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Devica Afsari Putri is a young leader driving positive social change. As a former AFS exchange student and active volunteer, she champions cross-cultural understanding and community engagement. Focusing on SDGs related to poverty, education, and inequality, she has spearheaded initiatives and holds an advanced certificate in Global Citizenship for Social Impact. Currently studying social innovation at Okayama University, Devica builds networks and collaborates with young leaders to effect change. Her vision includes establishing an organization to empower marginalized groups and enhance education access.
Kiran Raj is a 19-year-old youth activist from Pakistan dedicated to advancing gender equality, quality education, and climate action. As an alumna of the AFS Asia Kakehashi Japan Scholarship and former Impact Coordinator for the AFS GAIN Project, Kiran has been involved in various social initiatives. At 15, she founded IMPACTGEN, a youth-led initiative inspired by AFS Intercultural Programs, which has empowered over 500 girls in rural Pakistan to return to school. Kiran has also collaborated with organizations like GYBN, HANDS, and Youth for Human Rights, and represented Pakistan at the AFS Youth Assembly in New York. She aims to bridge global and local narratives, bringing transformative solutions to Pakistan’s youth while showcasing their resilience and potential.
Manisha Shrestha is a working professional, entrepreneur, and advocate for children’s creativity, education, and personal growth. As the project manager of Artudio’s Bal Kala Sangrahalaya (BKS) project in Nepal, she focuses on nurturing and celebrating the artistic talents of young minds. Her background in Business Analytics from Texas A&M University-Commerce allows her to bring a unique blend of analytical expertise and creative vision to her work in education and community development. As an entrepreneur, Manisha creates opportunities for children to explore their imagination and develop self-expression, sustainability, and inclusivity through art camps and workshops. Her work aligns with SDGs 3, 4, 5, and 10, aiming to foster emotional well-being, equitable education, and a more inclusive and sustainable future through art integration in early childhood development. In 2021, she delivered a TEDx talk on the transformative power of art in shaping young minds.
Tharusha Dilshan is a student and advocate for sustainable development, intercultural understanding, and youth empowerment. With a focus on SDGs related to climate action, life on land, and peace, Tharusha has facilitated international workshops promoting the SDGs and spearheaded the “Thuruthuru Mithuru” project, a community-based initiative focused on reforestation and waste management. As an AFS Youth Assembly Ambassador, Tharusha leverages skills in digital media, project management, and cross-cultural communication to inspire young people to shape a more sustainable future.
Un Wa Lok is a dedicated advocate for sustainable development through culture and education. After volunteering and training with UNESCO in Sub-Saharan Africa, she returned to Macao and became a certified SDG teacher, conducting workshops on international affairs and localizing SDGs. She currently manages the Chairman’s Office at CPTTM, supporting TVET, SMEs, and IT and creative industries. In 2019, she co-founded LECPA, an NGO promoting inclusivity through cultural education. Her work earned her a place in the UNESCO SDG4 Youth and Student Network and recognition as an Obama Leader for the Asia-Pacific region.
Yumi Parajuli is a change-maker fostering inclusive growth and empowerment through sustainable solutions. With experience volunteering for the United Nations, Yumi co-founded “Entreprenaari,” empowering South Asian women entrepreneurs in the U.S. The organization provides access to markets, mentorship, and resources, aligning with SDGs related to gender equality, economic growth, and innovation. As an Ambassador for the 30th AFS Youth Assembly, Yumi brings expertise in cross-cultural collaboration and entrepreneurship, committed to advancing gender equality, economic growth, and innovation for thriving communities.
Abdelrahman Hafrag is a Computer Engineering sophomore at Drexel University and a graduate of THINK Global School. He believes that quality education is key to solving humanity’s greatest challenges and has led educational initiatives in diverse communities. In Egypt, he delivered a STEM talk sponsored by Amideast and Boeing, introducing project-based learning to inspire students to use technology for real-world problem-solving. In South Korea, he led a drone programming course where students developed projects addressing important issues. Currently, he is pursuing a passion project supporting Egyptian youth in career career development through AI-driven personalization.
Emmanuel Amaechi is a technology specialist and researcher passionate about modernizing education and fostering sustainability. He manages innovative educational technologies at the Werklund School of Education, enhancing learning outcomes. As an advocate for SDGs, he co-founded Green Naze and Street2School, providing STEM education to underserved children in Nigeria. Emmanuel speaks at international forums, discussing education and sustainability, and believes in leveraging technology for positive social impact.
Kwamena Hammond is a Ghanaian youth ambassador, entrepreneur, and advocate for social change. He serves as the West Africa Regional Representative of Man Up Campaign, Inc., and holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. With experience in start-up management and community projects, Kwamena promotes youth entrepreneurship and sustainable practices. He has volunteered with AFS-IEP Ghana and GRIPE, focusing on plastic waste management and public awareness.
