active role in shaping solutions to the challenges they face.
Mariam Rehman is committed to making access to justice more achievable for women facing harassment, discrimination and legal barriers. While studying Law and Finance at the University of Sydney, she founded The Pro-Justice Project, a pro bono initiative supported by a network of more than 250 volunteer lawyers. Together, they have supported over 1,000 cases across Pakistan. Mariam has also provided free debate coaching to more than 200 girls, helping them develop confidence, critical thinking and public-speaking skills. Through legal advocacy, community engagement and youth leadership, she is creating opportunities for people to understand and exercise their rights while empowering young people to become advocates for lasting social change.
At 14, Maryam Bellakbira founded Hormolize to improve hormone health literacy, reduce research inequalities and increase representation of women and complex health conditions in clinical research and medicines. A scientist, published researcher and serial entrepreneur, Maryam has developed accessible hormone-monitoring technology now used by Fortune 500 companies. Through Hormolize, her team has translated health information into more than 75 languages and distributed 14,000 menstrual products across 11 countries. Combining biotechnology, engineering, entrepreneurship and advocacy, Maryam is working to make. preventive care, medicines, devices and therapies more accessible. Her work demonstrates how scientific innovation can be combined with community action to address gaps in healthcare
Michael Lister is a youth advocate and social worker who has transformed how young people can influence mental health services. He founded and chaired the Youth Board at Mental Health Innovations, a national charity providing digital mental health support through services including Shout and The Mix. Over five years, Michael developed the board into an influential part of the organisation’s governance, giving young people a meaningful role in shaping strategy, safeguarding, service design and major decisions. Drawing on his lived experience of care, he campaigns for young people to hold genuine power in decisions affecting their lives. Michael’s work demonstrates the value of listening to young people and turning their experiences into lasting change.
Mihail Dzhurkov leads with the belief that meaningful impact begins with the courage to act. As founder of GreenFilters, he leads a team transforming discarded cigarette butts into activated carbon for water and air filtration. After seeing cigarette pollution as a problem in his community, Mihail chose to combine scientific research with practical action rather than wait for someone else to solve it. His initiative has received national and international recognition, including from Forbes and Junior Achievement, highlighting its innovative approach and growing impact. Mihail believes one person, or a small determined team, can spark meaningful change. Through GreenFilters, he is showing how scientific creativity and initiative can turn an everyday environmental problem into an opportunity for cleaner communities today.
Amid Afghanistan’s challenges, Shahab Sharifi has dedicated over seven years to creating opportunities for young people through education, innovation, and humanitarian action. As Founder of TEDxKabulUniversity and TEDxAsmayee, he has amplified Afghan voices through initiatives reaching over 500,000 people. His humanitarian work has mobilised more than 100 volunteers to support displaced families and vulnerable communities. As one of Kabul University’s youngest Assistant Professors, he mentors aspiring engineers and contributes to international research on climate and energy. Through Nexura Energy, Shahab champions renewable energy, youth empowerment, and sustainable development, creating opportunities for positive change in Afghanistan.
After seeing how poverty and exclusion can prevent children from accessing education, Sohail Zulfiqar founded The Footpath School, transforming streets into spaces where children can learn, grow and build brighter futures. Through community learning centres in Delhi, the initiative provides literacy, numeracy, life skills and pathways into formal education for children living and working on footpaths. Since its founding, The Footpath School has supported more than 4,000 students, helping many take their next steps into formal education. Sohail’s work is driven by a simple belief: a child’s future should be shaped by their potential, not by the pavement they call home.
Recognising that technological progress must be matched by trust and social responsibility, Moiduddin Ahmed works at the intersection of artificial intelligence, civic innovation and public-interest technology. As Founder and CEO of Cognitive Hub for Open Technology & AI, he advances AI safety, responsible AI and digital literacy through multilingual, child-centred learning and accessible technology. As Managing Director of CodeOHolics, he has engaged over 50,000 young people through mentorship, hackathons and technology education. A Harvard Aspire Leader and McKinsey Forward Fellow, Moiduddin’s contributions have been recognised by leading institutions, including IIM Calcutta, IIM Rohtak, IIM Kashipur and BITS Pilani.
After witnessing the mental health challenges faced by young people following the pandemic, Molina Singh founded Delhi Reads, drawing on her own lived experience to create accessible spaces for connection, culture and conversation. What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into a community of 14,000 members, with more than 60 free sessions and a wider network of over 62,000 people, reaching more than nine million people. Delhi Reads creates offline third spaces for youth, particularly low-income and LGBTQIA+ communities, while platforming marginalised South Asian authors and encouraging peer-led action.
Determined to make healthcare more accessible to people affected by cost and inadequate infrastructure, Mrityunjay Gupta combines engineering and technology with a focus on public need. His project, PredictX, is a screening tool that analyses routine medical data to identify the risk of five diseases, including breast cancer. Following clinical validation, the tool has been implemented in five hospitals and used to screen more than 3,000 patients. Mrityunjay also co-developed AmbuGo, an AI-powered traffic coordination system designed to optimise ambulance routes and reduce emergency travel times. This technology has been piloted and used across major intersections in Indian states.
With a mission to improve brain health and create opportunities for young researchers, Mubarak Jolayemi Mustapha founded Unilorin, the first Nigerian chapter of the mission Foundation. Through the chapter, he leads initiatives focused on brain health, research and innovation, including the CranioGuard Mission for head-injury prevention, research fellowships, webinars and a flagship conference that brought together thousands of people globally, including more than 2,000 in-person participants. His efforts have also helped inspire the creation of additional chapters, expanding opportunities for research, networking, innovation and collaboration. Mubarak is committed to encouraging young Africans to contribute to better brain-health awareness, particularly around traumatic brain injury prevention and care.
After seeing how floods could destroy homes, livelihoods and access to essential services, Muhammad Ibrahim became determined to use technology to help vulnerable communities. He collaborated with the Government of Punjab on GIS-based damage assessments and field surveys across high-risk areas, combining digital mapping with on-the-ground verification to support fairer compensation planning for nearly 300,000 families. Muhammad also mobilised communities through the Murree Rainwater Harvesting Project, which provided free rooftop systems to around 4,000 families. By combining technology with community action, he is helping people recover from disasters while addressing water scarcity and reducing the daily burden of collecting water on women and girls.
Through his work with the Commonwealth Youth Forum Task Force, Nahjae Nunes has helped ensure young people’s voices are heard where decisions become public policy. As Co-Chair, he led 18 young people from 18 countries across five regions, bringing together more than 300 delegates in Apia. He also led the drafting of the 13th Declaration by the Young People of the Commonwealth, which was presented to all Heads of Government. Nahjae is now working to turn those commitments into participation standards, policy tools and public-sector reforms. His work demonstrates how young leadership can challenge inequality and help shape services around the needs of young people.
