King Abdullah II Award for Youth Innovation and Achievement Screening Applications

The King Abdullah II Award for Youth Innovation and Achievement (KAAYIA) has received over 950 applications from 19 countries in the region from young leaders in development. The award will recognize young Arab leaders who are currently heading development efforts in the region. Each winner will receive a $50,000 grant which will support the scaling up of a successful project,founded or co-founded by the award winner, that has demonstrated positive social impact. In addition, part of the grant will be allocated to education and training for award winners, in order to help them meet their specific learning needs as young leaders.

The KAAYIA seeks young leaders who are working to embody the concept of Active Citizenship: "a process that enables citizens to exercise both their rights and responsibilities in a balanced way, guided by moral and social responsibility, political literacy and community involvement." As explained on the KAAYIA website, "Active Citizenship amongst youth is expressed through the initiatives of individuals and groups in finding innovative solutions that contribute to social development through the skills of enquiry and communication, participation and responsible action."

The KAAYIA Award will be given to three to five young people. The pool of applicants are residents of Arab countries between the ages of 18 and 29 who have founded or co-founded a venture that has demonstrated a positive social impact within the local community over the last six months. The winners will be announced at the 2009 World Economic Forum.

Please visit the KAAYIA website for more information on the award and selection process.