Global challenges like climate change, religious extremism, the integration of immigrant populations, and children orphaned by war can seem too daunting for any one individual or group to tackle. Yet such is not the case for IYF’s 2011 YouthActionNet® Fellows. Each of these 21 young leaders from 16 countries has developed innovative strategies to address these challenges – and more. Watch their videos below!

Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, YouthActionNet® is building one of the world’s largest networks of locally active – and globally connected – young social innovators. Today this network comprises nearly 550 young change-makers in 60 countries.

Fellows benefit from a yearlong program, supported by the Sylvan/Laureate Foundation, that includes leadership development, skill-building, networking, and advocacy opportunities. From October 1-7, Fellows will participate in a weeklong retreat in Mexico City, where they will be honored at an awards ceremony.