Championing the Change-makers of Tomorrow
As The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (the Award) continues to expand globally, so too does the need to amplify the voices of future generations – the change-makers of tomorrow. Young people everywhere are leading the charge on the issues they’re deeply passionate about, from advocating for quality education and equal opportunities to striving for equity in their communities and addressing the impending climate crisis they face. Right now, as youth employment is three times as high as that of adults ¹, mental health is plummeting, with one in seven 10–19-year-olds experiencing a mental disorder ² which largely goes untreated. It’s no wonder that 86% of young people are worried about their future ³.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award has a rich history of empowering young people worldwide. It not only helps them to discover their purpose, passion, and place in the world but also equips them with the skills to advocate for transformative change that enhances their lives.
A recent survey of Award participants revealed that 86% improved their team skills, 82% now recognise the importance of contributing to their community, and a staggering Global Social Value of $970 (£762) million was generated in 2022 alone, underscoring the significant impact of the Award ⁴.
As part of our broader advocacy strategy, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is fully committed to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to ‘shift the world to a more sustainable path.’ While we champion all 17 SDGs established in 2012, we have identified three that we believe the Award can significantly contribute to, aligning our efforts with the global Goals set for 2030.
3. Good Health and Well-being
4. Quality Education
10. Reducing Inequalities
Here at the Award, we recognise the need to act now.
As a result, we’ve forged vital advocacy partnerships with leading youth organisations dedicated to creating opportunities that uplift and support young people on their journey to adulthood.
References:
- 2023 World Employment and Social Outlook Trends, International Labour Organization (ILO), 2023
- World Mental Health Day, WHO, 2021. 3. Ureport.in, 2020
- Ureport.in, 2020. 4. Technology in education, Global Education Monitoring Report, UNESCO, 2022
- Survey of 2,738 responses from 37 countries, between January 2023 and December 2023