Natasha Agarwal is passionate about ensuring that children have access to the books and educational opportunities they need to thrive. As the Founder and CEO of BelieveNBooks, she has helped distribute more than 250,000 books to 50,000 young people around the world. Natasha has developed a replicable book-drive model, established student-led collection sites and created a digital read-aloud initiative to make literacy resources more accessible. She has also authored a book designed to inspire girls in Africa. By working with schools and community organisations, Natasha continues to expand access to reading and learning.
Natawan Pongdechatrakool is committed to creating opportunities for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Through Friends Of The Homeless Khon Kaen and the OKAS for ALL initiative, he works to connect vulnerable people with employment opportunities and support them in rebuilding their lives with dignity. Natawan co-designs solutions with participants and develops digital employment platforms that help create more inclusive pathways into work. He also supports successful participants in becoming team leaders, strengthening community-led impact and giving people the opportunity to help others facing similar challenges.
Nathan Alexandro Tjhe founded Peduli Initiative to support Indonesian migrant workers and vulnerable communities through education, outreach and essential aid. Working with the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore, NGOs and volunteers, Peduli has engaged more than 600 supporters and reached over 57,000 people through educational campaigns, while providing direct assistance to hundreds of beneficiaries across three chapters in Singapore and Indonesia. Nathan is committed to building solutions that are led by young people and designed to create lasting impact. By raising awareness of migrant worker issues and connecting communities with practical support, he is helping create stronger networks of care while building a framework that will allow Peduli’s work to continue growing.
Nia is the co-founder of Sisters, an organisation using media and live convenings to connect girls with women leaders across sectors. Previously, as co-founder of Révolutionnaire, she spearheaded global initiatives including national summits that equipped girls with the skills and confidence to lead across industries. She also helped mobilise more than 35,000 pounds of essential supplies for communities affected by disasters and food insecurity. Nia is a proud Misty Copeland Foundation Co-Chair and VOW for Girls Ambassador. Recognised as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and featured in Vogue, WWD and ELLE, she continues to create opportunities for girls to learn, connect and lead.
After meeting a tribal girl who had been isolated during her period in Chhattisgarh, Niharika Dwivedi saw the stigma and exclusion surrounding menstruation first-hand. Determined to challenge it, she founded Maasik Haq, a student-led initiative promoting menstrual equity through health education, sanitary product distribution and open forums. With support from the IB Global Youth Action Fund, the initiative has partnered with UNICEF India, Smile Foundation and tribal women’s self-help groups, raising more than US$2,000, reaching over 5,000 women and distributing 70,000 sanitary napkins. Through her award-winning documentary Maahtari, Niharika also amplifies tribal women’s voices, advocating dignity, agency and lasting change.
Determined to improve water security in rural Maharashtra, Nirvaan has worked alongside engineers, local leaders and villagers to deliver practical watershed solutions. Through the Rural Watershed Project, he has coordinated check dams, gabion structures and desilting initiatives designed to improve groundwater recharge. Together, these interventions have restored more than 11 crore litres of water capacity, benefiting 6,266 people across 1,382 households. His work has improved water accessibility while demonstrating the power of community-led implementation and technical expertise working together.
Noah Duckett co-founded Meals Matter to help tackle food insecurity through food drives, community outreach and volunteer action. Since the organisation was founded in 2024, he has helped scale it to 20 chapters across the United States and Korea, supported by around 200 student leaders and 3,500 volunteers. Meals Matter has raised more than $70,000 and collected over 180,000 pounds of food, providing an estimated 125,000 meals to families facing hunger. Noah oversees strategy, operations and finance while helping the organisation grow its digital reach, which has generated more than seven million impressions. His work demonstrates how young people can build a large-scale response to a challenge affecting families in their communities.
Noor Abdul Ghani wants to close the gender gap in science and technology. As a Machine Learning Engineer and Master's student in Artificial Intelligence, she founded WinSci Pakistan to encourage more girls and women to see themselves represented in STEM. Through STEM sessions, school outreach and scholarship guidance, Noor helps students build both their knowledge and confidence, particularly those with limited access to science education. Under her leadership, WinSci has delivered programmes in underprivileged schools across Pakistan and received the Science Outreach Award from Springer Nature and Estée Lauder Companies. Noor is helping create a future where more young women have the opportunity to participate and succeed in STEM.
At 16, Ntyam Princia Minko founded the GiHoN Foundation to support underserved communities across Cameroon, beginning a journey focused on equity, dignity and humanitarian action. At present, she is a social entrepreneur and Global Young Influencer at Plan International. Through GiHoN, she has supported more than 35 orphans with food and clothing, provided textbooks and writing materials to over 60 displaced students, and distributed more than 1,000 diapers alongside sanitary pads, feeding bottles and baby wipes to over 50 mothers and newborns. Princia continues to show how compassion and youth leadership can create positive change for disadvantaged communities across Cameroon.
With a background in law but a strong calling towards sustainable development, Olagoke Babalola founded Twelve Eleven Initiative to help economically disadvantaged young people access the skills, opportunities and resources they need to succeed. Using community engagement and technology, the initiative focuses on making education more accessible and has helped more than 5,000 young people across Nigeria. Alongside leading the organisation, Olagoke delivers community workshops on youth leadership and social innovation, encouraging young people to turn ideas into action.
Believing that education can open doors to new opportunities, Olayinka Richard founded Beyond Books Africa to support young people in underserved communities across Nigeria. Since 2023, the youth-led initiative has provided free tutoring, mentorship and leadership development to more than 7,000 young people through school outreach programmes. Olayinka’s approach goes beyond simply providing support: beneficiaries are encouraged to become mentors and volunteers themselves, helping opportunities reach even more young people. Through this peer-led model, he is building a sustainable movement where young people can develop the knowledge, confidence and leadership skills they need to thrive academically and become positive influences within their communities.
Determined to advance the rights and wellbeing of adolescent girls, Oluwagbotemi Bello founded The Gurl Pod to tackle some of the barriers that prevent girls from thriving. Through awareness campaigns, mentorship, skills development and community engagement, she addresses period poverty, gender-based violence and barriers to girls’ education. Oluwagbotemi has mobilised resources to provide menstrual products, support girls’ education and create safe spaces where young people can learn, connect and grow. Through her podcast, workshops and advocacy, she also amplifies female voices and promotes sexual and reproductive health, leadership and gender equality, helping girls build confidence and greater opportunities for their futures.
