Governments have tremendous power to empower and support young people, inspiring them to become the next generation of leaders. Initiated in 2019 in collaboration with the former First Lady of Colombia, the National Prizes are a series of public-private partnerships to provide opportunities to young leaders to represent their countries at One Young World Summits. These prizes also co-create development opportunities with One Young World to encourage impact and actions.
Government of Ecuador
For 2023, One Young World has collaborated with the First Lady of Ecuador, María De Lourdes Alcivar De Lasso (along with Ecuador Un Solo Corazon, Vivo Joven and Fundación Resurgere) to launch the "Premio Nacional Jóvenes Unidos en Acción 2023" (the Youth United in Action National Prize). The prize recognises young Ecuadorian leaders between the ages of 18 and 35.
It was awarded to outstanding young leaders from all of Ecuador's 24 provinces, who demonstrate ethical leadership skills and positive impact in several areas, including Mental Health, Climate Change (care of the oceans and the Amazon), Defending the rights of Women and Migration.
Young people from all ethnic groups in Ecuador (mestizos, Afro-Ecuadorians, indigenous, Montubios or others) were encouraged to apply for the National Youth United in Action National Prize.
Government of Colombia
María Juliana Ruiz, believes strongly in the value of partnerships to grow young talent. Her speech at One Young World 2019 focuses on this belief, and the ways in which this has positively impacted young talent from Colombia.
The former First Lady formed a delegation of Colombia's brightest and most talented, and created the 'National Award for Young Talent' to promote young talent in every corner of the country. The delegation was formed in partnership with One Young World.
Government of Namibia
The The First Lady of Namibia intends to amplify the voices of youth who are leading social, technological, cultural, and entrepreneurial initiatives in improving youth access to critical SRHR and SGBV services, education, and strengthening resilience. She believes Namibian youth have the potential to transform their country.
The First Lady has launched in partnership with One Young World the #BeFree National Prize 2022, where Namibian young leaders have the opportunity to promote their initiatives and share them worldwide.
Government of Paraguay
For 2022, One Young World has collaborated with the First Lady of Paraguay, Silvana Abdo, to launch the Young Mbarete National Pize. The prize has recognised young Paraguayan leaders between the ages of 18 and 30, who lead social, technological, cultural and entrepreneurial initiatives focused on women's empowerment, innovation, entrepreneurship, environmental initiatives and social volunteering.
The First Lady of Paraguay, in collaboration with the Secretariat for Youth of Paraguay, has sponsored five (5) young leaders from Paraguay to attend the One Young World Summit in Manchester, UK and become part of the One Young World global community.
Government of Dominican Republic
One Young World has partnered with the Government of the Dominican Republic and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and SMEs (MICM in Spanish) to provide scholarships for young leaders living in the Dominican Republic. In 2022, One Young World launched the Beca Joven Naranja for young people in the country working in cultural or creative industries (Orange Economy). Over 280 people applied for the scholarship and 2 outstanding young leaders from the Dominican Republic attended the 2022 Manchester Summit and have become part of our global community.
Working with First Spouses
Former First Lady of Belize
How is Belize navigating Covid-19 and its effects? The First Lady of Belize, Kim Simplis Barrow, gives us insight into what the country has done to mitigate the effects of the pandemic and where the country is headed.
Former First Lady of Costa Rica
Last year, Costa Rica announced a plan to become the world's first decarbonised country. The First Lady of Costa Rica, Claudia Dobles Camargo discusses what it means to truly invest in a resilient economy and what young people can do - regardless of where they are- to be greener.
Former First Lady of Colombia
How has the First Lady of Colombia brought the public and private sectors together to leverage positive change? María Juliana Ruiz tells us about her work in Colombia and the focus she has put on young people.