The 2013 Laureate Global Fellows are catalysts of change, transforming visionary ideas into lasting results that benefit their communities and nations. These 20 outstanding young social entrepreneurs from 18 countries are reinventing how their societies address critical issues from air pollution to education, transportation to healthcare delivery. Among their innovations, the 2013 Laureate Fellows are developing rooftop aeroponic gardens in urban areas, empowering marginalized women and girls through the martial arts, and harnessing the power of technology to facilitate ride-sharing, disease prevention, and policy advocacy.
“I am honored to welcome the 2013 Laureate Global Fellows into IYF’s YouthActionNet community of more than 740 young change-makers in 70-plus countries,” said William S. Reese, President and CEO of the International Youth Foundation (IYF). “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with the Sylvan/Laureate Foundation to support the innovative efforts of these young founders and CEOs, who have much to learn and share with their peers leading change across the globe.”
“Congratulations to the 2013 Laureate Global Fellows, who are pioneering solutions to critical challenges facing their local and global communities,” said Douglas L. Becker, Chairman and CEO of Laureate Education, Inc. “Distinguished by their commitment to excellence and civic leadership, these young leaders are here for good and we are proud to support them.”
As part of the yearlong Fellowship experience, the Laureate Global Fellows benefit from leadership training, advocacy, and networking opportunities. From October 4-11, each willparticipate in a retreat in São Paulo, Brazil, where they will be honored at an awards ceremony and interact with students and faculty at Universidade Anhembi Morumbi, a member of the Laureate International Universities network and YouthActionNet’s partner in Brazil.
Other Laureate Universities that have established local YouthActionNet institutes include:Universidade Potiguar (Brazil), Universidad Andrés Bello (Chile), Universidad Peruana deCiencias Aplicadas (Peru), Universidad Latina (Costa Rica), Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana (Honduras), Universidad del Valle de México (Mexico), Istanbul BilgiUniversity (Turkey) and Universidad Europea (Spain).
By 2015, YouthActionNet expects to support more than 1,500 youth-led initiatives whose work will benefit more than two million people annually.