NGFP Young Voices Awards 2025
Applications for the Next Generation Foresight Practitioner - Young Voices (NGFP-YV) 2025 Awards aim to showcase the voices of youth 12-17 years of age. The first-place winner receives a USD $1000 prize to help realize their future-focused project and catapult their idea into action. Three others receive a USD $500 prize. Seventeen projects will be highlighted for the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
This year, we’re also excited to introduce a dedicated MENA Region category to recognize outstanding youth visionaries across the Middle East and North Africa.
We know that young people are doing great things to create a better future - and we would like to hear about them. Individual, partner and group project submissions are welcomed 12-17 years of age. We see this as the start of a conversation so we can learn, listen, and support them as they start or continue their foresight journey.
The qualities we are looking for are curiosity about the changing world and the people around them. There’s interest in translating future-focussed ideas into action in service to their community. Young Voices applicants have a willingness to become an ambassador for futures and for sustainability.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: July 31, 2025
To apply, individuals or teams (up to 5) are asked to:
Write a short essay (maximum 400 words) on how a current project or an intended project will consider the well-being of others and the future of the planet. Submissions can be in native language but please include an English translation.
Create and submit a short video (maximum 2m 30s) about what they would want to do with the Young Voices prize. The video is a pitch addressed to their community persuading them that this project or idea is good or even necessary and giving them reasons for supporting or joining it. Video can be in your native language but please include English subtitles. Please create new and original video and do not upload a news clipping or old video.
Indicate which of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) their idea would contribute to.
NEW this year MENA Region NGFP-YV Awards
This year, we’re excited to introduce a dedicated MENA Region category for the NGFP–Young Voices Awards. In partnership with the Dubai Future Foundation, we are proud to spotlight young visionaries from across the Middle East and North Africa.
*Eligibility: (a) Resident of a MENA country and/or (b) holds MENA nationality
*Please Note: MENA Region winners are not eligible to receive cash prize under this new category due to legal or financial compliance.
MENA youth participants will be eligible for both the global NGFP–Young Voices Awards and a special MENA-specific recognition category. Submissions from the MENA region will be reviewed by a regional judging panel. Recognized projects from the MENA region may be featured on our website and in our global communications in accordance with applicable U.S and international sanctions and compliance regulations. While all youth are encouraged to apply, participation and additional programming (such as mentorship or continued opportunities) will be limited in accordance with applicable U.S and international sanctions and compliance regulations.
Legal & Financial Compliance
Teach the Future and the Dubai Future Foundation fully comply with U.S. and international (including United Nations) sanctions laws. Youth from all countries are encouraged to apply, but due to these legal requirements:
We are unable to provide cash prizes—directly or indirectly—to participants residing in comprehensively sanctioned countries.
No goods, services, or benefits will be extended to individuals or entities in sanctioned jurisdictions unless explicitly authorized by law.
We appreciate your understanding as we uphold these standards while celebrating youth innovation globally.
Learn more about NGFP-YV Awards and its history here: https://www.teachthefuture.org/ngfp-yv-awards
Access answers to some of our Frequently Asked Questions here:
Join a Q&A Session
AI Policy & Usage for NGFP Young Voices Awards Submission
This policy encourages responsible AI use in the development of projects while ensuring that the creativity and authenticity of youth-driven ideas are respected. Our goal is to empower young voices in the futures field, encouraging them to innovate responsibly and thoughtfully.
Disclosure of AI Usage:
Applicants must disclose any use of AI tools in their project submissions, whether for research, content creation, or other aspects of the project.
Details of AI Tools:
The disclosure should specify the AI tools used and describe their role in the project. This includes how AI contributed to the project, whether it was used for brainstorming, organizing ideas, or analyzing data, for example.
Explanation of AI Methods:
Applicants should be prepared to explain their approach to using AI, including how data was used and the methods employed in their project. This will help ensure transparency and clarity in how AI supports their work.
Balance with Human Creativity:
The extent of AI usage will not affect the evaluation of your submission as long as the project reflects the applicant’s own ideas, creativity, and vision. We value the balance between AI tools and human input to ensure that each submission showcases original thought and meaningful engagement with futures thinking.
Access answers to some of our Frequently Asked Questions here:
Learn more about past winners here: 2024 2023
Donate today and support one of our youth projects: https://www.teachthefuture.org/fundraising
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