Renowned zoologist and primatologist Jane Goodall once beautifully said, “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” These days, we are  confronted with daunting challenges — climate change, gender inequality, food insecurity, and limited access to healthcare — that make it easy to feel small in the face of such overwhelming adversity. Yet, with all these struggles, a wave of individuals are rising with determination, fearlessly driving bold action and fostering groundbreaking innovation. Standing beside them are exceptional individuals whose selfless efforts are not only transforming lives but also igniting a powerful movement towards a more sustainable and hopeful future.

This year, Global Citizen is honored to unveil the recipients of the prestigious 2025 Global Citizen Prizeand Cisco Youth Leadership Award, celebrating individuals and organizations committed to tackling global issues head-on. These awards recognize unsung heroes who are driving meaningful change toward achieving the United Nations’ Global Goals.

At  Global Citizen NOW on April 30 at Spring Studios in New York, we will celebrate the remarkable leaders who have made a lasting difference in their communities. With the generous support of global partners like Cisco, Verizon, Authentic Brands Group, Delta, PayPal, P&G, and Bridgewater, this year’s Global Citizen Prize awardees will be honored not just for their achievements, but for the transformative impact they continue to have. In addition to the recognition, they will receive a year-long program of support from Global Citizen, along with a donation to their organization or social enterprise, giving them the resources to keep driving change and inspiring others.

Get to know more about our 2025 prize winners who are consistently igniting hope for a brighter future for all.

Cisco Youth Leadership Award winner: Esther Kimani, Farmer Lifeline Technologies in Kenya. Image: John Kunga for Global Citizen

Cisco Youth Leadership Award: Esther Kimani,Farmer Lifeline Technologies
The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award honors an individual between the ages of 18-30 who has contributed meaningfully to global problem-solving. They walk away with a generous prize of $250 000 towards their work on the ground. This year’s winner, Esther Kimani, is a Kenyan innovator revolutionizing the agricultural landscape through AI-driven solutions. She is fiercely committed to eradicating hunger and poverty by empowering smallholder farmers with tools to protect their crops and increase their income. Kimani’s vision prioritizes women farmers, ensuring they thrive in an unpredictable climate. Recognized globally for her work, including the UN FAO Achievement Award and the Waislitz Global Citizen Disruptor Award, she continues to lead the charge for a sustainable, prosperous future for rural communities through her dedication to improving the livelihoods of farmers.

Global Citizen Prize Award: Valeriia Rachynska, 100% Life in Ukraine. Image: Kieran Doherty for Global Citizen

Global Citizen Prize Award, Ukraine: Valeriia Rachynska, 100% Life
Valeriia Rachynska is a passionate champion for human rights, leading efforts to protect vulnerable communities in Ukraine. She has dedicated her career to supporting HIV-affected populations and advocating for decriminalizing sex work and HIV transmission, the introduction of civil partnerships, and access to HIV treatment in her country and globally. Rachynska’s leadership during the war has supported over a million Ukrainians, all while driving legal reforms and promoting civil rights. Honored with the World Without AIDS Award, Rachynska's unwavering commitment to justice, health, and equality continues to have a profound impact globally.

Global Citizen Prize Award: Taily Terena, Institute of Indigenous Memory and Science in Brazil. Image: Homero Flavio for Global Citizen

Global Citizen Prize Award, Brazil: Taily Terena, Institute of Indigenous Memory and Science
Taily Terena, an Indigenous woman from the Terena Nation, has dedicated her life to amplifying Indigenous voices and their participation in the fight for climate, land, and Indigenous Peoples’ rights. With 15 years of tireless advocacy, she represents her People in global forums like the UN Climate Change Convention. Terena is passionate about upholding and safeguarding Indigenous cultures and knowledge systems while empowering youth and women to lead the fight against climate change. Her work strives to support her People against the impacts of colonization and climate crisis, ensuring that future generations carry forward their ancestral wisdom and resilience.

Global Citizen Prize Award: Omowumi Ogunrotimi, Gender Mobile Initiative in Nigeria. Image: Jasmin Shah for Global Citizen

Global Citizen Prize Award, Nigeria: Omowumi Ogunrotimi, Gender Mobile Initiative
Omowumi Ogunrotimi, a fearless feminist lawyer and founder of the Gender Mobile Initiative, is transforming Nigeria’s fight against gender-based violence. With over 10 years of advocacy, she has championed the adoption of sexual violence policies in 22 states and over 150 universities. Ogunrotimi’s leadership helped pass the Sexual Harassment Bill in Tertiary institutions at the Federal House of Representatives. As an Ashoka Fellow and award recipient, she remains dedicated to eradicating gender inequality, passionately driving legal reforms, and empowering communities to demand justice and change.

Global Citizen Prize Award: Lydia Kekeli Amenyaglo, Ghana Food Movement. Image: Supplied

Global Citizen Prize Award, Ghana: Lydia Kekeli Amenyaglo, Ghana Food Movement
Lydia Kekeli Amenyaglo is a creative force at the crossroads of food, culture, and design. As Creative Director of Ghana Food Movement, she’s shaping Ghana’s food future through bold campaigns, community-driven projects, and a thriving food education hub. Her “Buy Ghana, Build Ghana” initiative fosters pride in local ingredients and an abundance mindset. She also founded plentyplenty.africa, a regenerative cocoa farm and creative studio reclaiming cocoa for Ghanaians. Committed to transforming African food narratives, she’s here to empower the next generation and make Ghana’s food culture bold, beautiful, and globally celebrated.

A Celebration of Change and Impact
These winners exemplify the power of innovation, advocacy, and grassroots action in addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges. Through their dedication, they are shaping a future where justice, equity, and sustainability are within reach for all. As they take the stage at Global Citizen NOW, their stories serve as a powerful reminder that anyone, anywhere, can be a force for change.