The Changemakers are a select group of young people aged from 16 to 19 from diverse backgrounds, who have demonstrated a significant track record of achievement in their local communities through social entrepreneurship, community activism, and volunteer work. They are part of a global network where they share knowledge, ideas and best practices, and they work individually and together on projects that directly impact the lives of those in their local communities. Each year a select group of Changemakers is chosen to participate in high level political and economic events, to act as advocates and raise decision-makers’ awareness of key issues on the global agenda.

To be selected for the 5th Annual Global Youth Summit, individuals should:

•be committed to bringing about positive change in their communities

•have a significant track record of community activism, social entrepreneurship or volunteer work

•be between 16 and 19 years old in November 2010

•have a reasonably good command of English (the event will be held in English so participants will need to be able to fluently communicate with each other)

•be free to attend the Global Youth Summit in the UK from 21-27 November, as well as the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Switzerland in 26-30 January 2011, if selected.

The call for applications will go live on http://www.global-changemakers.net on Monday, 19 July, and will run until Friday, 6 August.

Sixty talented young social entrepreneurs and community activists will be chosen to attend and join the network.

Participants flights, accommodation, visas, meals and activities during the summit will be paid by the Global Changemakers Programme.

Please feel free to contact  Karlygash.tussupbekova@kz.britishcouncil.org; tel: 727 2720 207, 2506 649 if you need additional information.