Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation Hosts Global Youth Forum in Lagos as Programme Surpasses £1 Billion in Social Value
LAGOS, Nigeria – With the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award marking nearly seven decades of empowering young people, Lagos has become the global gathering point for its next chapter of expansion and impact.
The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, arrived in Nigeria to lead a week-long series of high-level engagements from 17-23 November 2025, aimed at strengthening the Award’s reach and influence worldwide.
The visit comes at a historic moment, as fresh analysis reveals that the social value generated by young people completing the Award in the past year has exceeded £1 billion for the first time, a milestone attributed to volunteering, improved wellbeing, and stronger community cohesion, based on a methodology developed by PwC.
Nearly 200 young people from over 50 countries have convened in Lagos for an intensive three-day leadership programme ahead of the Award’s triennial global Forum, which will focus on expanding access and driving greater inclusion in non-formal education.
They are joined by leaders, policymakers, and representatives of major youth movements committed to scaling opportunities for young people across the world.
Participation in the Award is rising sharply, with almost 1.2 million young people in more than 130 countries taking part in the past year alone.
While the UK remains the largest contributor, Kenya follows closely, and Nigeria, this year’s host nation, has recorded an impressive 37% surge in participation, underscoring growing enthusiasm across West Africa.
During the week, Prince Edward will meet President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, hold strategic discussions with senior ministers and global development agencies, and attend key events hosted by the Lagos State Government and the British Deputy High Commissioner.
Speaking in Lagos, Mr Martin Houghton-Brown, Secretary General of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, said the global momentum reflects young people’s desire for skills that cannot be downloaded or replaced by technology.
“The Award gives young people the ‘human edge’. From teamwork to creativity, determination to flexibility, it is helping them become world-ready,” he noted. “Our gathering here is about expanding access so that more young people in every country can benefit from this opportunity.”
British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr Jonny Baxter, highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s youthful population and the UK’s commitment to supporting its growth.
“The Award exemplifies the potential of Nigeria’s young people. Nigeria’s success matters deeply to the UK,” he said. “We stand ready to work together to drive growth, stability, and prosperity for our two nations.”
As the Award approaches its 70th anniversary in 2026, more than 1,500 young people begin their Award journey every day, engaging in activities ranging from environmental restoration and volunteering to leadership and adventurous expeditions.
What began in 1956 as a UK-focused youth programme has since evolved into the world’s leading framework for non-formal education, equipping millions with skills for life, work, and service.
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