Baltimore, Maryland, USA -- What can one young person do? What can you do to contribute to your local and global community? The answers to these questions are the focus of a 60-second PSA produced by the International Youth Foundation (IYF) and now being broadcast on CNN International.  Highlighted are young social entrepreneurs who are leading efforts to combat climate change, expand employment opportunities, address children’s educational needs, and increase civic participation.

 

Neilesh Patel, age 26, tells viewers: “I created a health volunteering organization that provides health services to needy people in 12 different countries.” Neilesh launched HealthCare Volunteer, a U.S.-based nonprofit, to connect volunteers to healthcare opportunities around the world.

 

"The young people I’ve helped have created 1,300 jobs,” adds Audrey Codera, age 28, who founded YouthWorks, Inc. in the Philippines to provide loans to underprivileged young people to start their own microenterprises.

 

All of the young leaders featured in the video are YouthActionNet® Global Fellows. Launched by IYF and Nokia in 2001, YouthActionNet® seeks to develop a new generation of socially conscious global citizens who create positive change in their communities, their countries, and the world.

 

“The young people you see in this PSA reflect the extraordinary creativity and determination of today’s young leaders who are working to address some of the most difficult challenges of our time,” says IYF President and CEO William S. Reese. “We are inspired by them every day, and proud to be supporting their efforts.” 

 

To date, 140 youth have been selected as YouthActionNet® Global Fellows.  The short video was developed by Porter Novelli, a global public relations firm and an IYF partner.