I had the privilege to be one of the 2,000 people from 192 countries to be given a ticket to the One Young World 2025 Summit in Munich. This was my third One Young World after being nominated originally by Dell Technologies in 2019, then been given a ticket as a returning ambassador for Belfast in 2023 and having been to a satellite event in London in 2024.
The event took place across iconic venues in Munich like the Olympiahalle, Seimiens Headquaters and BMW Welt. For four days delegates took part or heard speeches, workshops, panels, and networking. Hosted by the City of Munich with partners including Siemens, BMW, and Deloitte, the event featured keynotes from figures such as HRH Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter, Dr Nathalie von Siemens, and others like Princess Sophie of Bavaria, focusing on themes like circular economy, anti-hate, responsible leadership, human rights, sustainability, and youth-driven global change.
Throughout the four days, I met or heard from some incredible founders and One Young World Coordinating ambassadors, whom I would love to promote. Here are just a sample of some of those people:
Ammy is a Senior Community Officer for OYW based in London UK, specialising in community building within the One Young World network. She plays a key role in nurturing a vibrant global community of young changemakers, supporting their development, and fostering meaningful collaborations that drive social and environmental impact. With her expertise in engagement strategies, Ammy works to create inclusive spaces that empower diverse voices, allowing individuals to share their ideas, amplify their impact, and connect purposefully across borders.
Ammy often moderates the OYW calls before and after the summits, where she interviews previous OYW delegates, provides information and insights on the cities that are hosting the events or co-orindates with OYW coordinating ambassadors to ensure the summit is run smoothly.
Title: Co-founder of InterAct International and Mejdi Tours. author and an award-winning peace activist.
Based in: East Jerusalem and The United States of America
Expertise: Peace and Refugee Empowerment
Aziz is a Palestinian co-founder with Maoz Inon of InterAct International and Mejdi Tours, based in both Israel and Palestine. In addition to Israel–Palestine, Mejdi Tours also offers multi-narrative tours in other conflict regions, including Ireland, Rwanda, Colombia, and the Balkans. Having lost his brother after being shot by an Israeli soldier, he is now a peace builder, entrepreneur, and advocate for refugee empowerment through socially conscious tourism. In 2009, he co-founded Mejdi Tours, which pioneered the concept of “dual-narrative” tourism in conflict zones by having two guides from opposing communities lead tours together. This approach fosters understanding and bridges divides by exposing tourists to multiple perspectives in regions such as Israel-Palestine, Northern Ireland, and the Balkans. Beyond tourism, Aziz uses Mejdi as a platform to promote peace, cultural understanding, and empowerment of displaced and conflict-affected communities.
Through his work, Aziz has become a passionate speaker and educator on the power of travel to break down barriers and promote tolerance. Recognised as a National Geographic Explorer and TED Fellow, he has created educational programmes alongside global organisations, including the UN, to support local communities and refugees.
Aziz and Maoz have recently co-authored a book – ‘The Future Is Peace, A Shared Journey Across the Holy Land’. You can purchase a pre-order here
Janet is the founder and Executive Director of Totya Platform, a Ugandan non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering survivors of sexual violence through education, psychosocial support, and legal assistance. Based in Uganda, she is a survivor herself and uses her personal experience to fuel her passion for safeguarding children’s rights and well-being. Totya Platform offers anonymous online and in-person counselling, emergency medical care, and support for survivors to access justice, with a strong emphasis on confidentiality and trust-building. The platform also engages in community prevention efforts and awareness-raising to combat sexual violence culturally and socially in Uganda.
Janet’s leadership through the Totya Platform has had a significant social impact, supporting thousands of survivors with counselling sessions and emergency aid, while actively involving families and communities in the healing and prevention process.
Her work is recognised for addressing the complex needs of survivors holistically, from trauma recovery to economic empowerment. In addition Janet is also a Board Advisor at The Brave Movement.
