The AFS Prize for Young Global Citizens will recognize one young person for their commitment to improving the global community and whose actions contribute to a more just, peaceful, and tolerant world.
The Prize will be awarded to an individual who:
In 2015, world leaders agreed to 17 goals for a better world by 2030. These United Nations Sustainable Development Goals have the power to end poverty, fight inequality and stop climate change. AFS knows that social, economic and other important issues today transcend national boundaries and cannot be resolved by any one group alone.
Alongside our other AFS Global Awards, this prize reaffirms AFS’s commitment to developing active global citizens from all backgrounds. To solve pressing 21st century challenges, AFS develops Active Global Citizens who take action to make a positive difference wherever they live, learn, work and volunteer.
This prize is made possible thanks to a generous AFS alumni donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
Using a selection rubric, AFS volunteers will shortlist the qualified applications to a pool of 10 finalists to share with a distinguished international Selection Jury. The Jury will provide inputs, making its top 3 recommendations so that the prize goes to the first choice and is announced during the virtual 2020 AFS Global Conference.
Distinguished international Selection Jury members are:
Director of Education and Skills at Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Medical Doctor working with COVID-19 patients, AFS Alumna
President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at AFS Intercultural Programs
Adviser, BP
Co-founder of Get Up And Go Colombia, and Winner 2019 AFS Prize for Young Global Citizen
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Soronko Solutions
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Teach For All
Luisa Fernanda Romero Munoz, co-founder of Get Up And Go Colombia, won the first-ever AFS Prize for Young Global Citizens in 2019 for advancing peacebuilding in her home country by converting former Colombian armed conflict zones into cultural tourism destinations. This work directly addresses UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG #1: No Poverty. Get Up And Go Colombia has impacted more than 20,000 people by helping residents develop transferable employment skills by learning English and working as tour guides, and supporting local businesses. Get Up and Go Columbia partners with government agencies reintegrating former combatants and providing support services for victims of the armed conflict.
AFS study abroad, learning journeys, volunteer and social impact programs empower young people with essential skills to become active global citizens.
AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.
