Global Changemakers - Intercultural Dialogue

Global Changemakers meeting UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Mexican President Felipe Calderón at the G20 Summit. Image Credit: Christopher Tribble // www.ctribble.co.uk.

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	Global Changemakers

Since 2007, the Global Changemakers project has created a global network that provides opportunities for young people to share experiences and make practical and visible differences in their communities, countries and regions.

The British Council, in partnership with the World Economic Forum and other international forums such as the UN, supports this network of young activists and social entrepreneurs between the ages of 16 and 25, and develops them into Changemakers, ensuring that the youth voice is heard.

Our Changemakers work on projects across the globe. Check out how a few Changemakers are making a difference in their communities, then learn how to become a Global Changemaker yourself.

Inspiring Haitians through Music

Matheus Ortega, a 22 year-old musician from Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded the Haiti Music School in response to the devastating 2010 earthquake.

He said: "There are millions of idle people in the streets, afraid of earthquakes, in disbelief of an apathetic government, and dreaming somehow on a better future. Education has always been the path towards development, but the system in Haiti is inefficient for the great majority. But these people are specially gifted in craftsmanship, arts, and rhythm. If they are given a chance to develop their abilities, they will be a beacon of hope to other talented ambitious young Haitians that wish to achieve great dreams."

Building the Afghan Women's Basketball League

Maihan Wali, a 19-year old Kabul student, has developed a National Women’s Basketball league that now includes 400 young women from 24 schools throughout Kabul, Kandahar, Balkh, Heart and Samangan.

“The impact on their lives has been incredible; girls who previously didn’t have the courage to speak in front of their class have gained confidence and courage and are now out in their communities talking about the role of women in society,” Wali said. “One of the players is now a presenter on Afghan television while others have started health campaigns or are advocating for women’s rights.”

Developing Young Iraqi Musicians

Zuhal Sultan, an 18 year-old Iraqi, formed Iraq’s first-ever youth orchestra in order to bring together teens from different backgrounds across the country.

She ran a summer camp in August 2009 for Iraqi teenagers in the Kurdish city of Sulaimaniya, culminating in a concert that showcased the young musicians, many of them self-taught. Zuhal now lives with family in Glasgow, where she continues to run the National Youth Orchestra of Iraq from her laptop while pursuing her education in the UK.

Read more about Zuhal and the youth orchestra in Northern Iraq. You can also follow her on Twitter.

Questioning World Leaders

Global Changemaker Bongani Ncube-Zikhali was asked by the Director of the 2010 World Economic Forum Africa to sit on a panel with Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.

Read about Bongani’s experience in his blog post and watch the session on YouTube.