Tolulope is the founder of Agrolearn, an innovative platform focused on education and job creation within Africa’s agricultural sector. Tolulope is also an agribusiness consultant and a strong advocate for preserving indigenous languages and promoting cultural identity as a means to secure the educational future of children in Nigeria. Her work involves training professionals, mentoring innovators, and leading conversations across Nigeria and Africa to empower communities through accessible education and sustainable development.
Tolulope approach centres on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in agriculture, to improve economic opportunities for young people. This aligns with her broader mission of empowering communities to build resilient futures through education and skill development.
Title: Co-Founder of Karupannya
Based in: Bangladesh
Expertise: Social Entrepreneurship
Shafiqul is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Karupannya, a Bangladeshi social enterprise specialising in handmade rugs and carpets crafted using eco-friendly, natural fibers and recycled materials. Based in Rangpur, Bangladesh, he started Karupannya in 1991 with just a few craftsmen, and it has since grown to support around 7,000 skilled weavers, particularly empowering women in rural communities. The company is internationally recognised for its sustainable practices and social impact, exporting to over 55 countries and generating millions in revenue while promoting community development and environmental responsibility.
Karupannya combines traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainable technology, such as biomass boilers, biogas plants, solar panels, and water treatment initiatives, to minimise environmental impact.
Shafiqul’s vision is to create economic opportunities for low-income communities while preserving cultural heritage and promoting social entrepreneurship in Bangladesh. He emphasises that the organisation is “by the community, for the community,” reflecting its deep roots in local empowerment and human wellbeing.
Title: Refugee and youth activist and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
Based in: Originally Syrian now based in the UK
Expertise: Education
Muzoon is a Syrian refugee, youth activist, and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador who has been a powerful advocate for education, particularly for girls, in emergency crises. After fleeing conflict in Syria in 2013, Muzoon lived in refugee camps, including the Za’atari camp in Jordan, where she began campaigning for children’s right to education, especially advocating against early marriage and child labor. She worked closely with UNICEF as part of their back-to-school campaigns and accompanied Malala Yousafzai on visits to refugee camps, highlighting the critical importance of education for displaced children. Muzoon’s activism has taken her around the world, including trips to Chad to meet children affected by Boko Haram violence and speeches at the G20 Summit and UN Geneva, where she urged global leaders to prioritise education for children caught in crises. She has been recognised widely for her contributions, including being named in BBC’s 100 influential women and TIME’s most influential teens lists.
Although originally based in Syria during the conflict, Muzoon has since resettled with her family in Newcastle, where she graduated from Newcastle University. As the first refugee appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, she brings an authentic and credible voice on education in emergencies. Her ongoing work focuses on raising awareness about the global learning crisis exacerbated by conflicts and the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating particularly for girls’ access to education in the most challenging environments. Muzoon’s story and activism offer inspiration rooted in resilience, emphasising that refugees are strong agents of change who can create bright futures despite hardship
Title: Rhodes Scholar | Foreign Policy @ Oxford
Based in: Los Angeles, California
Expertise: Foreign Policy
Mohammed is a Rhodes Scholar and an expert in foreign policy, currently based in Los Angeles, California. He is recognised for his academic excellence and leadership, having earned bachelor’s degrees in political science and mathematics/economics from UCLA. Through his research on economic statecraft and diplomacy, he interned with McKinsey & Company and the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, where he contributed to transforming peace and security decision-making processes. Mohammed is also the co-founder and chief strategy officer of Furas, a startup dedicated to expanding internship opportunities for young Saudis. He plans to pursue master’s degrees in diplomacy, global governance, and financial economics at the University of Oxford.
At the OYW2025, Mohammed engaged in youth leadership initiatives focusing on global challenges, echoing his commitment to public service and international diplomacy.
His involvement reflects his dedication to fostering positive change through collaborative leadership among young global leaders..
