The IB is thrilled to announce that 101 projects representing over 300 young individuals from 48 countries have received the Global Youth Action Fund award, totalling over 230,000 USD in student grant funding. The award 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 went through a comprehensive evaluation process. Each awardee will receive up to a $3,000 grant to fund their project, as well as mentorship and online training in social entrepreneurship to transform and further develop their idea to make an impact on their community.
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 awarded projects, 17.8% are non-IB schools, 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 the 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. Through the Festival of Hope (FOH), the IB is resolute in its mission to address global challenges, empower student voices and provide pathways to action, such as the Global Youth Action Fund. 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.
