The International Baccalaureate (IB), a global leader in international education, is thrilled to announce the 101 young individuals representing 48 countries who have been awarded the Global Youth Action Fund. The award, which will provide students with more than 230,800 USD in grant funding, is designed to recognize and empower students who are taking the lead to address pressing global challenges, at IB World Schools and beyond.
Over 500 changemakers showcased their commitment to creating a better world by submitting projects that tackle issues ranging from sustainability and equity to social justice. Each project supports one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and was reviewed on the following selection criteria: impact, stage of project, collaboration and school support. Each awardee will receive up to $3,000 in funding for their project, mentorship, and online training on social entrepreneurship to transform and develop further their powerful idea to make an impact on their community.
At the core of the IB Philosophy is student agency. The IB supports student development and growth by creating and offering opportunities such as the Global Youth Action Fund grant to foster independent autonomous learning and to nurture future leaders and changemakers. Through educational programmes, the IB aims to equip young minds with the tools they need to navigate complex global issues and drive impactful change. We acknowledge the pivotal role that educators and mentors play in nurturing these young visionaries, underscoring the collaborative effort required to drive meaningful impact.
Inyoung Yi, one of the Global Youth Action Fund winners from South Korea said, “When we initially launched our club and embarked on this project, our primary goal was to bring sunlight to as many people as possible…It fills us with immense excitement and a deep sense of warmth to realize that we now can fulfil our original mission of spreading light. The fact that we were chosen for the Global Youth Action Fund serves as a reminder that there are individuals who care about child education and recognize the importance of imparting an empowering message to the future of our world.”
Since the launch of the grant, the IB has received more than 500 applications from inspirational students around the globe. Of the 101 awardees, 17.8% are non-IB students, underscoring the IB’s dedication to making its educational programmes accessible to a wide cohort of students, breaking down barriers and ensuring inclusion far beyond students’ local context and community.
“The IB Global Youth Action Fund stands as a testament to the boundless potential of young individuals to drive positive change. These winners have showcased innovation, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to addressing global challenges. Their actions reflect the core values of IB education, emphasizing the importance of education for action and fostering a sense of responsibility for our world. We are immensely proud of their achievements and excited to witness the enduring impact they will create,” said Mr. Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of the IB.
The IB is excited to pave the way for the next round of the Global Youth Action Fund, where even more young visionaries will have the chance to create transformative change, serving as a source of inspiration for fellow students, educators, and communities worldwide. The Festival of Hope (FOH) and the IB Global Youth Action Fund are united in their mission to address global challenges and empower student voices to provide pathways to action. Awardees showcase the potential of collaborative endeavours to create lasting change. The Festival of Hope remains committed to nurturing student innovation through events, collaborations, mentorship programs, and leadership opportunities.
Global Youth Action Fund awardees list
Learn more about the Global Youth Action Fund and the Festival of Hope (FOH).