For more than seven years, Omaru Kanneh Jr. has dedicated his time to empowering young people in Liberia through leadership, education, technology, entrepreneurship and community service. As a volunteer with Leading Youths to Foster Transformation in Africa (LYFT Africa) and a member of the Orange Digital Center Liberia, Omaru has helped expand access to digital and educational opportunities for thousands of children. He has led initiatives teaching computer literacy, coding and game development, helping young people develop practical skills for the future. Through his commitment to innovation, humanitarian service, peacebuilding and sustainable development, Omaru is helping equip the next generation to create positive change.
Driven by a commitment to creating opportunities for young people and communities, Otieno Dennis founded ODI Agency Hub, combining his experience as a software engineer and social impact leader with his work as a Data Protection Officer. Through community-led initiatives, he has advanced education, menstrual health, digital inclusion and gender equality across Kenya. ODI Agency Hub has reached more than 20,000 people by supporting sanitary-pad production and distribution through women-led SACCOs, delivering digital skills training, improving WASH access and creating education and leadership opportunities for young people.
Phoonseeraah “Ada” Tieanworn is a student, social entrepreneur and founder of Global Hospitality Aid, an initiative working with hotels to reduce waste while creating opportunities for displaced and vulnerable communities. Ada leads strategy, partnerships, budgeting and supply-chain planning, developing practical models that allow hotel amenities that might otherwise be discarded to be reused or repurposed. She is also exploring ways to connect sustainable hospitality with meaningful employment opportunities. By bringing businesses and communities together, Ada is demonstrating how everyday resources can be used more thoughtfully while creating social value.
Passionate about making sexual and reproductive health information easier for young people to understand, Praise Abatang combines visual storytelling with community engagement through the SRHR Education Program. As a youth advocate and social impact leader, she creates practical, youth-friendly resources that transform complex health information into accessible and engaging content. Her work has reached more than 2,500 girls in underserved communities, helping them gain knowledge and challenge harmful social norms. By using storytelling to make important information more approachable, Praise is encouraging young people to become advocates within their own communities and showing how creative communication can help empower girls to understand and stand up for their rights.
After experiencing the loss of her own dog in a road accident, Prerna Singhal turned her determination to protect vulnerable people and animals into action. She founded Viksit Youth, a student-led movement of more than 10,000 volunteers across 50 countries. The organisation has mentored over 40,000 students, supported 75 animal shelters and worked to improve educational outcomes. Through ASHA, her AI-powered eldercare platform, Prerna now supports more than 5,000 elders across 30 care homes while reducing caretaker workload. She also engineered and received a patent for a road-safety device designed to protect people and animals. Her journey brings together education, technology, eldercare and animal welfare through youth-led action.
Believing that sport can create confidence, connection and opportunity, Preston Gondokusum co-founded Hoopz4Change alongside his two brothers to support children across Indonesia. The youth-led charitable initiative organises shoe donation drives and free basketball coaching clinics for young people in underserved and rural communities, helping make participation in sport more accessible. Since its founding, Hoopz4Change has donated more than 2,000 pairs of shoes and worked with schools and communities across Jakarta and beyond.
Recognising that digital access is not always translated into meaningful participation, Prithvi Dua founded Civic Lane in 2023 to encourage active citizenship among young people in rural schools. Working with KCS Foundation India, he has focused on civic awareness, environmental responsibility and access to information about government schemes. Through cleanliness, plantation and traffic-safety campaigns, Prithvi has trained more than 20 peer leaders and reached over 3,500 students across 22 schools. He also co-authored India Begins With Me, creating a curriculum that can be shared more widely. By turning digital access into opportunities for participation and service,
Wanting to help young people experience India’s cultural heritage in a more engaging way, Priyang Dalmia founded Hidden Gems. His initiative uses gamified workshops and an offline tablet-based app to make heritage education interactive, achieving a 94% activity completion rate. His sessions can support groups of up to 200 students, creating opportunities for young people to connect with monuments and their history. Through the Salaam Baalak Trust, Priyang has also trained young historians from marginalised communities as paid site ambassadors, with three securing full-time roles. By combining education, technology and employment opportunities, Priyang is developing a model in which India’s heritage is not simply preserved, but actively experienced and shared by a new generation.
After recognising the economic and health challenges faced by Kashmiri Pashmina artisans, particularly widowed and elderly women, Rabaani Mehra founded Project KARHAI to help restore their economic dignity. She created a model that treats income and health as connected challenges, linking artisans directly with buyers while reducing dependence on middlemen who can suppress wages. Alongside economic opportunities, KARHAI runs health camps offering posture, vision and nutrition support within the weaving villages. Rabaani has also introduced financial literacy workshops and a youth ambassador programme designed to help artisans eventually manage the initiative themselves.
Rachel Esther Sanyu is passionate about creating more equitable pathways into healthcare education and careers in Uganda. An oncology and public health researcher, social entrepreneur and aspiring physician, she founded ProMMED to provide academic guidance, career exposure and mentoring to students from underserved communities who are interested in healthcare. The youth-led initiative has reached nearly 500 students, built a network of peer mentors and expanded partnerships with schools across Uganda. Alongside her community work, Rachel is committed to advancing health equity through research and education. By helping young people see and pursue opportunities in healthcare, she is supporting the next generation of researchers, professionals and community leaders.
Rawan AlGahtani founded Saudi Art Auction Abroad to give underrepresented Saudi and Arab artists, particularly women, greater opportunities to connect with audiences around the world. As founder and curator, she has organised more than 20 international art events, bringing together hundreds of students, artists and community members across the United States and beyond. Through exhibitions, student-led chapters and international auctions, Rawan uses art as a way to encourage cultural exchange, challenge stereotypes and create meaningful dialogue between Saudi Arabia and the global community.
Having experienced retinoblastoma himself, Raymond Kusumadinata understands the challenges young eye-cancer survivors can face after losing an eye. He founded Pelita Mata, meaning ‘Light of the Eye’, to help children from low-income communities who have experienced similar journeys. Working alongside specialist ophthalmologists, the initiative has raised US$12,000 to produce 40 prosthetic eyes for 37 young survivors, helping restore confidence and a more natural appearance.
Razel Suansing began teaching citizen journalism and human rights at just 14, determined to give young people a voice in a challenging environment. At Yale, she staged Buhay Bakwit, documenting the experiences of people displaced from Marawi, and she is now principal drafter of the Internally Displaced Persons Bill of Rights. As the House of Representatives' youngest Chief Political Affairs Officer, she is also helping build the country's first permanent journalism academy in the conflict-affected district she serves. Alongside this work, Razel leads Klima, which has reached 45,000 learners, inspiring young people to engage with climate action.
