Selected by an international jury in Stockholm from public nominations, the Young Courage Award is inspired by the legacy of Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, who saved tens of thousands of Jews during the Holocaust. Australia and New Zealand, participating for the second time.
Raoul Wallenberg Academy, in collaboration with the Swedish Institute and Sweden’s embassies, is proud to announce the winners of the Young Courage Award 2026.
The award recognises young people aged 13 to 20 who, despite limited resources, have acted in the spirit of Raoul Wallenberg through exceptional courage and outstanding initiative. This year, the award reached more countries than ever before with United States, North Macedonia and Uganda joining Canada, Greece, Hungary, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Serbia, Sweden, Tanzania, Australia and New Zealand.
– At a time when young people’s role in shaping society is too often undervalued, it is more important than ever to recognize those who create positive change in their communities and far beyond through courage, moral conviction, and action. This year’s winners demonstrate how young people can turn values into action and make a real difference in the lives of others – in the spirit of Raoul Wallenberg, says Anna Urombi, Secretary General of Raoul Wallenberg Academy.
– The fact that the award now reaches more countries than ever before is a clear sign that young people’s commitment to human rights and democratic values is a global force. Through their dedication, the Young Courage Award recipients show that they are not only the future – they are already essential drivers of positive change today, says Madeleine Sjöstedt, Director General of the Swedish Institute.
Proudly announcing Hadiya Fatima (17) and Nate Wilbourne (18) as the recipients of the international Young Courage Award for moral courage, representing Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, respectively.
Hadiya Fatima - Australia
Hadiya founded Project Girlhood, a youth-led initiative that creates safe spaces for young people to connect, share their lived experiences, and better understand the systems that shape decisions affecting their lives. By bringing together grassroots perspectives and policy engagement, the movement aims to empower young women to become active participants in creating meaningful change within their communities.
“Real change happens when a community becomes informed enough, confident enough, and connected enough to continue creating change for itself,” says Hadiya Fatima.
Nate Wilbourne - New Zealand
Nate leads Gen-Z Aotearoa, a movement that connects, equips and empowers young people to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Through the initiative, he has helped create opportunities for young New Zealanders to collaborate, develop leadership skills and contribute to issues that matter to them.
“Receiving the Raoul Wallenberg Academy's Young Courage Award is an incredible honour. To me, this recognition is not only a reflection of my own journey, but of the many young people, mentors, communities, and organisations who have inspired and supported me along the way.
It reinforces my belief that courage is found in standing up for others, protecting our planet, and ensuring every young person has the opportunity to be heard. I hope this award encourages more young people to believe in their ability to lead with empathy, take action, and create a more just and sustainable future,” says Wilbourne.
Hadiya and Nate will be officially recognised at the award ceremony in Stockholm on 27 August 2026, during Raoul Wallenberg Day, a date that commemorates the Swedish diplomat who saved tens of thousands of Jews during the Holocaust by issuing protective passports and establishing safe houses.
The awardees will also take part in the “Raoul’s Footsteps” program in Stockholm. The agenda includes, among other things, a meeting with Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Maria Malmer Stenergard.
More information about the 2026 winners, and the awards can be found here.
