Are you a young leader dedicated to using technology for good? Do you dream of creating meaningful change to help end extreme poverty? The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award is now open for applications from Nov. 6, 2024, at 12pm ET to Dec. 18, 2024 at 8pm ET, offering a unique opportunity to amplify your impact. Established by Global Citizen and Cisco, this award celebrates exceptional young leaders aged 18 to 30 who use technology to tackle global challenges.
About the Award
The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award recognizes a young individual whose work significantly contributes toward ending extreme poverty. The winner, selected through a rigorous application process, will receive a $250,000 prize, paid directly to the organization they work with, to further support their initiatives and enhance their impact.
Never underestimate the power of youth. Young people have proven time and again that they are resilient, determined, and the driving force the world needs in the mission to end extreme poverty within our lifetime. Like past winners of this prize, they’ve shown up in numbers to call for climate policy change, defend communities against destructive inequalities, and inspire society to focus on what matters most.
As UNICEF Ambassador Millie Bobby Brown said, “Young people don’t want to be talked about. We want to do the talking.” The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award, launched by Cisco and Global Citizen in 2018, uplifts a young leader making a positive impact and demonstrates the crucial role youth play in achieving the United Nations’ Global Goals.
The 2024 winner, Ricardo Alba Torres, has already made a significant impact in his community before turning 30. Torres, a 29-year-old environmental engineer from Bogotá, Colombia, is the co-founder and CEO of Eko Group H2O+, a social enterprise addressing water scarcity through innovative technologies and recycled materials. Their flagship product, the Ekomuro water tank, emerged from a high school project and now serves 85,000 citizens across Latin America.
Torres emphasizes the importance of self-belief, a lesson learned from his entrepreneurial father: “Believe in yourself and be confident.” His journey began with environmental projects during childhood, leading him to study environmental engineering to enhance the impact of his work.
How Is the Winner Selected?
While the prize money is paid to the organization, applicants must apply as individuals. The 2025 Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award winner will be someone who has demonstrated measurable impact from their work over the last three to five years and who has advanced one or more of the UN’s Global Goals. Applicants are judged holistically by their application materials and supporting documents against five equally weighted criteria:
- Impact: Proven track record of measurable impact at scale over the last 3-5 years, advancing one or more of the Global Goals.
- Vision: Compelling vision and concrete plans for extending this work over the next 3-5 years, including how the prize will advance these efforts.
- Catalyst: Inspires other young people to make an impact toward achieving one or more of the Global Goals.
- Global Citizenship: Embodies the values and spirit of a Global Citizen and global problem solver.
- Technical Innovation: Use technology or internet-based communications to improve efficiency, expand reach, and magnify impact.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Between 18 and 30 at the time of application.
- Organization: Actively involved with an organization or initiative using technology to address poverty and social inequality issues.
- Purpose: Proven commitment to positively impacting economic development, health, education, or other efforts aligned with the UN Global Goals.
Application Process
Applying for the Cisco Youth Leadership Award is a step-by-step process designed to ensure each candidate’s story and impact shine through. Here’s what to expect:
1. About You: Provide basic personal and organizational information.
2. Your Pitch: Submit a 1-2 minute video explaining why you should be awarded the prize, detailing how your work supports one or more Global Goals.
3. Alignment with Judging Criteria: Outline how your work meets the judging criteria — impact, vision, catalyst, global citizenship, and technical innovation — by answering short questions about your work.
4. Organization Details: Include additional information about your organization, including proof of its registration.
Tips for a Strong Application
Increase your chances of being selected with these tips:
Show Impact: Use specific data to demonstrate the tangible difference your work has made. Highlight any measurable outcomes or success stories.
Tell Your Story: Authenticity matters. Share your journey, challenges, and what inspired you to take action.
Emphasize Technology’s Role: The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award focuses on tech-driven solutions. Clearly explain how technology is central to your approach.
Be Clear and Concise: While being thorough is essential, aim for clarity. Provide all necessary information without overwhelming the reader.
The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award is a unique opportunity to gain recognition, receive essential funding, and expand your impact on a global scale. Applications are only open briefly, so mark your calendar and start preparing your materials now!
Think you have what it takes? Apply today and follow Global Citizen on social media for updates. We look forward to seeing how you’re making the world a better place through the power of technology.