The Lens

The winner for ‘Top Photograph of the Year’ is Ismaila Damilare from Nigeria. As a student at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Ismaila enthusiastically participated in the Science Festival organized by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) at the Wuhan Botanical Garden CAS (Moshan Park) as a committed volunteer. This remarkable event was skillfully coordinated by the Wuhan Branch of CAS. Throughout the immersive workshop sessions, they demonstrated exceptional dedication by fulfilling various responsibilities.

These included providing assistance to participants during the microscope observation segment and facilitating the palm fungus cultivation experiment. Not content with merely executing their duties, Ismaila seized the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of the Chinese language, utilizing the event as a valuable learning platform.

Furthermore, beyond their volunteer duties, the event offered him a chance to immerse themselves in a celebration of cultural diversity. It provided a rich tapestry of experiences, allowing them to appreciate and embrace different cultures while contributing to the scientific discourse and community engagement at the festival.

QS ImpACT is a UNEP accredited global charity registered in the UK and Whales. Our global community of young leaders grow and earn recognition for their positive impact on society. We connect universities, organisations and communities worldwide to develop young talent to lead through impact for a regenerative future. We recognise young people with certificates, badges, scholarships and awards. Last year, we impact over 112,000 people across 87 countries with over 2,100 community members and 50 Youth Ambassadors.

The culmination of the 2023 calendar year at QS ImpACT was marked by the prestigious QS ImpACT Awards, serving as our organisation's flagship event. The overarching theme and mission of the awards were centred around the celebration of global regeneration.

It featured influential speeches and engaging discussions, showcasing the participation of distinguished leaders from the United Nations, Forbes 30 Under 30 and renowned global universities. A remarkable lineup of over 15 speakers and 16 judges contributed to the event's success, adding depth and value to the mission. The primary objective of the awards was to acknowledge and honour exceptional youth leaders spanning the globe, recognising their remarkable contributions to community regeneration and transformation. After a rigorous evaluation, 45 finalists emerged from 18 different countries, with 8 emerging as winners.

Critical to the success of the event were the collaborative efforts with 15 impact partners, who played a pivotal role in supporting and enriching the journey towards creating a truly impactful and successful awards ceremony. The QS ImpACT Awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also fostered a collective spirit of regeneration.