Title: Journalist and Director, Revista Nube Roja
Based in: Piura, Peru
Expertise: Journalism
Leandro is a Peruvian investigative journalist and director of the digital magazine Revista Nube Roja. He is a descendant of the Indigenous Sechura culture and specialises in reporting on Amazonian issues, Indigenous rights, environmental crime, and illegal economies. Leandro has gained recognition for his empathetic storytelling that highlights systemic inequality and the challenges faced by marginalised communities in Peru, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He advocates for journalism that serves and identifies with Indigenous populations by producing stories in local languages and amplifying unheard voices.
Leandro uses his platform to expose social and environmental injustices while supporting the cultural identity of Indigenous peoples in Latin America. His work has brought international attention to pressing issues affecting the Amazon and Indigenous communities, combining rigorous investigation with a human-centred narrative approach.
At OYW2025 he was nominated for Journalist of The Year
Oscar is a disability activist and the founder of Project Oscar. Based in the UK, he was born in Saigon, Vietnam, and having spent part of his early life in Asia, Oscar returned to the UK in 2014. Oscar was born with a condition called Neonatal jaundice, which has led to significant physical challenges, including being unable to walk and having impaired communication. But he has become a powerful advocate for disability rights.
Project Oscar is a program partnered with Reckitt, that educates mothers, medical workers and nurses about the signs, symptoms and dangers of neonatal jaundice and a condition called kernicterus (which is what caused my cerebral palsy). It’s the first step to eradicating a condition that destroys and disables millions of lives despite the fact that it’s preventable. And due to the efforts of our unbelievable partners, volunteers and doctors, not only has it prevented disability and death in hundreds of newborns every day in Vietnam alone, but has also expanded to Nigeria thanks to leaders like Toyin Saraki.
Title: CEO and co-founder of Manzana Verde
Based in: Mexico City, Mexico
Expertise: Entrepreneurship
Carlos Andrade is the CEO and co-founder of Manzana Verde, a fast-growing FoodTech startup based in Mexico and Peru. The company focuses on making healthy eating accessible and affordable across Latin America through a technology-driven platform that offers personalized meal plans. Manzana Verde has served over two million healthy meal orders and expanded its operations to five major cities across Mexico, Peru, and Colombia. The startup combines technology with partnerships with local restaurants and dark kitchens, aiming to minimize food waste and delivery costs while providing nutritious food options tailored to customer needs.
Carlos Andrade is passionate about transforming the wellness market in Latin America by integrating innovative and scalable solutions to promote healthier lifestyles. Under his leadership, Manzana Verde has successfully raised significant venture capital funding and demonstrates strong profitability and growth potential.
The company’s model has been praised for its scalability, sustainable practices, and impact on improving the lives of busy professionals seeking convenient, healthy food choices.
Lefteris is a Greek entrepreneur and co-founder of Enaleia, a pioneering non-profit organisation founded in 2016 that focuses on sustainable fishing and marine environment protection. Based in Greece, Lefteris has developed an innovative bottom-up approach by engaging fishers as active stakeholders in tackling marine pollution, particularly plastic waste in the Mediterranean Sea. Enaleia runs Greece’s first professional fishing school, training both new and existing fishers on sustainable fishing techniques and environmental stewardship. It incentivises fishers to collect plastic waste during their fishing expeditions, turning marine pollution into economic opportunities and contributing to a circular economy by partnering with recycling companies to transform plastic into sustainable products.
Under Lefteris’ leadership, Enaleia has grown significantly, now involving over 6,000 fishers across multiple countries, including Greece, Italy, Egypt, Spain, and Croatia
The organisation drives large-scale clean-up expeditions, mapping pollution and using blockchain technology for transparency and data collection. His work has earned him recognition such as the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award in 2022 and the UN Environment Programme’s Young Champion of the Earth for Europe in 2020.
