33 Bangladeshi Children Nominated for International Children’s Peace Prize 2025: Voices of a New Generation”

In a proud moment for Bangladesh, 33 young changemakers from across the country have been nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious awards for youth activism. Among the nominees are Sudipto Debnath from Satkhira and Mahbub Al Hasan from Kishoreganj, whose inspiring work in child rights, education, climate action, and healthcare has earned international attention.

Their nominations — alongside 31 other young activists — highlight a powerful new generation of Bangladeshi children committed to building a fairer, safer, and more sustainable world.

What Is the International Children’s Peace Prize?

The International Children’s Peace Prize, often called the “Children’s Nobel,” is an annual global award presented by the KidsRights Foundation in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It honors children under 18 who have made exceptional contributions to advancing children’s rights, protecting the planet, or promoting peace and equality.

Launched in 2005 during the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, the award has recognized global youth leaders such as Greta Thunberg (Sweden), Divina Maloum (Cameroon), and Sadat Rahman (Bangladesh). Winners receive the “Nkosi” statuette and a grant to support their projects, along with global recognition for their humanitarian efforts.

In 2020, Sadat Rahman from Bangladesh won the International Children’s Peace Prize for his groundbreaking anti-cyberbullying initiative, Cyber Teens, which helps young victims of online harassment. His success inspired thousands of Bangladeshi youth to engage in community activism and social innovation.

Sudipto Debnath: Empowering Coastal Children

Among this year’s Bangladeshi nominees, Sudipto Debnath (15) stands out for his tireless work on child protection, education, and climate justice in the coastal region of Satkhira.

The young activist, a student of Satkhira Government College and a 2025 SSC graduate of Satkhira Government High School, has been leading awareness campaigns to combat child marriage, child labour, and educational deprivation.

Sudipto’s efforts include community workshops, online webinars, and school campaigns that educate families about children’s rights and the importance of education. His projects have helped prevent several early marriages and encouraged school attendance in vulnerable communities affected by climate change.

“I am deeply delighted to be nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize. I enjoy working with children and hope to expand my work even further,” Sudipto said after learning of his nomination.

Mahbub Al Hasan: Youth for Climate, Education, and Health

From Kishoreganj, 17-year-old Mahbub Al Hasan has also been nominated for his outstanding work in environmental protection, climate action, education, and healthcare.

A student of Howbatnagar A.U. Kamil Madrasa, Mahbub is the founder of The Change Bangladesh, a youth platform that leads tree-planting campaigns, climate awareness drives, and educational aid programs for underprivileged children.

He also launched Blood Khunji, a life-saving initiative that connects voluntary blood donors with children in urgent need of transfusions.

Speaking about his nomination, Mahbub said, “This recognition motivates me to continue working for a fair and safe world where every child — from remote haor villages to urban centers — enjoys equal opportunities and protection.”

A Rising Wave of Youth Leadership

This year, a total of 33 children from Bangladesh have been nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize, reflecting the country’s growing emphasis on youth leadership and civic engagement.

These young changemakers come from diverse backgrounds — urban, rural, coastal, and indigenous communities — yet share a common purpose: to uplift the lives of children through action, advocacy, and empathy.

Their work covers a wide range of issues:

• Child rights and protection — preventing child marriage, child labour, and abuse.

• Climate and environment — promoting tree planting, climate resilience, and sustainability.

• Education — supporting literacy programs and access to school for marginalised children.

• Health and hygiene — raising awareness on child nutrition, healthcare, and menstrual hygiene.

• Digital safety — protecting children from online exploitation and cyberbullying.

The record number of nominees from Bangladesh reflects not only the country’s youthful energy but also the growing recognition of child-led activism as a force for positive change.

Bangladesh’s Legacy at the International Children’s Peace Prize

Bangladesh’s association with the International Children’s Peace Prize began with Sadat Rahman, who became the nation’s first winner in 2020. His creation of Cyber Teens — an app designed to combat cyberbullying — has since reached thousands of young people across the country and continues to be a global model for youth-led digital safety.

Sadat’s achievement set a precedent for Bangladeshi youth activism on the international stage. His success encouraged more children to step forward, take leadership roles, and become vocal about issues affecting their peers.

The 2025 nominations mark another milestone, demonstrating how young people in Bangladesh are tackling local and global challenges — from climate change in coastal belts to gender inequality in rural schools.

A Global Platform for Young Changemakers

The International Children’s Peace Prize provides young activists with a platform to share their work globally and collaborate with policymakers, NGOs, and international leaders. Even being nominated for the award can open doors to mentorship, funding, and international exposure.

For Bangladesh’s 33 nominees, this is not just an individual honour — it’s a collective symbol of hope. Their work echoes the resilience and creativity of Bangladeshi youth who continue to rise above challenges like poverty, inequality, and environmental vulnerability.

The KidsRights Foundation often notes that children’s participation in decision-making is essential for sustainable change. The inclusion of 33 Bangladeshi names on this year’s nominee list shows that the country’s youth are ready to be heard, both nationally and globally.

Bangladesh’s Growing Youth Movement

The rise in Bangladeshi nominees for the International Children’s Peace Prize signifies a cultural shift — where young voices are being taken seriously as agents of change.

From local schools to international forums, these children are reshaping how Bangladesh approaches social issues. Their combined efforts prove that activism doesn’t begin with age; it begins with purpose.

Whether or not any of the 33 Bangladeshi nominees win the 2025 award, their achievements have already placed the country among the top contributors to child-led global initiatives.