The Lens

QS ImpACT’s winner for ‘Regeneration Advocate of the Year’ is Esther from Nigeria. In Nigeria, the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime revealed alarming statistics: 14.4 percent (14.3 million) of people between 15 and 64 years old abuse drugs, with adolescents particularly vulnerable due to adventurous tendencies, peer influences and risk-taking behavior. This insight emerged from Esther’s recent involvement in a health promotion programme targeting secondary school students.

This programme was an educational and intervention initiative targeting substance abuse among adolescents in Nigeria's southwest region. It aimed to raise awareness, modify behaviors and reduce the prevalence of drug use among secondary school students. Key elements included educating students about the risks of drugs, fostering supportive environments that promote healthy alternatives and equipping them with life skills to resist peer pressure and make informed choices. The programme also involved pre- and post-assessment questionnaires and IBM SPSS analysis to gauge its impact, revealing that 28 percent of students had been exposed to illicit drugs. This finding underscored the urgency of the issue and the significance of the initiative, which involved active student participation, resulting in a noticeable shift in understanding and attitudes towards drug use. The initiative highlighted the critical role of educators, parents, and the community in creating safe spaces for discussions and advocating for robust policies and educational programs to address substance abuse.

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.