According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, only 2% of parliamentarians globally are under the age of 30 and just 14% are under 40. The issue is exacerbated by policies in 73% of countries which restrict young people of voting age from running for office. Lack of representation raises the substantial risk of disconnecting an entire generation from their nations’ political processes.
The One Young World Politician of the Year Award was created in 2018 to recognise the most promising young politicians between the ages of 18-35 from around the world. The winners are selected based on the impact they are having in their home countries and how they have used their position to benefit young people specifically. It is the first global award recognising the work of young politicians and was launched to counter the low level of youth engagement in politics.
We are delighted to launch our annual Politican of the Year Award again for 2023. The Award will be presented to the five winners at the One Young World Summit Belfast 2023, which will take place between 2-5 October.
The Award winners will be selected by an international panel of judges with unparalleled political expertise. The awardees will be assessed based on how they have used their public office to effect positive change in their communities and countries, particularly to benefit and represent young people.
Applications and nominations for the 2023 Award are now open below, and will close on 21 May 2023.
To be considered for the award, candidates must:
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Be between 18 and 35 years old.
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Hold/have held elected or appointed office at any political level (local, national or supranational).
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Have had a tangible impact on young people in their communities.
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Highlight the importance of political participation as a way to effect positive change.
In addition to receiving the award at the Summit, award winners will receive:
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Access to the One Young World Summit 2023 in Belfast, United Kingdom.
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Hotel accommodation for the duration of the Summit, 2 - 5 October 2023 (inclusive).
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The cost of travel to and from the United Kingdom (economy class).
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Opportunities to speak at the One Young World Summit 2023.
2022 Winners
Icelandic Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Panama
Commissioner for Youth & Sports, Oyo State Government, Nigeria
Member of the Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Member of the Vermont House of Representatives
2020 Winners
Member of the European Parliament, Germany
Member of Parliament, Zimbabwe
Mayor of Stockton, United States
Member of the Philippines House of Representatives
Mayor of Maydan Wardak Province
2019 Winners
Hervé Berville
Spokesperson for La République En Marche!, France
Magid Magid
Green Party MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber & Lord Mayor of Sheffield, UK
Juan Guaidó
President of the National Assembly, Venezuela
Mbali Ntuli
Democratic Alliance representative, South Africa
Thórdís Kolbrún R. Gylfadóttir
Minister for Tourism, Industries and Innovation & Minister of Justice, Iceland
2018 Winners
Julius Fieve
Government Assembly Member, Ghana
Travis Robinson
Youngest MP to serve on a country’s legislative body in the Caribbean, Bahamas
Naisula Lesuuda
Member of the National Assembly, Kenya
Jordon Steele-John
Youngest Senator in Australian parliamentary history
Sayida Ounissi
Secretary of State for Vocational Training, Tunisia