– In turbulent times, it is incredibly hopeful to celebrate young people from across the globe who act with courage and initiative to make a real difference. Their efforts are not only inspiring – they remind us that everyone can contribute, in big or small ways, to a more democratic world where human rights are at the forefront,” says Anna Urombi, Secretary General of Raoul Wallenberg Academy.
The winners have been selected through nominations from the public, schools, and embassies in eleven countries: Sweden, Australia, Greece, Canada, Monaco, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Serbia, Tanzania, and Hungary.
– At a time when authoritarian and anti-democratic forces are gaining ground, the Young Courage Award serves as a powerful reminder of everyone’s ability to make a difference. The fact that we are honoring almost twice as many countries this year gives hope and shows that civil courage resonates globally,” says Madeleine Sjöstedt, Director-General of the Swedish Institute.
Ceremony and Program in Stockholm
All 13 winners have been invited to Stockholm to receive their awards during the official award ceremony on Raoul Wallenberg Day, Wednesday, August 27, from 16:00–17:15, when the Raoul Wallenberg Prize will also be presented. Last year’s winners received the Young Courage Award from H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria on stage.
During their stay in Sweden, August 25–28, the awardees will also take part in the “In Raoul’s Footsteps” program in Stockholm. The agenda includes, among other things, a meeting with Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Maria Malmer Stenergard.
Awardees of 2025 (in no particular order)
Filip Lange, 20 years old from Sweden, has publicly shared his experience of surviving abuse and founded the organization Children with Love, supporting hundreds of young people with similar backgrounds. Filip inspires hope and breaks the silence around taboo subjects.
Suheyla Erzurum, 19 years old from Sweden, co-founded the movement Let Art Speak with a friend – a safe space for girls in a suburban area of Stockholm that aims to provide free access to art regardless of financial circumstances. Suheyla uses art to help young girls explore identity, mental health, and empowerment.
Violet FitzSimons, 17 from Australia, founded Grow Your Voice – a nonprofit that helps children around the world gain confidence through public speaking. Her work removes financial and social barriers so that young people can express themselves and have their voices heard.
Leah Freedhoff, 18 years old from Canada, has become a strong voice against antisemitism in Ottawa. Through her work, she helps Jewish students feel seen, safe, and supported.
Cleo Sarafidi, 16 from Greece, volunteers with MisiĂłn Anthropos, which organizes weekly online activities for seniors in care homes. By leading virtual sessions, Cleo helps reduce loneliness and encourages meaningful connections.
Barnabás Nagy, 19 years old from Hungary, co-founded the country’s largest student-led organization. Barnabás fights for better education and student rights, despite political resistance.
Arina Vladimirova and Raphaël Bret, both 18 years old from Monaco, spark conversations about gender equality and democracy. They empower students by selling baked goods and organizing public speaking events.
Lola Fisher, 17 years old from New Zealand, leads Create Happy Media, the country’s largest youth-led media platform, which has published over 350 articles by more than 90 writers. Lola works with leading organizations to push for inclusive policies.
Eivind Maurstad Husom, 18 years old from Norway, is a driving force against the closure of rural schools. As president of his student council, he has led protests, and influenced political dialogue to protect education for all.
Tomasz Biera, 17 years old from Poland, has been a dedicated volunteer since childhood, supporting education and organizing fundraisers for healthcare and humanitarian aid. He now represents young people in the Warsaw Youth Council.
Teodora Sabljov, 19 years old from Serbia, acted bravely when she stepped in front of a car attempting to drive through a group of students and teachers during a protest.
Miriam Daniel Shangali, 18 years old from Tanzania, launched a project for sustainable cloth pads to fight menstrual stigma. Miriam has trained others in how to make reusable pads and helps ensure that girls can attend school during their periods.
About Young Courage Award
Young Courage Award is an international prize recognizing young people aged 13 to 20 who, like Raoul Wallenberg, dare to stand up for others and make a real difference. Wallenberg is known for his courage and actions during World War II, and this award shows that young people can also be role models and act for a more humane world – both on small and large scales.
The award was established in 2015 by the Raoul Wallenberg Academy and has been awarded since 2021 in collaboration with the Swedish Institute and Sweden’s embassies.
Read more about the award here