One goal. More than fifty countries. Hundreds of passionate people. And one shared mission: making young people world-ready. During the IGE & Forum 2025, leaders, mentors and young people from all corners of the world came together — including Atche and Philip from AwardNL.
For Philip, chair of our board, it was a goosebump moment:
“When Prince Edward entered and the entire room stood up, that’s when it really hit me how enormous and positive the global impact of this movement is.”
For Atche, once a participant himself and now part of the team:
“So many people with the same values, yet completely different backgrounds. It shows what we can achieve together.”
Both returned with valuable ideas that can be applied directly within AwardNL:
Financial sustainability, to keep building long-term quality for young people.
More collaboration and professionalisation, allowing knowledge and energy to spread like an oil stain.
Involving young people in decision-making — not just as participants, but as co-owners of the programme.
Philip is keen to move fast with new initiatives, including further developing the ORB and driving fundraising efforts.
Atche is focusing on building strategy and a solid financial structure. Both agree: this international experience has made AwardNL stronger, broader and more innovative.
“You gain more than you expect,” says Atche.
“International collaboration brings new perspectives, insights and understanding,” Philip adds.
And that is exactly what young people in the Netherlands need: experiences that broaden horizons and strengthen leadership.
Inspiring. Energy. Or better yet: Smart choice, serious fun!