Name: May Asagba
Title: Founder/CEO, CAIN Educational Foundation
Based in: Lagos, Nigeria
Expertise: Education Access & Equity Advocate
May Asagba is a passionate education reformer and award-winning social innovator driven by one belief: where you are born should never determine how far you can go. At just 21, she founded CAIN Educational Foundation to reimagine education for underserved African youth. Today, she brings more than 12 years of experience designing bold, community-led solutions that break the cycle of poverty through access to quality learning. Under her leadership, CAIN established a state-of-the-art educational center in Alimosho—the largest local government area in Lagos, Nigeria, and home to over 2 million people. The center provides students with digital skills training, high-speed internet, modern computers, expert-led tutorials, a dynamic library, mentorship, and career development opportunities. Her work has helped students with failing grades succeed with excellence, empowered youth who had never touched a computer to master digital skills, and produced the first high school graduate and university student in families where education once seemed impossible.
May has led 13 high-impact projects, transforming more than 14,000 lives across seven marginalized regions. Her work earned the 2025 Lagos State Governor’s Award for Social Impact, alongside recognition from UNESCO, BBC, TEDx, the Clinton Global Initiative, and Business Day. As a thought leader, she has contributed research to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, advised at a UNESCO–UNICEF Subregional Consultation, and spoken on global platforms hosted by Microsoft, One Young World, and the World Trade Organisation’s Director-General. With a mission to empower one million African youth by 2040, May is redefining education, unlocking opportunity, and building Africa’s digital future—one student, one community at a time.
Nike is a New York–based social impact professional whose work sits at the intersection of global purpose, sustainable development and corporate responsibility. With a background that spans consultancy and international youth leadership, they focus on designing and driving initiatives that align business goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly around equity, climate and community empowerment. As a OYW2025 Ambassador and Coordinating Ambassador for North America, Nike helps convene and support young leaders who are tackling pressing global challenges, from inclusive economic growth to climate resilience.
Nike specialises in building cross-sector partnerships, amplifying underrepresented voices and embedding social impact into core organisational strategy rather than treating it as a peripheral activity. Their expertise includes programme design, stakeholder engagement and impact storytelling, helping organisations translate values into measurable change for communities worldwide.
Title: Founder & CEO of Pró-Onça Institute
Based in: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Expertise: The Environment
Letícia is a Brazilian conservation biologist and the founder and CEO of the Pró-Onça Institute, an NGO dedicated to the conservation of large carnivores, especially jaguars, in the Brazilian Cerrado biome. Her work focuses on researching jaguar populations and their ecosystems while also promoting women’s empowerment in science and addressing climate change mitigation in Latin America. The Pró-Onça Institute combines rigorous scientific research with community engagement and education to protect these keystone species and their habitats.
Letícia has received notable recognition for her work, including a nomination for the Future for Nature Award 2024 for her ongoing work in jaguar conservation. She is also a recipient of the Marsh Award for Early Career Conservationists, reflecting her dedication and impact in wildlife conservation.
Beyond scientific research, Letícia also advocates for gender equity in environmental sciences and integrates her conservation goals with sustainable community development initiatives.
Umar is a prominent figure associated with the Warrior Squad Foundation in Kotido, Uganda, a local NGO dedicated to supporting agricultural development and food security in one of the driest and most food-insecure regions of the country. Growing up among the Karamojong pastoralist community, Umar developed a passion for agriculture early on and has since focused on promoting agroecological practices and nutrition within his community. He uses innovative approaches, such as screening training videos on sustainable farming, soil, and water conservation, and organic pesticide preparation to educate farmers and youths. His efforts include working with the Slow Food Youth Network in Uganda and supporting Farmer Field Schools to build climate-resilient capacities.
Umas has expanded his impact by partnering with organisations like Mercy Corps, Catholic Relief Services, and Slow Food Uganda.