Leon K. Tuazama, Student Government Association President at Clayton State University, fosters leadership and inclusivity among students while advancing intercultural communication competence. His work aligns with SDGs related to quality education, gender equality, and climate action. He organizes events like the Voter Registration Combine to boost student involvement in democratic processes. His capstone project focuses on conflict resolution, equipping others with effective communication skills. A member of the United States Army Reserve, Leon is committed to creating positive change on campus and in the community.
Max Amanu is an economist and advocate for youth and education, dedicated to empowering young people worldwide to become active agents of change. His work focuses on enabling positive youth development and fostering international development through research, skills development, youth engagement, and project/program management. He is particularly passionate about empowering youth from low-income families through access to quality education and skills, aiming to reduce inequality, youth unemployment, and poverty. Max actively contributes to global youth issues through his involvement in various organizations, including the UNODC’s Integrity Youth Advisory Board, Chatham House’s Common Futures Conversations Community, and the Queens Commonwealth Trust Network. He is also a Research Fellow at the Regional Academy on the United Nations and Co-Chair for the TVET & Future-Proof Skills for Dignified Work thematic area working group of UNESCO’s SDG4 Youth & Student Network. As the Regional Director for Africa at the changing-lives organization in Switzerland, Max focuses on channeling financial resources from Europe to African youth-led organizations providing technical and vocational education and training.
Rosemary Moyo is a Biomedical Engineering student and advocate for SDGs related to health and education. She founded Kudzidza Kuneutano, providing mentorship and STEM education to underserved communities in Zimbabwe. With experience as a nurse intern and analyst for a venture capital fund, she drives investments in healthcare and technology aligned with sustainability goals. Recognized as a Future African Ambassador, Rosemary creates impactful solutions for a healthier, more equitable world.
Tisha | King Ondoua is a medical doctor pursuing a Masters of Public Health, dedicated to advancing equitable healthcare systems in sub-Saharan Africa. As a Research Associate at Amref Health Africa, Tisha contributes to public health initiatives focused on accelerating Universal Health Coverage, aligning with SDG 3. Her work encompasses evidence generation, policy advocacy, and capacity-building to strengthen healthcare systems and improve health outcomes. She also serves as the Organizing Secretary of the Gifting a Smile Foundation, a youth-led charity foundation in Kenya championing SDGs 1, 10, and 17 through mentorship and youth empowerment programs. Additionally, as an alumni executive member of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations, Tisha coordinated biannual health fairs in rural Grenada, contributing to SDG 3 by improving health literacy and preventative care.
Anne Joseph-Oyeleke is a geoscientist pursuing a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences, focusing on sedimentology, hydrogeology, and sustainable resource management. She has led field projects in Nigeria and the Norwegian North Sea, contributing to research on sustainable mining and water resource management. Her publications support SDGs related to clean water and sanitation and climate action. Anne mentors underrepresented groups in STEAM, engaging youth in science education and advocating for accessible education and career development. Her work is recognized through awards like the NSERC Doctoral Scholarship and Mitacs Invention to Innovation Scholarship.
Daniela Coll Ross is a Costa Rican youth activist and professional advocating for youth in Central America. She works at a law firm, advises the Costa Rican Congress, and founded the NGO Young Leaders Costa Rica. Daniela has developed regional projects through the 2030 Agenda, focusing on quality education, gender equality, and other SDGs. She is also president of a political youth movement and actively engages with communities.
Khaled Abdulwahed, a Syrian refugee turned Canadian citizen, is a dedicated community leader empowering refugees and advancing the UN SDGs. He has worked with Molham Volunteering Team, rising to Operations Manager in Lebanon and coordinating projects for Syrian refugees. Now, he leads initiatives in Canada, supporting refugee families and youth through Molham and SCF, and promoting interpersonal skills development through soccer programs.
Dana Al-Anzy is a specialist in multi-sector strategic partnership approaches with experience working for the Education Above All Foundation and UNHCR. She is a member of the first AFS Youth Assembly Advisory Council and has worked on sustainability projects related to education, refugee empowerment, and youth advocacy. Dana developed a tutoring program for refugee children and advocated for youth engagement policies at UN conferences. She has served as the Qatar Youth Assembly Ambassador since 2018, facilitating the nomination and training of over 60 Qatari Youth Delegates.
Layan Albraik is a Saudi Arabian medical student passionate about global health and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Her research highlights the role of young doctors in healthcare advocacy. Layan aims to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare worldwide and represent Saudi Arabia as a researcher and advocate in global health leadership.
Lulwa AlSada is a Bahraini youth activist and medical student passionate about sustainable development and human rights, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty). She has participated in the BH Model United Nations program, the Youth Summit, and the Bahrain Ambassadors program, gaining diplomatic skills and knowledge of regional issues. Lulwa believes in youth empowerment and aims to showcase Bahrain’s efforts in achieving SDGs.
