Launched at the World Economic Forum in 2007,
The King Abdullah II Award for Youth Innovation and Achievement (KAAYIA) aims to celebrate and support young men and women throughout the Arab region who have pioneered innovative solutions to urgent social, economic and environmental challenges. The award is designed to promote creative problem-solving and cross-border dialogue and cooperation among Arab youth. Through shining a much-needed spotlight on youth-led social change, the KAAYIA seeks to encourage present and future generations of Arab youth to assume their roles as active citizens.

The KAAYIA is awarded to youth, ages 18 to 30 across the Arab region. Applications are reviewed against three core criteria: the applicant’s leadership qualities and the innovativeness of their approaches, his or her capacity to form and maintain partnerships, and the impact and sustainability of their projects.

As testimony to the spirit of youth innovation that abounds in our region, more than 1700 individuals from 21 Arab countries applied for the second cycle of the award. The final selection of award recipients is made by an independent assessment committee of experts from throughout the Arab region. Each winner receives a monetary award to expand the scope and impact of their work, while all ten fellows who make it through to the final phase receive a capacity building training and recognition for their exemplary work.