About the Program
WFUNA supports and encourages youth engagement and participation through our UNAs as well as through the broader WFUNA Youth Network. By recognizing a Young Leader of the Year, WFUNA aims to find, select, and share the achievements of an exceptional young person to a wider audience and highlight their contributions to our organization, their commitment to uphold UN values, and to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The WFUNA Young Leader of the Year serves as a way to share youth-led initiatives as well as to inspire other young people with the desire to become involved in local and global issues. Each year, a theme is chosen to categorize the achievements of the Young Leader of the Year, through which WFUNA calls for nominations of young people working in that theme. Past themes include SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 4: Quality Education. In 2020, the theme was centered on upholding UN values and contributing to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of marking the 75th anniversary of the UN. Similarly in 2021, the theme was centered around the candidate’s active participation in efforts to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and finding creative and innovative solutions to continue implementing youth programs amidst challenges posed by COVID-19.
- Highlight youth-led initiatives
- Spotlight commitment to UN values
- Celebrate SDG implementation
Candidates
Past Winners
Candidates include youth aged 15-29 from UNAs and UNYAs around the world. In order to select the Young Leader of the Year, WFUNA interviews candidates nominated by UNAs and selects one. This final candidate’s profile is featured on the WFUNA main website for one month, has a designated area on the WFUNA Youth Network web page, and is posted on our social media platforms.
Maisy Bentley, UNA-New Zealand
Young Leader of the Year 2021
Maisy was awarded Young Leader of the Year through being recognized for her outstanding contributions to her UNA, particularly in responding to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. She also was named a Thomson Reuters Top Student in Contract Law, and earned the title of Most Inspirational Young Person of the Year. Having served as the Executive Officer of UNA-NZ for three years, she utilized her legal and academic skills to advocate for women’s rights, engaged in global policy-making at the UN in New York, and contributed to academic research and publications. Maisy actively shared her wealth of knowledge and experience through speeches at conferences, schools, charity events, guest lectures, and corporate engagements.
Kristi Cina, UNA-Albania
Young Leader of the Year 2020
As the President of the United Nations Association of Albania, Kristi earned the Young Leader of the Year award for his exceptional contributions during the UN’s 75th Anniversary. He actively engaged in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, finding innovative solutions to sustain youth programs amidst challenges. Kristi played a crucial role in promoting the UN’s 75th anniversary among Albanian youth, collaborating with the UN Country Team in Albania. Through various initiatives, including increased participation in the UN75 survey, virtual Coffee Talks, and informative Vlogs, Kristi effectively raised awareness and fostered dialogue on important global issues.
Heidi Saarinen, UNYA-Finland
Young Leader of the Year 2019
Heidi, as President of UNA-Finland, was recognized for her role in advancing SDG 4 on Quality Education. Her efforts focused on fostering a culture of peace and non-violence, particularly through initiatives promoting sustainable development, gender equality education, and global citizenship. Notably, Heidi organized Finland’s inaugural Youth Peace Week, reaching hundreds of young participants and inspiring collaborative efforts for a more peaceful future. Heidi led the workshop “Youth for Youth: 2250 in Action,” empowering international young peacemakers with skills for sustainable development. Through outreach, she demonstrated that young individuals, especially women, can aspire to be influential leaders and role models, inspiring others to pursue their dreams.
Andrea Calzada, UNA-Mexico
Young Leader of the Year 2018
Andrea worked for UNA-Mexico and coordinated implementation of the Community Sports project which focuses on playing sports and integrating knowledge on the SDGs. She created her own NGO called the Rosa Zacatecas Ball Project, which promotes sport practice as a way for personal development of Zacatecas women. She was also recognized nationally by the Government of Zacatecas with the Life Stories of Zacatecan Women award.