Determined to create greater opportunities for women and young people, Reem Daher founded Brightful, a youth-led organisation advancing gender equality, youth leadership and community resilience in Lebanon. She also established Brightful Lab, an inclusive space in Akkar where women and young people can access non-formal education, internet, laptops and resources to learn, grow and lead. Through her programmes, Reem has supported thousands of people through leadership development, entrepreneurship, advocacy, safe spaces and creative storytelling. Her work tackles gender-based violence, health inequalities and social exclusion while helping grassroots communities connect with regional and international decision-making spaces, giving people greater opportunities to have their voices heard.
Inspired by her students at JAAGO Foundation School in Korail, Bangladesh’s largest slum, Reesha founded Share Your Closet to create opportunities for people whose potential is limited by circumstance. She has since built a youth-led movement spanning 50 educational institutions across four continents, empowering more than 200 young leaders to design and lead humanitarian initiatives. Through a global network of volunteers, donors and partner organisations, Reesha has organised 150 humanitarian projects reaching over 5,000 people with essential resources, healthcare, disaster relief, menstrual health initiatives and women’s vocational training. Her work helps vulnerable communities build healthier, more resilient and economically independent futures.
Reya Yassir Khawaja believes that small acts of kindness can create lasting change. A student at Nord Anglia International School Dubai, she founded SAFE - Sanitation and Female Empowerment - in collaboration with the KCS Foundation to challenge the stigma surrounding menstrual health. Through the initiative, Reya has distributed menstrual hygiene packs and organised educational awareness sessions that encourage open conversations about periods and women’s health. Her work focuses on ensuring that girls in underserved communities have access to essential resources as well as the knowledge and confidence to discuss their health openly.
Rishika Selvakumar works to ensure young people have a meaningful voice in mental health research, healthcare and decision-making. Through leadership roles with Anxiety Canada, the Canadian Mental Health Association and youth-led health initiatives, Rishika has supported mental health advocacy, education and knowledge mobilisation across Canada. Her work focuses on amplifying youth perspectives, strengthening equitable health systems and improving access to evidence-informed mental health resources. Through research, advocacy and collaboration, Rishika is helping create a future where young people are heard, supported and empowered to shape the systems affecting their wellbeing.
Robyn Mijares founded GROW SCHOOL Philippines to ensure young people have access to agricultural and environmental education while helping address food insecurity. Through classrooms and farmlands, the nonprofit has reached more than 98,000 public school students, teaching them about sustainable farming, food security and innovative food systems. Robyn has also shared thousands of youth stories through two TEDx Talks and became the first Filipino recipient of the UNDRR Rising Star Award. At her bamboo farm school in Nasugbu, Batangas, she continues creating spaces where children can learn by playing and doing.
Since the age of 15, Roy has dedicated himself to expanding educational opportunity and social mobility for young people in Peru. He founded Vestir Impacto and leads Wayra Rising Scholars, organisations that have collectively impacted thousands of young people nationwide. Roy recently directed Peru’s first annual scholarships and mentorship summit, bringing together more than 60 young people, 20 academic mentors, 10 allied organisations and two corporate sponsors for its inaugural edition. Through these initiatives, he connects students from underserved communities with resources, guidance and opportunities that can shape their futures.
Inspired by his younger brother with autism, Ryan Qi founded Bright Beats to provide free, inclusive music opportunities for children with developmental and learning differences. Combining neuroscience, music and compassionate leadership, he has created programmes that have reached more than 12,000 families across 25 countries. Through music, Ryan helps children build connection, confidence and joy while creating opportunities for young people to discover their own strengths. His work is rooted in the belief that every child should be valued and given the opportunity to grow. By making music more inclusive, Ryan is helping families and communities recognise the positive role creativity can play in supporting children with different ways of learning and experiencing the world.
At eight years old, Rylee Brooke Kamahele was turned away from volunteering because organisations would not supervise a child. Rather than accepting that young people could not lead, she spent the next decade creating opportunities for them to do exactly that. Rylee founded and leads The Catalyst’s Club, a youth-run nonprofit umbrella of eight organisations and 37 programmes serving more than 5,000 children and families. Its work ranges from providing Christmas support for children in shelters to contributing to a climate lawsuit that committed Hawaii to decarbonising its transportation system. She has trained more than 100 young people to lead, creating a model where youth themselves shape and deliver the work.
Saachi Khatwani is a Singaporean author and youth advocate passionate about challenging narrow definitions of success. She wrote The Girl of the Grey to explore the pressure young people face to conform and to encourage readers to see themselves as more than a single measure of achievement. Saachi donated 100% of the book’s proceeds to Limitless, supporting mental health services for more than 1,000 children and young people in Singapore each year. She has also partnered with EveryChild.SG to support child-centred education policy. Read across Asia, Europe and North America, her book became a #1 Straits Times bestseller, reaching readers with a message of individuality and self-worth.
Saanvi Mylavarapu founded Project Nature Worthy to help children reconnect with the natural world through outdoor education, conservation and environmental stewardship. Since 2021, she has led more than 50 programmes, developed hands-on environmental curricula and reached over 1,000 young people through workshops, community events and partnerships with parks and national organisations. Saanvi’s work responds to declining engagement with the outdoors by giving children opportunities to learn through direct experiences with nature. By making environmental education practical and engaging, she is helping young people understand their role as stewards of the planet while inspiring the next generation to care for and protect the natural world.
Determined to challenge the stigma and inequality surrounding menstruation, Saanvi Tripathy founded FundTheFlow, a youth-led initiative promoting menstrual health, education and dignity. Through awareness workshops, donation drives, digital resources and a trilingual educational comic book, Saanvi creates spaces where young people can learn, ask questions and challenge long-standing taboos. Her work has reached more than 5,000 students and supported over 100 girls with menstrual supplies for more than 14 months. By working with schools, hospitals and community organisations, Saanvi is helping make menstrual health conversations more open and inclusive.
Concerned that a lack of opportunity can prevent children from reaching their potential, Sagarika Deka founded Maan Ki Umeed to help underserved communities access education. Through Project Education, the youth-led non-profit identifies children who are out of school, supports their enrolment and provides continued academic guidance and mentorship. The organisation also delivers STEM learning and rights-awareness sessions, creating opportunities for children to develop both knowledge and confidence. Sagarika’s work is focused on addressing educational inequality while ensuring that young people receive the support they need to continue learning.
Passionate about making robotics education accessible to more young people, Sai Pranav Gandhi founded LegoGoa, a student-led initiative expanding STEM opportunities across Goa. He has founded and trained three school-based FTC robotics teams, including teams supporting deaf, mute and neurodiverse learners and students from lower-income communities. Through workshops, mentoring and open resources, his work has reached more than 2,000 students. Sai also co-founded empowerED, a transcontinental peer-learning collaboration celebrating student-led innovation, while his advocacy helped secure Chief Minister sponsorship and bring national-level robotics competitions to Goa. His book, Play to Purpose, has also been endorsed by MIT, reflecting his commitment to making innovation accessible to all.
