A global platform that empowers and supports young change-makers defending human rights and/or protecting the environment, the YAS honours five laureates at a series of events in Geneva. This year’s laureates are Aminata Savané, Dev Karan, Marina El Khawand, Salvino Oliveira, and Rena Kawasaki.
Since the creation of the YAS, the Institute has been a proud partner of this initiative celebrating young changemakers from across the globe. This long-standing collaboration reflects the Institute’s commitment to fostering responsible leadership and inspiring the next generation of global actors.
The screening of Blue Carbon was followed by an engaging panel discussion with three of the 2025 YAS laureates: Marina El Khawand, Rena Kawasaki, and Dev Karan. Moderating the evening, Ioana Popp, Managing Director of the Hoffmann Centre for Global Sustainability, thanked the laureates for “sharing a clear, grounded vision for how change can happen: through practical solutions, initiative and perseverance. Their work is a reminder that meaningful progress often starts with quiet, determined action.”
For Léna Rieder-Menge, Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Public Relations, giving visibility to these young leaders is important: “By showcasing their remarkable work, we offer our students tangible examples of impact, innovation and courage at a time when global challenges demand bold ideas and renewed determination. Their stories resonate strongly with our community and show how personal conviction, creativity and sustained engagement can drive meaningful change.”
This year, many students from the Institute attended the Summit at the United Nations Office at Geneva, engaging directly with the laureates and gaining valuable insights into youth-driven action around the world.
Building on this partnership, the Institute is also organising an Applied Research Project (ARP) through its interdisciplinary International and Development Studies programme (MINT) this academic year in collaboration with the YAS. This initiative will give students the opportunity to work closely with the Summit team and contribute to projects that bridge academic expertise with real-world impact.
During their stay in Geneva, the YAS laureates also participated in workshops at the Maison de la paix, further enriching the Institute’s culture of dialogue and co-creation.
As the Geneva Graduate Institute prepares for its centenary in 2027, its partnership with the Young Activists Summit continues to exemplify one of its core priorities: empowering promising young leaders, amplifying diverse voices, and cultivating an engaged academic community that contributes thoughtfully and energetically to global change.
