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Embassy of Sweden Washington, USA

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Nominate for Young Courage Award

27 Jan 2026, 12.00 AM - 31 Mar 2026, 11.59 PM

An International Prize for Moral Courage

The Young Courage Award is an international award that recognizes young individuals who—despite limited resources—have demonstrated civil courage and a commitment to human rights.

The award recipient will be invited to Stockholm, Sweden, in August 2026 for a trip “in Raoul Wallenberg’s footsteps,” the Swedish diplomat who saved tens of thousands of Jews during the Holocaust through extraordinary acts of courage. The official award ceremony will take place on Raoul Wallenberg Day, August 27, in the presence of representatives from the Swedish government, civil society, and business.

 “Every community has young people who act with courage, compassion, and integrity—often without recognition. Inspired by the legacy of Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, whose moral courage saved countless lives, the Young Courage Award seeks to honor those individuals. I invite educators, families, and community members across the United States to nominate the young changemakers you see around you—those who stand up for others, even when it is difficult.” — Urban Ahlin, Ambassador of Sweden to the United States

Nominate a Young Changemaker!

From January 27 through March 31, 2026, anyone can nominate a young person in the United States aged 13–20 for the Young Courage Award.

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, coach, friend, neighbor, or sibling who know someone who have demonstrated civil courage, make sure you nominate them for the Young Courage Award! For inspiration of courageous acts, see here: https://raoulwallenberg.se/app/uploads/2018/10/100-listan-english.pdf.

Please send a short description of the person you’re nominating, and why, to swedeninusa@gov.se. Limit your text to 100 words and write “Nomination for Young Courage Award” in the subject line.

Hear From Previous Award Recipients

Previous Young Courage Award recipients include young advocates who have bravely defended LGBTQI+ rights, challenged discrimination, and promoted inclusion by speaking out in difficult environments and empowering others through their personal stories. Other recipients have shown moral courage by combating bullying, creating safe spaces for marginalized youth, supporting people with disabilities, and using education, media, or the arts to uplift young voices and strengthen their communities.

Listen to some of their stories here:

About the Young Courage Award

The Young Courage Award is an international award presented by the Raoul Wallenberg Academy, in collaboration with the Swedish Institute and Sweden’s embassies worldwide. The award recognizes young people aged 13–20 who, with limited resources, have demonstrated remarkable civil courage and a strong commitment to human rights.

For questions, please email swedeninusa@gov.se.

#OneCanMakeADifference

Last updated 07 Jan 2026, 4.27 PM