Saira Budhrani founded ChromaCells to make STEM education more accessible, engaging and enjoyable for students from all backgrounds. She created a biology colouring book that turns science learning into an interactive experience and expanded the project through a STEM website, free educational resources, school donations and presentations. Her work has reached more than 1,000 students, while book sales have raised $1,000 for hospitals in Cambodia to support patient care. By combining creativity with education and community service, Saira is helping students who may have limited access to STEM opportunities develop confidence and curiosity.
Inspired by his family’s agricultural roots, Saksham Kumar recognised an opportunity to help rural farming communities access technology that could improve their livelihoods. He founded Tech on the Field, a non-profit promoting agricultural technology literacy and practical tools for farmers. Working with the Indian Farm Sciences Center, Saksham has delivered 250 workshops across 300 villages, reaching more than 25,000 farmers and introducing technologies including UAVs and modern irrigation systems. His work has helped 20,000 farmers enrol in technology-driven government welfare programmes and connected 15,000 to produce markets, increasing their income. He also founded SkyBridges in the Philippines, delivering 1,000 kilograms of flood relief aid.
Concerned by the need for greater understanding of youth mental health, Salim Oyinlola founded the SoundAsABell Initiative to raise awareness and reduce stigma in Nigeria. Through the youth-led organisation, he has built a volunteer network spanning three continents and developed an incubator model that enables young people to create and lead their own mental health initiatives. Salim has also partnered with the Lagos State Education District and Health Intel Trust to deliver mental health education in rural secondary schools. By giving young people the knowledge, confidence and tools to take action, Salim is helping communities develop sustainable, locally led solutions that support better mental wellbeing.
Drawing on her own experience as a survivor, Salvation Grace Aworanti founded Voices Against Rape and Sexual Harassment Foundation in 2019 to support women, children and young people affected by abuse and discrimination. Through VARSH, she has led more than 67 projects reaching over 120,000 people, with a particular focus on rural communities. Her work combines education, survivor support and legal aid to tackle child abuse, sexual and gender-based violence and gender discrimination. By creating spaces for people to access information and support, Salvation is helping communities speak openly about these issues and empowering young people to become part of the movement for greater safety and equality
Driven by a belief that environmental action can be strengthened through education, collaboration and community leadership, Samintang co-founded Semesta Pulse Network, an ecosystem-focused platform advancing environmental education in Indonesia and beyond. She also leads Tarbiyah for Climate and SEMAI, two interconnected movements supporting faith-based environmental leadership. Samintang has represented young people at international platforms including the AFS Youth Assembly Climate Entrepreneurship Academy, KAICIID’s Dialogue for Climate Action and the 62nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council. She now supports multilingual climate education through large-scale translation initiatives and assists Indonesian ministries with carbon-pricing policies. Her work has earned recognition as an FAO Young Forest Champion and Youth4Climate Awardee.
Growing up in Pakistan, Sara Ali saw how gaps in health awareness and access could leave children vulnerable to preventable diseases. Determined to help change this, she founded the Pakistan Polio Project, a youth-led initiative working to strengthen vaccine confidence, combat misinformation, support frontline health workers and protect zero-dose children. Through community outreach, Sara has inspired more than 100 volunteers to educate families, promote immunisation awareness and support progress towards a polio-free Pakistan. Her work brings young people into the heart of public health advocacy, showing how youth leadership and community education can help build greater understanding and protect children from preventable illness.
Sarah El Gabery is an Egyptian social entrepreneur and youth advocate dedicated to expanding opportunities for underserved Arab girls. A student at Wellesley College studying Political Science and Women & Gender Studies, she is also one of the inaugural ten Global Youth Advisory Board members at UNESCO MGIEP. Sarah founded Yalla Success, an award-winning nonprofit that has directly empowered more than 5,000 girls and reached over 25,000 young people across 12 MENA countries through entrepreneurship, leadership and SDG-focused programmes, including She Builds MENA. Recognised by leading international organisations, Sarah continues to champion social mobility and create pathways for girls to develop confidence, skills and leadership opportunities.
Believing that every child deserves the opportunity to dream big, Sarah Ng Xue Qi founded Hope2Kids, a youth-led organisation supporting underprivileged children in Malaysia. Through self-discovery workshops, career-immersion experiences and soft skills training, Hope2Kids has empowered more than 800 children to build confidence, develop self-worth and prepare for future education, careers and life. Sarah also launched Letters of Hope, bringing together volunteers from more than 11 countries to send messages of encouragement to children. Her dedication to creating opportunities for young people has been recognised through the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust 100 Young Leaders Award 2026 and The Next 30 Under 35 Changemakers Award 2025.
Sarah Williams turned her lived experiences into a force for change with a commitment to help others. She founded What Were You Wearing? Australia, a national charity working to prevent sexual violence and support victim-survivors. In 2023, she successfully led the introduction of mandatory drink spiking, sexual assault, and sexual harassment training for all bar staff nationally. She also leads trauma-informed education, healing groups, and awareness campaigns, partnering with schools, universities, and workplaces while reaching millions through digital advocacy. Sarah continues to challenge harmful attitudes and drive systemic change.
Driven by a belief that philosophy, science and learning should be accessible to everyone, Sarthak Dhole founded Philosium to bring critical thinking to young people around the world. The initiative has reached more than 10,000 students across over 60 countries through journals, roundtables and symposia, including communities where philosophy has never been taught. Sarthak also runs hackathons, workshops and mentorship programmes to help young people develop research skills. After volunteering at a Rajasthan tiger reserve, he founded Kathā-Van to document local folklore and connect it with conservation.
Sean Nesamoney founded Voices for Hope to give young people a platform to talk about mental health through music and artistic storytelling. Since its launch in 2021, the student-led nonprofit has produced seven benefit concerts across the United States and internationally, raising more than $40,000 to support youth mental health initiatives. Through these events, Sean brings together creativity, community and fundraising to encourage greater awareness of mental health challenges. Alongside his work with Voices for Hope, he is developing a career focused on making healthcare more accessible through innovation at the intersection of technology, design and medicine. His work shows how creativity can become a powerful tool for connection and positive change.
After wildfires devastated Portugal’s forests, Sebastião Mendonça saw that some of the worst-hit land was too steep and dangerous for conventional planting crews to reach. He co-created Trovador, an autonomous tree-planting robot designed to restore fire-scarred slopes where traditional methods cannot safely operate. The project has attracted support from WWF and others, while Sebastião is now leading a pilot with Mafra National Park, with more than half a million trees committed by partners from 2027. Alongside his technological work, he runs STEM and restoration programmes for students internationally and contributes to global environmental policy through the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Youth Task Force.
