2025 QS ImpACT Award Winners

1. Sustainability Innovator Award – Chinu Kwatra (India):

Marine pollution along India’s coasts threatens public health, fisher livelihoods, and marine ecosystems. Chinu’s initiative responded by mobilising massive community action: conducting 250+ beach clean-ups, removing 4000+ kg of debris, and transforming the collected marine waste into 300+ school desks, garbage bags, and reusable materials. With 100,000+ volunteers engaged, Chinu built a dignified, circular system that empowered waste workers and protected coastal communities. Read more about Chinu's impact here.

SDGs Addressed: SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-Being), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

2. Woman SDG Leader Award – Nouran Farouk (Egypt):

Cairo’s air pollution and unsafe transport restrict the mobility of women and girls. Nouran’s initiative, Dosy Bikes, created a movement for women’s eco-mobility, leading 1200+ sustainable rides across Cairo and training 300+ women to ride scooters and bikes. By improving safety, reducing stigma, and promoting green jobs, the project advances gender equality and transforms access to clean, affordable transport. Read more about Nouran's impact here.

SDGs Addressed: SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), SDG 4 (Quality Education

3. Climate Education Youth Award – Rwanda Council, Kigali (Rwanda):

Faced with poor waste management and rising emissions in Kinyinya, Rwanda, this initiative led by Thomas trained 119 students (ages 7-20) in hands-on climate skills, from waste sorting and carbon footprint reduction to water conservation. The programme fostered behavioural change, strengthened environmental awareness, and empowered youth to take climate action at the community level. Read more about the Kigali Council's impact here.

SDGs Addressed: SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production

4. Community Health Youth Award – Marlen Ibragimov (Uzbekistan):

Communities around Muynak suffer severe health challenges due to toxic dust and limited medical care. Marlen’s initiative delivered free medical check-ups for 50+ residents and preventive health education for 70+ community members, bringing essential healthcare to a region long impacted by environmental degradation. Read more about Marlen's impact here.

SDGs Addressed: SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education)

5. Climate Education Organisation Award – Solve Education (Indonesia):

In Bandung’s flood-prone Citarum basin, marginalised groups — especially youth and people with disabilities — often lack access to green-skills education. Solve Education’s programme, Ecopower, changed that by training 18,000+ participants in circular economy, sustainability, and green micro-business development. Through mentoring, employment connections, and business planning, Ecopower created pathways to resilience and economic opportunity. Read more about Solve Education's impact here.

SDGs Addressed: SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action)

6. Community Health Organisation Award – Kehinde Awede (Nigeria):

Across several towns in Osun State, Nigeria, elderly people often lack access to timely medical care. Kehinde’s initiative reached 4000+ community members with free consultations, screenings, eye exams, reading glasses, hygiene kits, and awareness campaigns. The project encourages early health-seeking behaviours and strengthens community well-being across rural regions. Read more about Kehinde's impact here.

SDGs Addressed: SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth)

7. Plant for Tomorrow Award – Sivarasa Anusan (Sri Lanka):

Coastal degradation in Karainagar threatens fisheries and local livelihoods. Sivarasa’s Mangrove Restoration Project mobilised 65 community members to plant and protect mangroves while educating 250+ residents on the role of coastal ecosystems in climate resilience. The initiative promotes long-term environmental stewardship led by the community itself. Read more about Sivarasa's impact here.

SDGs Addressed: SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 13 (Climate Action)

8. Best Student SDG Award – Dalia Abdulkareem Shafiq Al-Obaidi (Malaysia):

Facing unreliable water access and limited livelihood opportunities, rural communities in Sabah partnered with Dalia and her team at Taylor’s University to install Gravity Water Systems and Rainwater Harvesting Systems. The project, supported by Yayasan PETRONAS and local partners, empowered 250 villagers to access clean water, start community gardens, and generate income through sustainable farming. Read more about Dalia's impact here.

SDGs Addressed: SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation), SDG 13( Climate Action), SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)

9. Plastic-Free Future Award – Isaac Arthur (Ghana):

Plastic waste along Winneba’s coastline damages marine life and threatens local fishing economies. Isaac led a community clean-up with 50+ volunteers, removing 20+ bags of plastic waste and raising awareness on sustainable waste disposal. The initiative strengthened community responsibility and protected vulnerable coastal ecosystems. Read more about Isaac's impact here.

SDGs Addressed: SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation), SDG 14 (Life Below Water)

Celebrating Youth Leadership for a Sustainable Future

This year’s QS ImpACT Award winners demonstrate how youth-led solutions are transforming communities across continents — from healthcare and mobility to climate resilience, education, and ecosystem restoration.

Applications for the QS ImpACT Awards 2026 open in January 2026!

Submit your project, showcase your impact, and stand a chance to win an award along with seed funding to grow your initiative. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the next wave of young changemakers shaping a more sustainable and equitable world.