Social Action Award 2025

Global finalists

• Lancaster University; Commonwealth scholar

  Dr Adeniyan, founder of the Dentalcare Foundation and CEO of Smile Superheroes, is transforming oral healthcare access across Nigeria and beyond. Through free mobile clinics and solar-powered tele-dental kiosks, she brings vital dental services to remote communities. Her multilingual oral health storybook has reached over 60,000 children globally, and her animated YouTube videos continue to educate thousands more. By blending technology, healthcare, and education, Dr Adeniyan is reshaping public health systems and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

  Sub-Saharan Africa: Dr Adekemi Adeniyan (Nigeria)
• Northumbria University Newcastle

  Ali leverages educational technology to improve learning outcomes in conflict-affected areas. Through his work with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and British Council’s Connecting Classrooms Online programme, he created virtual classrooms that connect students in Gaza with peers around the world. By training hundreds of teachers in digital pedagogy, Ali has helped deliver quality remote education to over 10,000 students, supporting both academic progress and emotional wellbeing.

  Middle East and North Africa: Ali Zendah (Palestine)
• University of Leeds; Chevening scholar

  Bunthorn, Deputy Director-General for International Trade, has played a key role in securing tariff-free and low-tariff access for Cambodian agricultural and industrial products to international markets. He leads Cambodia’s efforts in trade negotiations, particularly in Woking Group of the ASEAN* Canada Free Trade Agreement, advocating for inclusive benefits for under-represented group, farmers, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), and informal economy workers. Additionally, he teaches trade laws and economic diplomacy, shaping future leaders in Cambodia’s trade and development sectors.    *Association of Southeast Asian Nations

  East Asia: Bunthorn Sok (Cambodia)
• University of Essex

  Ifigenia co-founded Genesis Hellas to provide vegan meals to homeless people in Athens promoting healthy, sustainable food options. Her work impacts over 2,000 beneficiaries annually, advocating for inclusive practices. In 2024, she launched volunteer workshops for school children, reaching 15,000 students to foster empathy and community service throughout Greece. Ifigenia aims to expand her advocacy for human rights and sustainable solutions to poverty and injustice, grounded in compassion and inclusivity. 

  Europe: Ifigenia Bakellas (Greece)
• Birkbeck, University of London; Chevening scholar

  Mónica works at the Presidential Agency for International Cooperation in Colombia. She fosters South-South Cooperation across Latin America and the Caribbean region, designing and coordinating projects bringing countries and institutions together to address shared development challenges. She oversees around 150 projects, working with over 100 institutions and impacting over 5,000 beneficiaries across the region. With a strong belief in the Global South's transformative power, Mónica focuses on addressing climate change, migration, and inequality through sustainable development and feminist-focused initiatives.

  Americas: Mónica Barrios González (Colombia)
• University of Cambridge

  Noa is a dedicated leader in peacebuilding, education, and entrepreneurship. As CEO of MEET, she brought together Israeli and Palestinian youth through a project-based coding programme, fostering trust and social change. She expanded MEET’s impact by opening a hub in Nazareth and launching an alumni programme. At 8400 The Health Network, she developed the leadership programme that launched 20 spin-offs, benefitting 2,500 people. Today, as CEO of Application Shine, Noa makes educational and professional opportunities more accessible to wider audiences.

  Wider Europe: Noa Epstein Tennenhaus (Israel)
• School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London; Chevening scholar

  Raju, founder and CEO of Eklavya India Foundation, helps first-generation learners from tribal and rural communities to access higher education. Inspired by his nomadic background, he fosters leadership, equity, and mentorship. Since 2017, Eklavya has impacted over 500,000 students, aiding 1,500 in securing global university admissions and facilitating over $6M USD in scholarships. With 400 alumni inspiring communities, Raju aims to establish an interdisciplinary university in central India to further support these learners.

  South Asia: Raju Kendre (India)