At just 13, Seoha Han coined the term “paper racism” to challenge society’s preference for white, tree-based paper and launched the #StopPaperRacism movement in 2022. Her campaign led her school to become the world’s first to adopt tree-free sugarcane paper, and the movement has since reached hundreds of institutions across South Korea and internationally. Through procurement transitions, keynotes, forums and partnerships, Seoha continues to encourage organisations to rethink everyday choices about paper. She has also pioneered research into the cognitive biases behind preferences for white paper. Her work has been recognised as an Earth Prize Scholar Project and the International Youth Environmental Competition Asia-Pacific Winner.
Shannon founded The Shan Academy to support families from Hong Kong settling in the UK and help them navigate a new education system, language and culture. After recognising the barriers migrant communities can face, she created an education, mentoring and wellbeing initiative drawing on her own experiences at school. Through talks, workshops and courses, Shannon raises awareness of neurodiversity and mental health while helping families build confidence and understand new opportunities. Her work spans the UK, Hong Kong and China, where she has collaborated with schools and reached more than 500 students. Shannon is creating more inclusive environments where migrant young people and their families can feel understood, supported and empowered to thrive.
Wanting to challenge elderly loneliness while creating meaningful connections between generations, Sharanya Menon founded Lineage Lore, a youth-led initiative combining storytelling, art, research and compassionate care. She mobilises young volunteers to support care homes, preserve oral histories through the Lineage Lore Archive and advocate for dignified ageing. Through the Healthcare Heroes Programme, Sharanya also creates pathways into geriatric care for underserved young people. Working with schools, hospitals, NGOs and community organisations, she has developed models designed to strengthen social inclusion while preserving cultural heritage. Her work brings generations together and gives young people an active role in supporting older communities, showing how compassion can create lasting connections.
After losing his great-grandfather in a construction-site fall, Shiv Mandlik decided to make construction work safer for others. He developed the Modular Arm Pole, a bendable aluminium-FRP beam designed to reduce the need for workers to operate at height, alongside Samrakshak, a real-time fall-detection app. Through Project Wave, his youth-led construction safety movement, Shiv has reached more than 21,000 workers across six cities and distributed 13,000 PPE kits. His 120 installed MAP units are estimated to prevent around 220 deaths and 850 injuries each year. Shiv has transformed personal loss into practical innovation, showing how determination can turn tragedy into protection for others.
Shuwei grew up watching STEM opportunities go to classmates who could afford them, inspiring him to make technical education more accessible. He founded AccelRT to teach STEM as he learned it: treating code and hardware as creative art, not simply tools. Through hands-on education, mentorship and workshops, Shuwei and his 107+ person team have engaged 1,030+ students across 8,400+ learning hours. He has secured more than $66,000 from the federal government and universities, while serving on the University of Sydney Youth Health Panel.
Wanting to create more sustainable opportunities for families facing economic hardship, Siddhant founded AeroLands in 2022. The youth-led initiative builds and donates small-scale hydroponic towers from recycled materials, enabling underserved families to grow organic produce at home using minimal resources. More than 250 towers have now been donated across India, directly benefiting over 900 people and helping families develop additional sources of income. Together, participating families have earned more than $53,000, approximately INR 5 million. By combining sustainability with livelihood creation, Siddhant has developed a practical approach to supporting communities.
Sm Sammam Sakti Ibn Sahadat is a youth leader, social entrepreneur and advocate for sustainable development, dedicated to empowering young people through community-driven action. He founded Youth Army 4 Change, a youth-led organisation active across multiple countries, leading initiatives including Education 4 All, Green Oxygen for Life, the Seed Bank Project and Token of Love. His work addresses barriers to education, environmental sustainability and youth engagement by mobilising volunteers and encouraging locally led solutions. Through these initiatives, Sammam has inspired young people to take action, strengthen local networks and create lasting social impact.
Stephanie founded The Sprouts Initiative at just 15, driven by a desire to empower young people to address global challenges in accessibility, sustainability and community engagement. As Executive Director, she has helped engage communities across 27 countries, raise $4.7 million CAD and mobilise more than 600 youth volunteers to deliver over 300 community service projects. Her initiatives have redistributed 50,000 meals to shelters, delivered 150 accessibility upgrades in healthcare institutions and provided STEM workshops to 15,000 young people. Through her leadership, Stephanie is showing how young people can turn compassion, creativity and action into meaningful change
Suhana Rahman Shukonna is a Bangladeshi youth leader and mental health advocate dedicated to helping young people feel heard, valued and supported. As Chief Coordinator of the Child Department at Talk Hope, a youth-led mental health and suicide prevention initiative, she leads school awareness programmes, workshops, peer support and community engagement. Her work has reached hundreds of educational institutions and positively impacted thousands of students across Bangladesh, encouraging young people to seek help without fear or stigma.
Determined to expand access to digital education, Sumair Kandhari founded Pathways Plus in 2023 in association with KCS Foundation India. The 12-week programme teaches digital skills including Microsoft Office, Python, artificial intelligence and prompt engineering, helping learners build confidence and access new opportunities. Sumair raised approximately $10,000 to establish a computer lab in a rural Bihar school, personally training 27 local instructors, developing the curriculum and leading regular online sessions. His initiative has empowered more than 1,700 students and 750 women with digital skills and access to government resources.
Drawing on his own experiences, Suraj Bansal founded Voice of Youth to improve mental health support for young people in underserved communities. Through mental health education, peer support and better access to care, his work has reached more than 3,000 young people across 20 communities, over 30 schools and several colleges. His advocacy has also contributed to expanding community-based mental health services in India. Suraj places young people at the heart of his approach, encouraging them not only to seek support but also to become leaders and changemakers within their communities. Through Voice of Youth, he is helping create spaces where young people can speak openly, access support and thrive with dignity.
At 19, Tayieba Rahemin Wromim founded Unstitched Women’s Tapestry, a youth education and prevention initiative advancing gender equity and youth safety. Through education, community engagement and volunteer leadership, she equips children and young adults with skills in personal safety, gender-based violence prevention, mental health literacy and healthy decision-making. Since 2020, her initiatives have reached more than 1,000 students across multiple countries, supported underprivileged communities and mobilised over 200 volunteers globally.
Talha Rao works at the intersection of health and housing, creating opportunities for people experiencing homelessness to access essential care and support. As Project Director of the Stanford Housing Equity Project, he has led initiatives providing hundreds of pairs of glasses and supported individuals transitioning into stable housing. Through Cardinal Free Clinics, he has strengthened access to primary healthcare and secured funding for housing initiatives. Talha also co-created MED 219, a service-learning course that has engaged over 75 students, and contributed to research presented at conferences focused on improving healthcare for people experiencing homelessness.
