FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HFX today announced today the five winners of the first-of-its-kind global competition to bring young people to its major international security forum. The high school student winners from North America, Eurasia, the Caribbean and Africa will join the 15th Halifax International Security Forum convening this week in Nova Scotia.
The 15@15 competition launched in May 2023 to introduce future leaders to HFX’s vital mission of strengthening strategic cooperation among the world’s democracies.
“Youth have the highest stake in our future and deserve a voice in shaping the policies that will affect their world,” said Peter Van Praagh, HFX President. “15@15 will be part of building a new era for democracy, opportunity and peace with youth leading the way.”
The competition required applicants to submit a 15-second video about one positive change they would like to see within the next fifteen years to make their world more secure. Only applicants born in 2008 were considered for the competition.
Winning submissions were chosen based on originality, engagement, relevance, clarity and memorability.
The 15@15: Youth Building Democracy competition winners are:
- Koshin Bathmax – Canada
- Chloe Brown – United States of America
- Precious Damian Ezirim – Nigeria
- Michaela Lawrence – Jamaica
- Sofia Sikharulidze – Georgia
HFX would also like to thank all the 15-year-olds from around the world who participated in this unique and first-of-its-kind competition.
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For press-related inquiries, please email communications@halifaxtheforum.org.