The Changemakers Program is back for its second edition! And the new cohort has already been selected. This year, inspiring young leaders from Kenya, Madagascar, and Peru will join the program, which was co-created by the Wyss Academy for Nature, Goodwall, Emzingo, and the Changemakers Program Alumni, to support youth in shaping a more just and sustainable future. 

With an expanded vision for 2025, the program continues its mission to equip participants with the skills, networks, and tools to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.

A Collaborative Effort for Global Change

The Changemakers Program exemplifies the power of partnership in addressing complex environmental and social challenges. The Wyss Academy for Nature brings its expertise in transforming scientific knowledge into actionable solutions, Goodwall offers a global platform connecting over 2 million youth, and Emzingo provides leadership development grounded in social impact. 

Program Overview

The 2025 edition of the Changemakers Program is a six-month journey designed to:​

1. Develop leadership skills: Through workshops, mentorship, and practical experiences, participants will enhance their abilities to lead initiatives that promote sustainability and social equity.​

2. Foster policy engagement: The program introduces a new focus on policy advocacy, enabling participants to understand policy processes relevant to their projects.

3. Advance project implementation: Participants will receive guidance and support to work on their impact projects, with an emphasis on scalability and sustainability.​

4. Promote cross-cultural exchange: By bringing together youth from diverse backgrounds, the program facilitates mutual learning and the sharing of perspectives on global challenges.

To achieve this, the program offers a curriculum structured across several learning formats. Participants will engage in a six-month experience combining real-time, instructor-led workshops featuring experts and partners, covering leadership development, project design, policy advocacy, and entrepreneurial thinking. The program will take place through digital content modules that allow participants to apply knowledge flexibly, complementing live interactions. Small-group coaching sessions will take place to refine projects and enhance leadership capabilities, with the support of one-on-one guidance from experienced mentors to provide strategic advice throughout the Changemaker journey. Moreover, the Changemakers Program will offer:

• Feedback and co-creation sessions: Dedicated opportunities for participants to present their ideas, receive feedback from peers and facilitators, and collaboratively improve their initiatives.

• Final summit: A culminating event where all participants will convene in Peru to showcase their learnings, celebrate milestones, and connect with the broader Wyss Academy ecosystem.

Welcoming the 2025 Cohort

The 2025 Changemakers journey began with a series of welcome sessions held in Kenya, Madagascar, and Peru. Participants from Kenya gathered at the IMPACT Kenya offices for a day of introductions, traditional blessings, inspirational talks, and collaborative discussions. In Peru, the session was led by Nature Explorers, where the cohort was welcomed at the Wyss Academy office in Puerto Maldonado. They engaged in creative activities like the Manos a la Arcilla exercise, connected with program partners, and explored the core pillars of the program through an interactive agenda. Meanwhile, in Madagascar, Youth First coordinated a week-long immersion in Maroantsetra, combining workshops, field visits, team-building activities, and reflective "Time-in" sessions to foster community bonds and deepen participants’ understanding of the program's mission. Across all locations, the welcome activities emphasized cultural exchange, leadership inspiration, and building a strong foundation for collaboration, setting a vibrant and motivated tone for the upcoming program.

Looking ahead 

Beyond the core program, participants will have the chance to further deepen their impact and skills through tailored opportunities, such as Aiducation International in Kenya. These include the Jumpstart Academy, which focuses on developing entrepreneurial thinking and practical business skills, and the Impact Stories Masterclass, a space dedicated to mentoring and skill-building focused on storytelling and filmmaking techniques, empowering participants to effectively communicate their work and inspire others. 

By fostering leadership, encouraging innovation, and promoting collaboration, the program aims to create lasting impacts that transcend borders. Stay tuned for more updates!