Acknowledgments

The value of work done with and for people.

For more than two decades, the Ubuntu Leaders Academy has been recognized nationally and internationally for its educational innovation, its promotion of human rights, and its efforts to build bridges between people and communities.

See Awards Impact

Awards

Awards that reflect commitment and social impact

ALU has been recognized by national and international institutions in the fields of education, social innovation, and global citizenship.

European Commission

2023

One of the 12 projects highlighted as a model of best practices in youth work.

Conference at the European Parliament

2019

“Ubuntu Leaders Academy — Leadership Focused on Building Bridges”

Virtual Educa Award

2023

Recognized by Virtual Educa for educational innovation with the José María Antón Award.

Gulbenkian Academy of Knowledge

2023

Recognized by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation as an Academy of Knowledge

OEI Award

2023

Nominated for the Oscar Arnulfo Romero Ibero-American Award for Human Rights Education—2019

OECD/EU Award

2022

Selected in 2022 for the OECD/EU Better Entrepreneurship Policy Tool for its Ubuntu social entrepreneurship program

Voices That Recognize Ubuntu

Leaders and experts from various fields recognize the role of ALU as one of the most innovative methodologies in education for citizenship, empathy, and service.

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The Ubuntu Leaders Academy represents the most profound approach to human development that I have ever witnessed.

Nelson Mandela Foundation

Advisory Board

His work goes beyond traditional education, building bridges of understanding between diverse communities.

Desmond Tutu Foundation

Leadership Advisory Board

“I am honored to serve as president of United Nations Ubuntu, and I know that young leaders from around the world can come together to build bridges and promote peace and social justice. It’s time to give young people a voice!”

José Ramos-Horta

President of Timor-Leste, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

“This platform, the United Nations Ubuntu, is extraordinary in the way it builds upon two values: the African philosophy of Ubuntu—‘I am because you are’—and the unity of purpose expressed in ‘We, the peoples’—the opening phrase of the United Nations Charter.”

Adama Dieng

Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide

The Ubuntu Leaders Academy demonstrates how education can be a powerful tool for social transformation.

Kofi Annan Foundation

Global Leadership Program

Adama Dieng

Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide

“I share your vision for our common future, particularly with regard to global mobilization as a response to today’s challenges. Ubuntu Leaders are part of this generation of young people committed to this path of building bridges and embracing diversity.”

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa

Former President of the Portuguese Republic

“In these difficult times, youth engagement is welcome. Today’s young people are leading movements for climate action, racial justice, gender equality, and much more. The pandemic has created a moment for change. The recovery period is our opportunity to shape a better future, and the Sustainable Development Goals are our roadmap.”

António Guterres

Secretary-General of the United Nations

His work represents the most innovative approach to global citizenship education.

World Economic Forum

Social Impact Initiative

Awards that reflect commitment and social impact

Voices That Recognize Ubuntu

“The real impact begins when someone decides to take action.”