Tanvi Chaturvedi co-founded The RAY Foundation with her twin, Anvi, to help young people feel understood, supported and included. Through sensory-friendly community events, educational outreach, awareness campaigns and care-package distributions, RAY provides resources for neurodiverse and underserved youth. Under Tanvi’s leadership, the organisation has impacted more than 7,065 young people, distributed over $22,500 in resources and reached more than 150,000 people online. Her work has expanded across the United States, South Asia, Canada and Zambia, creating communities where young people with different needs can feel supported. By combining practical resources with awareness and advocacy, Tanvi is helping challenge stigma and encourage greater inclusion.
Concerned about the challenges young people face when seeking mental health support, Tanvi Dhingra leads Adolpsyche, a youth-led organisation working to make mental health education and support more accessible to adolescents. Under her leadership, Adolpsyche has connected more than 6,000 teenagers with therapists offering free counselling and built global peer-support communities. Its awareness campaigns and educational initiatives have engaged more than 50,000 young people. Tanvi also created and hosts Advice from the Wise, a podcast where young people share their experiences of mental health and vulnerability.
Tanzil Amin Shuvo is the Founder and Chairman of Moshal Alo, a youth-led social organisation established in 2015 to address barriers to public health, education and community development across Bangladesh. Through more than 56 community initiatives, the organisation has directly supported over 6,200 people, particularly in rural communities. One flagship project, the Pure Water Initiative, has expanded access to safe drinking water through sustainable tube-well installations in northern Bangladesh, benefiting approximately 1,500 people every day. Tanzil’s work focuses on improving lives by connecting communities with essential services while empowering young people to lead sustainable development.
Concerned about unequal access to education and technology, Tejasv founded Code Vidya in association with KCS Foundation India to improve digital literacy among students and teachers in rural and underprivileged communities. Through the initiative, he has connected more than 1,450 students across Bihar to the digital world, while providing virtual mentoring sessions for both teachers and young people. His work is driven by a simple belief that every student deserves the resources and skills needed to create meaningful opportunities. By helping communities develop digital confidence rather than simply providing technology, Tejasv is opening doors to education and participation, showing how knowledge can become a pathway to opportunity.
Determined to make climate education practical and accessible, Tolani Esther Olawore founded Eco-Ed Connect, a nonprofit supporting climate education and youth leadership across Africa. Through climate education, leadership training and community initiatives, the organisation equips young people, teachers and communities with the knowledge and skills to take meaningful climate action. Eco-Ed Connect has reached more than 15,000 young people across 14 African countries, while also training climate education leaders and supporting sustainability projects in schools and communities.
Trissha Rupani founded Teesforacause to show young people that creativity can become a powerful pathway for confidence, leadership and social change. Through design competitions, workshops, community campaigns and social-impact merchandise, she challenges the stigma surrounding creative careers while supporting youth- and women-focused NGOs. Her initiative has engaged students across cities and communities, built a network of young volunteers and artists, and raised significant funds for charitable causes. Trissha’s work encourages teenagers to see their creativity not simply as a hobby, but as a tool for making a difference.
Driven by compassion and a belief that small acts of kindness can lead to lasting change, Ubaidullah Onoruoyiza Alhassan founded Feed A Cat Today, Nigeria’s first student-led animal welfare community. A Pharmacy student, Ubaidullah has mobilised more than 800 young changemakers across 10 universities to encourage greater awareness and action around animal welfare. Alongside this work, he champions public health, youth empowerment and research initiatives that have received national and international recognition. Through his leadership, Ubaidullah is showing how young people can turn their concern for others into collective action, building a more compassionate approach to animal welfare.
After seeing the lack of educational resources available to vulnerable children, Vachiravich “Turbo” Phantratanamongkol founded Brighter Future to help make learning more accessible. The initiative combines fundraising and tutoring with Brightly Beaming, Thailand’s first student-run digital library and publishing house, alongside an educational game. Together, these projects have distributed more than 8,000 physical QR-linked books, valued at approximately USD 40,000, and reached over 50,000 children across communities in Thailand and beyond. Their digital books on UNESCO’s LearnBig platform have attracted more than 65,000 views.
While teaching at Signal Shala, a school supporting children living at traffic signals in Mumbai, Vanya Gupta recognised that traditional measures of intelligence could overlook children’s abilities. She developed a MIDI drum-based cognitive assessment tool that measures memory, attention and problem-solving through rhythm rather than literacy. After being piloted with more than 50 students, the tool is now used by Signal Shala and NGOs including Manav Sadhna and Snehalaya. Her work has received recognition including the Future Port Award in Prague and the South Africa STEM Award.
Passionate about creating inclusive and supportive learning spaces, Vera Kotorova began volunteering with Inclusive Academy at just 13. She now serves as Head Coordinator, helping guide volunteers in a community that reaches more than 8,600 children with special needs. At 15, Vera founded Math Game Fest to make mathematics more joyful, accessible and collaborative. Her experiences as a girl in STEM through FTC robotics with team Panheya also inspired her to co-found Girls Go FIRST. Through the initiative, Vera and her team provide financial and expert mentorship to more than 1,000 girls across Central Asia, helping young people feel capable, confident and included.
Believing that talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not, Victor Eyo founded Hakeela, formerly known as WeGoDigiteens, to help young people access the digital economy. The inclusive edtech initiative supports people living with disabilities, as well as underprivileged and marginalised young people across Africa, by connecting them with digital skills, mentorship, internships and technology careers. Through Hakeela, more than 5,000 young people across Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda and Malawi have gained opportunities to develop and thrive. Victor’s work is creating pathways into technology while championing inclusion, helping ensure that young people from different backgrounds can access the skills and opportunities they need to reach their potential.
Dedicated to helping young people advance health equity, Victor Femi-Law co-founded The Mafita Initiative to bring volunteers and communities together around adolescent health, climate advocacy, leadership, research and innovation. The initiative has mobilised volunteers across four countries and reached more than 500 people, while Victor has led programmes impacting over 5,000 young people across more than 25 countries. Through campaigns such as Budget4Health, he has strengthened youth participation in health-financing advocacy, while AfroHack ’24 equipped young people with resources to tackle healthcare challenges through digital innovation.
Passionate about helping young people become active leaders in sustainable development, Victoria Banjo works across health, climate action, education, governance and innovation. Through the Nigerian Universities Nursing Students’ Association and other youth-led initiatives, she has brought together diverse stakeholders, championed community-centred solutions and encouraged collective action. Guided by the Sustainable Development Goals, Victoria believes young people should have the opportunity not only to participate in change, but to help shape it.
