On 20 November 2025, the Young Activists Summit (#YAS25) will honour five outstanding young people using technology to drive positive change. The event will take place at the European headquarters of the UN, in the recently renovated Assembly Hall of the historic Palais des Nations, in Geneva (Switzerland). The Summit will be webcast live and open to media participation.
A multimedia kit containing license-free b-roll footage of the activists and their work on the ground, video soundbites (in 16:9 and 9:16 formats), a video news release, photos and background information is available here. A video news release featuring highlights of the Summit will be uploaded after the event on 20 November, around 14:00 CET, via the same link. Upon request, the background information file is available in Hindi, Portuguese, Japanese, Arabic and French.
This year’s edition, themed “From Hashtag to Action,” highlights how young activists are using digital tools to amplify voices, mobilize communities, and deliver real-world impact - while also tackling risks such as disinformation, hate speech, and cyberbullying. From climate action to digital inclusion, these five activists (aged 17–27) are developing innovative solutions to ensure technology empowers rather than excludes.
- Aminata Savané, 25, Côte d’Ivoire – Digital Inclusion & Safety
- Dev Karan, 17, India – Water Conservation through Low-Cost Tech Solutions
- Marina El Khawand, 24, Lebanon – Digital Innovation for Accessible Healthcare
- Salvino Oliveira, 27, Brazil – Favela Youth Education & Access to Technology
- Rena Kawasaki, 20, Japan – Youth Participation & Digital Civic Engagement
More information is available in this multimedia kit.
The event will be moderated by Melati Wijsen (24, Indonesia). Founder of Bye Bye Plastic Bags and YOUTHTOPIA, Melati Wijsen has spoken on prestigious events including TED and the World Economic Forum, and has shared the stage with Barack Obama.
The five #YAS25 Laureates are available for online interviews immediately, and for in-person interviews in Geneva on 19 and 20 November.
The Summit will be webcast live on UN Web TV and the Young Activists Summit website, with live interpretation in English, Hindi, Portuguese, Arabic, French and Japanese.
To attend the Summit in person, media representatives are required to register here, unless they hold valid UNOG-issued media credentials.
Media requests: [email protected]
More information: www.youngactivistssummit.org
The Summit is organized by the United Nations Office at Geneva, the NGO dev.tv, Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS), and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies.
