Each year, the world sees countless challenges — from climate change to social inequality, poor health care access to education gaps — that affect millions of people. Yet, amid these global issues, a new generation of young leaders rises, determined to make a difference. The Young Changemakers Program is an inspiring initiative that celebrates these youth leaders who are passionate about creating positive change in their communities and beyond. The announcement of the 2025 winners of this program shines a bright light on the remarkable work young people are doing to build brighter futures.

What is the Young Changemakers Program?

The Young Changemakers Program is a global platform designed to identify, support, and empower young individuals who are taking bold and creative steps to solve urgent social problems. It offers mentorship, resources, and a network that enables these young visionaries to grow their projects from ideas into impactful realities.

Every year, young leaders from around the world apply, bringing forward innovative solutions across various sectors including education, health, environment, social justice, and economic empowerment. These changemakers come from diverse backgrounds and regions, but they share a common goal: to make their communities better places to live.

The 2025 Winners: A Showcase of Passion and Innovation

In 2025, the competition was fiercer than ever. The program received hundreds of applications from young people worldwide, each filled with hope, creativity, and determination. After a careful selection process, the winners who stood out were those with well-thought-out projects that demonstrated real impact and potential for scalability.

The projects by the 2025 winners cover a wide range of issues:

• Environment and Climate Action: Some winners launched initiatives focused on climate-smart agriculture, reducing plastic pollution by converting waste into useful products, and raising awareness about sustainable living.

• Education and Social Equity: Others developed programs that offer peer-to-peer learning, helping children in underserved areas access quality education and overcome barriers related to poverty or discrimination.

• Health and Wellbeing: Several projects focus on improving access to healthcare and mental health support, especially in communities where such services are limited or stigmatized.

• Economic and Social Empowerment: Many winners are helping empower marginalized communities by creating job opportunities, supporting small local businesses, or advocating for social inclusion.

Each winning project reflects a deep understanding of the local problems and a creative approach to solving them that leverages the changemaker’s unique skills and community ties.

Support and Opportunities for Winners

Winning the Young Changemakers Program is more than just recognition. It opens doors to several opportunities for growth and broader impact.

• Mentorship by Experts: The winners receive guidance from experienced mentors who provide strategic advice, help in refining project goals, and assist in overcoming challenges.

• Networking: Being part of a global network connects these young leaders to other changemakers, fostering collaboration and idea exchange that can lead to greater innovations.

• Funding: Many winners receive financial grants that help scale their projects, purchase necessary equipment, or launch awareness campaigns.

• Visibility: The program showcases winners on international stages, increasing their visibility and attracting additional support from donors, institutions, and the media.

These resources create a nurturing environment where young changemakers evolve from motivated individuals into influential leaders.

The Broader Impact: Why Supporting Youth Changemakers Matters

Supporting young changemakers is critical for several reasons. Youth bring energy, fresh perspectives, and new ways of thinking that often challenge the status quo. Their early involvement in community development builds future leaders who are well-equipped to face enduring social, economic, and environmental challenges.

Moreover, these young innovators often work in areas overlooked by mainstream development efforts. Their grassroots knowledge ensures solutions are appropriately tailored and more sustainable. Through programs like Young Changemakers, young voices gain platforms to influence policies and societal attitudes at local and global levels.

Stories that Inspire

One standout project is from North America, where a team uses recycled plastic to make sleeping mats for the homeless, addressing both environmental pollution and homelessness. Another inspiring winner from Kenya teaches farmers climate-smart methods to improve food security and income, while protecting the environment. From Mexico City, a group of students runs peer-learning programs to support public school children struggling with access to quality education.

These stories exemplify how young people are not waiting for change — they are leading it themselves with passion and creativity.