FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC — HFX announced today the six winners of its one-of-a-kind global competition to bring together young leaders to its major international security forum.

The high school student winners from North America, the Caribbean, East Asia, Europe and South Asia will join this year’s Halifax International Security Forum from November 22-24 in Nova Scotia.

HFX launched its unique 15@15: Youth Building Democracy competition in 2023 to mark the 15th annual Halifax International Security Forum. The global competition introduces young people to HFX’s vital mission to strengthen strategic cooperation among the world’s democracies.

“It is up to us to prepare our youth for the awesome responsibility of protecting freedom,” said Peter Van Praagh, HFX President. “The 15@15: Youth Building Democracy competition empowers our future leaders to shape the trajectory of global security.”

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 2009 were considered for the competition.

Winning submissions were chosen based on originality, engagement, relevance, clarity and memorability.

The 2024 15@15: Youth Building Democracy winners are:

Kateryna But, Ukraine
I-Ting Chang Chien, Taiwan
Bennet Chen, United States
Sofiia Koliada, Ukraine
Ananya Nair S.A, India
Tavia Dacy-Ann Robinson, Jamaica

HFX would also like to thank all the 15-year-olds from around the world who participated in this unique competition.

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For media inquiries or to register for accreditation to the Forum, please contact:
communications@halifaxtheforum.org