Global Youth Shine at the JEL ISABC & Edupro Green Talent Awards 2025 Grand Finale
University of Leeds Hosts Global Sustainability Celebration
On 11 November 2025 in Leeds, Uk, The University of Leeds proudly hosted the Grand Finale of the JEL ISABC & Edupro Green Talent Awards 2025, an international platform dedicated to celebrating young innovators committed to advancing sustainable solutions. This landmark event brought together more than 150 teams from 20 countries, showcasing transformative ideas in areas such as circular economy, ethical finance, green technology, and community impact.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of winners. Team EcoSquires from the Philippines earned a standing ovation as they were crowned Champion of the World. Team The Leaf and Team FOMO, both representing Bangladesh, secured first and second runner-up positions respectively. Additional accolades were presented for Integrity and Global Impact, reinforcing the competition’s emphasis on ethics, inclusivity, and real-world impact.
Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, delivered the keynote address as Chief Guest, reaffirming the university’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and youth engagement. Organised by the James E. Lynch India and South Asia Business Centre (ISABC) at Leeds University Business School in partnership with Edupro UK, the awards underscored the power of academic-industry collaboration in addressing global challenges.
“This event celebrates not only innovation but action,” said Nazrul Islam Salim, CEO of Edupro UK. Professor Mohammad Faisal Ahammad, Director of ISABC and Head of International Business at Leeds University Business School, added, “This initiative exemplifies how academic partnerships can drive global sustainability conversations forward by empowering youth.”
The hybrid event connected international participants virtually while welcoming distinguished guests, partners, and jury members on campus. A dedicated team of volunteers, including MSc International Business and PhD students from the International Business, Marketing, and Analytics, Technology & Operations departments, played a pivotal role in ensuring the event’s success.
Special thanks were extended to CEOs, founders, academics, and policy leaders who supported the programme, including Robert Hartley, Professor Osman Imam, Mir Mohammad Fakhrul Islam, Peter Zink Secher, Fajli Bibi, Dr Amrita Manohar, Dr Elizabeth Wang, Sharon Kaur Jandu OBE, Mashood Akmal, Rachel Greenacre, Professor Antonino Sgalambro, Professor Josko Brakus, Professor Surender Munjal, Tone Thomas, Kevin Whittington-Jones, Dr Bilal Ahmed, and Hayes Olasumbo Gabriel.
Our gratitude also goes to the volunteers from MSc International Business and PhD programmes, including Salma Ziada, Shane Thomas, Sami Kerr, Annika Nair, Wintari Ayu Alifiah, Jack Ian Butler, Afsana Riny, Mir Zayed Bin Abdul Kader, Mobarak Hossain, Farjana Chowdhury, Md. Ashraf Harun, and Rashid Arif Redoy.
The finale concluded with the launch of the Edupro Impact Magazine 2025 and set the stage for the 2026 Green Talent Awards, promising expanded global participation and deeper engagement with sustainability-driven innovation.
