International Youth Representatives
The International Youth Representatives (IYRs), a group of eight Award Alumni from around the world, help to connect Award holders and participants locally, regionally and globally. They represent the youth voice at International Council (IC) meetings and play a significant role at governance level. There are two International Youth Representatives per region and their term of appointment is three years.
International Youth Representatives attend local, regional, and international meetings and facilitate sessions at the Foundation’s regional conferences. They report to the Foundation on discussions, projects, and feedback from operators, and they provide both the Foundation and the International Council with valuable insights. These insights help ensure our work remains inclusive and supports the growth of the Award, making it accessible to as many young people as possible, particularly those who are considered at-risk or marginalised.
For the Award to be relevant to young people, it is crucial that their voice is at the heart of what we do. Regardless of background, culture or ability, we believe it is essential to give young people across all regions a platform to ensure the Award is accessible and relevant for all young people, wherever they are in the world.

The 2022-2025 Cohort with Chair of the Award, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh
Update on the 2025-2028 Cohort Election
We sincerely thank the nearly 300 Award holders from around the world who demonstrated their enthusiasm for youth leadership by submitting their self-nomination for the 2025-2028 International Youth Representatives cohort.
Following the close of the nomination period on 28 February, nearly 200 applications successfully met the verification criteria and underwent a comprehensive review process. The application committee—comprising International Council Representatives, former and current International Youth Representatives, Foundation staff members, and National Award Operator representatives—carefully assessed each submission.
We are now pleased to announce the final five candidates from each region who will move forward in the election process. Stay tuned for further updates as we progress toward selecting the next cohort of International Youth Representatives.
What’s Next?
The election process is now moving into its next phase, where 176 official voters—nominated by their National Award Operators—will have the opportunity to cast their votes. These voters are Gold Award holders between the ages of 18 and 28, representing diverse voices from across the Award family.
📅 The online election will take place from 10 to 20 April, during which each voter will be able to submit two votes for their region. This crucial step will determine the next International Youth Representatives who will serve as the voice of young people at the global governance level.
We aim to announce the new representatives of the 2025 – 2028 cohort early May.
For Those Selected as Final 5 Nominees….
Finalists will have the chance to campaign online until 9 April, sharing their vision and engaging with Award holders across their region.
Who Votes for the Final 5?
National Award Offices (NAOs) in over 125 countries will each submit five Gold Award holders (aged 18-28) to serve as official voters. These voters will elect the new cohort of International Youth Representatives, choosing who will represent their region at the International Council.

One of the biggest benefits is you not only get to know friends within your country, but you also you get to know new friends within your region and also all around the world.

Actively participating this role allowed me to develop my skills in terms of decision making, leadership and then creating a resolution out of it.