As well as receiving support through initiatives like Entrepreneurs for Rural Access jointly organised by Access Agriculture and FAO. Using a solar-powered smart projector, he has helped simplify agricultural training and enhance learning outcomes. He has also registered his own company, Youth Smart Extension Solutions, to promote his agricultural extension services more effectively. Umar has been recognised as a young leader and advocate for youth engagement, stressing the importance of patience and hope in social entrepreneurship and rural development
Title: Co-Founder & CEO of Climate Sirens, Politics for her and Co Chair of Sister-to-Sister programme
Based in: Rabat, Morocco
Expertise: Climate change and female empowerment in politics
Yasmina Benslimane is a Moroccan feminist activist and social entrepreneur known for her leadership in climate change and female empowerment in politics. She is the co-founder and CEO of Climate Sirens, an organisation working with women’s cooperatives in North Africa and Southwest Asia to create sustainable beauty products and support economic empowerment for women. Climate Sirens focuses on integrating climate justice with decolonial and Indigenous perspectives, operating on the ground in challenging regions affected by instability and forced displacement. Yasmina also co-chairs the Sister-to-Sister programme and founded Politics4Her, a youth-led feminist organisation dedicated to inclusive leadership that promotes gender equality in political spaces
Her work highlights the unique intersection of gender and climate justice, advocating for increased female participation and leadership in climate activism and policy.
She has addressed issues such as misleading marketing of Moroccan argan oil abroad and has launched a tech startup in Puerto Rico to provide mentorship and skills development for women in the tech sector.
Sara is the founder and CEO of Ambessa, a social enterprise based in the USA that encourages children to build and learn through play. Founded in 2020 during her master’s degree in Child Development at Oxford University, Ambessa develops DIY educational kits designed to introduce children to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects. For each kit purchased, Ambessa donates one to displaced, out-of-school children without access to consistent electricity.
Sara’s background combines technology, charity, and education, with a strong personal commitment rooted in her experience as a first-generation student from a low-income family. Before founding Ambessa, she taught STEM workshops to displaced children in Ethiopia and Eritrea, experiences that inspired her social entrepreneurship journey. Ambessa has gained recognition through awards like the Women in Innovation Award and Innovate UK grants, and Sara has been featured in prominent media like Forbes and the BBC’s 100 Women list.
Title: Senior Officer Eastern Tropical Pacific, at Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy.
Based in: Panama City, Panama
Expertise: Climate Change and the Environment
Shirley is a marine biologist and the Senior Officer at Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy, based in Panama. She has been recognised for her leadership in ocean protection efforts, including negotiating major shark conservation agreements and advancing marine protected areas in Panama and the broader Eastern Tropical Pacific region. Her work involves implementing policies and plans that support ocean conservation, including the establishment of transboundary marine protected areas that cover over 200,000 square miles, safeguarding critical ecosystems and endangered species such as sharks, manta rays, and seabirds.
Shirley’s role includes collaborating with governments, scientists, and local communities to monitor and enforce marine protection measures, with a focus on restoring biodiversity, managing sustainable fisheries, and reducing plastic pollution. She is also actively involved in initiatives at the United Nations Ocean Conference, advocating for more protected areas and stronger international cooperation to achieve the global goal of protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.
Title: CEO, Founder Warmi Shining and Uru Uru projects
Based in: La Paz, Bolivia
Expertise: Empowerment of underrepresented groups
Dayana is an Indigenous Aymara leader based in Oruro, Bolivia, where she serves as the CEO and founder of the Warmi Shining and Uru Uru projects. Renowned for her advocacy in women’s rights, Indigenous rights, and environmental justice, Dayana has mobilised grassroots efforts to empower Indigenous girls and restore fragile ecosystems, particularly the polluted Uru Uru Lake. She draws on traditional ecological knowledge and innovative solutions, championing leadership skills, environmental education, and social justice to uplift communities affected by climate change and gender-based violence.
As the first professional woman in her family, Dayana combines her expertise in intercultural dialogue, transitional justice, and climate resilience to foster equity and opportunity for underrepresented groups in Bolivia.Her work has not only created crucial spaces for Indigenous girls to develop academically and professionally but has also built platforms for environmental activism and gender equity at both the local and international levels
Title: Co-founder of Deaf Way NZ
Based in: Auckland, New Zealand
Expertise: New Zealand Sign Language Interpretation
Jaime Brown, a New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) interpreter and tutor based in Auckland, New Zealand, co-founded Deaf Way NZ with her Deaf husband, David. The charitable trust focuses on empowering the Deaf community through accessible, online interactive courses that promote NZSL learning, cultural awareness, and equal opportunities. Drawing from her lived experience as a hearing ally married into the Deaf world, Jaime bridges communication gaps, ensuring resources are by Deaf, for Deaf, and inclusive for all. Deaf Way NZ emphasises self-paced education to foster understanding and dismantle barriers in education, employment, and daily life.
