Young people are taking on responsibility and acting with courage and enthusiasm, becoming their generation’s role models. To draw attention to their commitment, UNICEF and 20 Minuten have joined forces to search for the “Voice of Youth” 2025.
Young people are speaking up and sharing their important viewpoints in the public sphere. “Voice of Youth” will give one young person the platform that they deserve. “Voice of Youth” gives recognition to young people who are making a special contribution and inspiring others with their commitment or achievement, whether in culture, sports, society, environment or business.
“This award empowers members of the younger generation, gives them confidence in their own impact and draws public attention to their commitment,” says Bettina Junker, Executive Director of UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein. “It will be given annually to one young person under the age of 24 in Switzerland or Liechtenstein who has excelled through special commitment or outstanding achievement. Our intention is to promote young role models who embody courage, responsibility and drive. Together with 20 Minuten, we are pleased to offer young people a powerful platform and bring attention to their stories.”
The selection process
Selection is conducted democratically with recommendations submitted by a screening board made up of four bodies: the 20 Minuten community, the 20 Minuten editorial staff, a UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein employee under the age of 24 and the UNICEF Youth community. Each body recommends two individuals. From these eight individuals, UNICEF and the editorial board of 20 Minuten then select up to five people for nomination.
The “Voice of Youth" 2025 is then decided by a - jury consisting of UNICEF Ambassador Bastian Baker, the editor-in-chief of 20 Minuten and UNICEF youth . Working from a list of criteria, the jury gives these final five candidates points from 1 to 10. The person with the highest overall score will be selected as the ”Voice of Youth" 2025.
“There are so many young people in Switzerland doing great things out of the spotlight. Giving them a voice and a platform has always been an important issue for 20 Minuten,” says Désirée Pomper, editor-in-chief of 20 Minuten. As a media brand with a wide reach and a clear focus on a young target audience, 20 Minuten is the ideal partner for introducing this new award. “We look forward to reading many inspiring submissions and are excited to be a member of the jury for ‘Voice of Youth’ 2025.”
Your voice counts
The Voice of Youth needs your participation. Do you know someone under 24 who has done impressive or inspiring things this year? Someone in the media, social media or whom you know personally who deserves the title “Voice of Youth”?
Send your suggestion with “Voice of Youth” in the subject line to [email protected] by July 31, 2025.
