Zhang Jingning has been awarded the 2024 ICSO International Public Welfare Ambassador title for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to global social good. He not only founded the nonprofit organization Global Youth for Change in the United States—supporting global causes such as educational inequality, environmental protection, and vulnerable groups—but also demonstrated a strong sense of social responsibility and practical capabilities through a series of volunteer activities. By uniting youth from around the world, he has successfully led multiple cross-border philanthropic projects, improving the lives of underprivileged communities and contributing to sustainable development. This prestigious award recognizes his remarkable contributions in the field of international public welfare.
01 Exclusive Interview
ICSO: What initially inspired you to get involved in international public service?
Zhang Jingning: Since childhood, I’ve been deeply concerned about social inequality, especially in areas like education and environmental protection. Growing up in the multicultural environment of an international school in Shenzhen, I witnessed the vast disparities in living conditions among people from different regions and backgrounds. This experience sparked a strong sense of responsibility in me. I realized that good intentions alone are not enough—we need systematic efforts to drive real change. By founding Global Youth for Change, I aimed to bring together the power of young people around the world and use our creativity and passion to promote improvement in education, the environment, and social equity—to uplift voices and issues that are often overlooked.
ICSO: What role do you think youth play in the field of public welfare?
Zhang Jingning: The power of youth should never be underestimated—we can be key drivers of social transformation. By participating in real-world actions, young people not only enhance their leadership skills but can also create a positive global impact. Embracing the belief that we can “change the world through action,” we actively organize and encourage youth to engage with global issues and contribute to developing and implementing solutions. I believe the voices and energy of young people can break traditional boundaries and inspire broader awareness and collaboration. Our mission is not just to observe and comment but to actively participate and bring about change. We are catalysts for progress and bear the responsibility of shaping the future.
02 Exclusive Interview
ICSO: What motivated you to establish Global Youth for Change?
Zhang Jingning: My experience volunteering with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) gave me a much deeper understanding of the complexities facing global refugees and displaced populations. While aid and resources are essential, what’s even more critical is developing culturally sensitive and localized solutions. I came to understand that successful social initiatives must be backed by strategic planning and efficient resource allocation in order to truly benefit those in need. I founded Global Youth for Change to create a shared platform for young people passionate about philanthropy—allowing us to unite and drive multidimensional social improvements. This platform is more than just an organization; it’s an advocacy network. Through projects focused on education, environment, and social equity, we aim to bridge information gaps, pool resources, and solve global problems more effectively.
ICSO: What are the core projects of Global Youth for Change?
Zhang Jingning: Our organization focuses on several key initiatives, including educational support, environmental protection, and care for marginalized communities. We raise funds and organize volunteer teaching efforts to provide learning resources for children in remote areas. We also coordinate youth volunteers to participate in environmental activities such as beach cleanups and tree planting. In addition, we supply essential goods and emotional support to low-income families and orphans. Each project is more than just a response to current issues—it’s a step toward creating long-term improvements in living conditions and empowering individuals to grow independently.
03 Exclusive Interview
ICSO: What is your perspective on the current global trends in public welfare?
Zhang Jingning: As globalization deepens, public welfare increasingly relies on cross-cultural collaboration. By working together, countries can amplify their resources and share their expertise for greater impact. We’re striving to expand the reach of Global Youth for Change. Since its inception, we’ve established partnerships with numerous international and local nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and corporations to ensure effective implementation and long-term sustainability of our projects. We’ve hosted several large-scale initiatives that attracted hundreds of volunteers from around the world and directly benefited underserved communities in various regions. The influence of our organization is steadily growing, positioning us as a pioneering force among youth-led nonprofits.
ICSO: As a young public service leader, what are your plans for the future?
Zhang Jingning: Looking ahead, I want to continue advancing the work of Global Youth for Change, especially in education and environmental fields. Through innovative project models, we hope to inspire more young people to get involved in philanthropy and help them recognize the power of their own impact. I believe public service is a journey without an endpoint—we must keep exploring and pushing forward to create a better world.
Closing Remarks
Through this exclusive interview, we witness the growth and sense of mission embodied by a young changemaker. As a high school student at a Shenzhen international school, Zhang Jingning has demonstrated the responsibility and initiative that defines today’s youth. His work through Global Youth for Change has not only improved the quality of life for disadvantaged communities but also made meaningful contributions to sustainable development. As a young public welfare leader, he showcases the deep connection between social good and social innovation, inspiring more youth to join the movement for global change.