An OYW2025 Ambassador and 2024 Action Accelerator winner, Jaime previously co-directed Merge NZ, which advanced early childhood education and NZSL promotion via community events and expos. Her work extends to tutoring and advocacy, highlighted in interviews where she shares how learning NZSL transformed her into a passionate community builder. With recent funding, Deaf Way NZ expands its digital platforms, making Aotearoa more accessible and amplifying Deaf voices globally.
Jamie presented at a post-OYW 2025 Beyond the Summit: Find Your Solution event on the 1st of December to encourage those who attended OYW 2025 to create their own solution.
Sam Brown is a spoken word poet based in the UK, recognised for his powerful performances that address social issues such as anti-hate and gender equality. His poetry often explores themes related to masculinity, mental health, misogyny, and systemic violence against women and girls. Sam has gained a significant following on social media, particularly on Instagram, where he shares his poetry and engages with audiences through live performances and workshops. His work has been featured at various poetry festivals and events, where his raw and honest delivery has inspired many and contributed to important conversations around social justice.
Sam is known for his compelling spoken word pieces like “Silly Billy,” which critiques toxic masculinity, and his involvement in initiatives that amplify male voices against misogyny and social injustice. He actively participates in campaigns and events aimed at changing cultural narratives on gender roles, and his performances are celebrated for their insight, vulnerability, and ability to spark dialogue.
Title: Global Community Investment at AstraZeneca and One Young World Coordinating Ambassador for the UK and Ireland
Based in: Barcelona, Spain
Expertise: Sustainability and community development
Roos is currently a Global Community Investment Senior Manager at AstraZeneca, where she spearheads the Young Health Programme (YHP), a cornerstone initiative now in its 15th year operating in over 40 countries. Previously, Roos began her career at Pfizer, specialising in communications and social impac,t before moving to become an Account Director at Eldeman PR and specialising in health and sustainability communitcations
Currently in her role in AstraZeneca, Roos oversees the Partnering with NGO’s such as UNICEF, Plan International, Project HOPE, and the NCD Alliance. YHP trains more than 680,000 young people aged 10-24 as peer educators, tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Roos also currently acts as Coordinating Ambassador for UK & Ireland and leads AstraZeneca’s 2025 Munich delegation, which included CFO Aradhana Sarin, 15 YHP Impact Fellows, and 90 colleagues. Roos assists with organising in-person and online events, co-leads workshops such as “Youth-Led Advocacy: Learn, Lead, Impact” and pushes for youth inclusion in UN NCD policy meetings, bridging corporate responsibility with global youth empowerment for lasting health equity
Title: Advocate for Climate Change and Food System Transformations
Based in: Mexico City, Mexico
Expertise: Climate Change
Xananine is an Indigenous climate justice activist and advocate from the Ngiwa peoples in Puebla, Mexico. She co-founded Jna Tsjo, a women- and youth-led initiative focused on protecting traditional food knowledge, ecosystems in the Tehuacán Valley, and promoting food sovereignty through ancestral agricultural practices. Xananine is deeply involved in connecting the youth climate movement in Mexico with land defender organisations across Central America and Latin America, working to bridge grassroots activism with broader environmental and social justice efforts.
Her advocacy extends to campaigning with the Stop Financing Factory Farming Coalition, seeking to reduce climate impact by challenging industrial agriculture practices. Xananine’s work is rooted in Indigenous rights, climate justice, and food system transformations, where she amplifies Indigenous knowledge and cultural wisdom as essential to building sustainable futures.
Stay tuned for part 2!