Believing that every child deserves access to engaging education, Vihaan Tannan founded Happiness Circle to bring quality learning into underserved classrooms through LEGO. His research-backed Brick By Brick toolkits are designed to develop creativity, problem-solving and teamwork, while facilitator training helps schools use them effectively. Vihaan has distributed the kits to 1,400 schools across India, reaching approximately 200,000 children. At just 15, he became the youngest youth leader to curate a LEGO exhibition at the Nehru Science Centre, using the opportunity to raise further funding for the project. His work shows how play, imagination and education can combine to unlock children’s potential.
Growing up amid the war in Ukraine, Viktoriia Babchenko saw how disrupted schools, displaced teachers and lost support systems could prevent Ukrainian students from accessing international opportunities. Determined to create a new pathway, she founded UBizCase, Ukraine’s first national business case championship for young people aged 14–18. Without initial funding or a team, Viktoriia built partnerships with organisations including Silpo and secured $10,000 in prizes for participants. The championship has since engaged more than 300 students and 15 international judges, giving young Ukrainians opportunities to develop business skills and experience global perspectives. Her work is helping young people continue learning and building their futures despite extraordinary circumstances.
Growing up as a Hindu in Pakistan, Vishal became passionate about creating greater financial and legal access for excluded communities. He founded RUBAN, connecting more than 200 women artisans across Karachi, Lahore and Sindh with formal markets and generating over PKR 5 million in revenue for its artisans. He also founded Emprende, providing financial and legal literacy training to refugees and migrants around the world. Alongside this, he co-leads Rem & Company, a global student-run consulting network with more than 30 chapters, and founded Konnect to advance disability advocacy. From Karachi to Berlin, Lusaka and Cape Town, Vishal continues turning financial exclusion into entrepreneurial opportunity.
Driven by a passion for protecting the planet and inspiring other young people to take action, Vivaan Mathur has made sustainability a central part of his work. He hosts the EarthWise podcast and authored The Green Guardians, a children’s book encouraging environmental awareness among young readers. Through environmental campaigns, community service and educational initiatives, Vivaan creates opportunities for young people to become part of the solution. He is a HundrED Youth Ambassador and Innovation Reviewer, and received the King Constantine Medal for service and leadership. He also co-led an award-winning hydroponics project recognised at the Diamond Challenge Summit and founded the GGS Environment & Sustainability Committee.
Wil Massara founded Youth Leadership Academy Australia at just 15, growing it into one of Australia’s leading youth leadership organisations. Through YLAA, now part of The Youth Impact Foundation, he has reached more than 65,000 young people across 1,500+ schools nationally. His work is grounded in the belief that young people already have the capacity to create meaningful change, and should be equipped to lead now, not simply prepared for the future. Through programs that encourage pro-social behaviours, confidence and leadership skills, Wil amplifies youth voices. He also serves as General Manager of the Youth Leadership & Business Summit, connecting young people with opportunities to lead and make an impact.
Wyatt Ehrhardt co-founded Meals Matter to bring young people together to address food insecurity in their communities. Since 2024, he has helped the organisation grow to 20 chapters across the United States and Korea, supported by around 200 student leaders and 3,500 volunteers. Together, the chapters have collected more than 180,000 pounds of food and raised over $70,000, providing an estimated 125,000 meals to families experiencing hunger. Wyatt has focused on chapter growth and outreach, helping expand the organisation’s reach while encouraging students to take an active role in tackling food insecurity. His work shows how youth-led volunteering can turn community concern into practical support for families.
Yimar (Xinyi) Yu founded the Asian Women Development Plan International to advance gender equality and support women affected by gender-based violence. Through individual case support, public education and policy advocacy, the organisation has supported thousands of women across more than 30 countries. Yimar has also helped build a global network of volunteers and partner organisations, creating stronger connections between communities working to advance women’s rights and safety. Through hundreds of workshops, campaigns and advocacy initiatives, AWDPI has raised awareness and encouraged action on issues affecting women worldwide.
Since childhood, Yalda Latifi has dedicated herself to advancing the rights, education, and voices of Afghan women and girls. Through poetry, public speaking, art, and learning, she has raised awareness of gender equality while inspiring hope among young people. Her advocacy amplifies the voices of Afghan women and girls, promotes equal access to education, and encourages young people to become leaders of positive change.
Yasmin Baker is a doctor and social entrepreneur dedicated to widening participation and reducing educational inequality. As Chief Research Officer at The Aspiring Medics, she leads research into an AI-powered interview coach designed to widen access to medicine and support fairer university admissions. She is also Co-Founder of More Than Medics, expanding access to diverse clinical careers through mentoring, career development and educational programmes. Together, her organisations have supported thousands of students and healthcare professionals. As a Sutton Trust Changemaker Ambassador, Yasmin advocates for social mobility nationally, working to ensure opportunities are determined by potential rather than background.
Yingxi Tang is a youth innovator, educator and founder of Mercury Academy, an initiative reimagining equitable education in the age of artificial intelligence. Through project-based learning and interdisciplinary programmes, he supports young people to develop creative solutions to real-world challenges. He also leads Helios X, a sustainability and heritage regeneration initiative combining renewable energy, traditional knowledge and community development to revive rural heritage spaces. As a Zayed Sustainability Prize Youth Ambassador, Yingxi has championed youth-led climate action and education innovation. Through technology, culture and collaboration, he encourages young people to see themselves as problem-solvers and changemakers.
Wanting to turn empathy and creativity into meaningful community action, Yog Sinojia founded Colours of Peace, an initiative that began with rural mental health workshops and grew into a wider movement combining art, education and emotional awareness. Working with a team of peers, Yog has reached more than 500 young people while raising important support for youth mental health. He also shares his understanding of vulnerability and resilience through his book, Cracks in Stained Glass. Through both his writing and community work, Yog creates spaces where young people can explore difficult emotions and connect with others.
Yoochan Hwang founded the United Wardrobe Project to tackle textile waste and the environmental impact of fast fashion while supporting communities in need. Through clothing donations and circular-economy solutions, the student-led initiative has collected more than 20,000 clothing items, preventing over 290,000 kg of CO₂ emissions and saving more than 106 million litres of water. The project has expanded across schools in Thailand and India, giving young people opportunities to lead sustainable action and promote responsible consumption. By connecting environmental responsibility with practical community support, Yoochan is showing how students can work across borders to reduce waste and create meaningful social and environmental impact.
Zoë Prinsloo founded Save a Fishie to tackle pollution by bringing communities and young people together to protect their environment. Through more than 530 clean-up events, the organisation has removed over 65 tons of litter while inspiring thousands of volunteers to take action. Zoë has also led nationwide Coast 2 Coast clean-up campaigns and environmental education programmes in schools, helping young people understand how their everyday actions can affect oceans and waterways. Her approach makes conservation accessible and community-driven, giving people practical ways to make a difference. Through education, collective action and determination, Zoë is helping build communities that feel empowered to take responsibility for the places they call home.
