Research

Impact 25: Spotlight on the Next Generation of Global Leaders

The Global South is generating the most innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. Yet, many of these young changemakers often remain underrecognized, underresourced, and excluded from global platforms.

BacharLorai closes the visibility gap by identifying, amplifying, and empowering 25 proven leaders under 25 to scale their impact and shape the future through these three key pillars:

  1. Targeted Recognition & Visibility: We give leaders the platform they need to be heard. This pillar focuses on giving you the international spotlight your work deserves:

  • International Spotlight: High-profile global recognition that validates your work.

  • Media & Press Access: Opportunities for features, interviews, and press coverage to reach new audiences.

  • Network Access: Direct introduction to new global networks, partners, and decision-makers.

    2. Personalized Mentorship: We provide the tools they need to grow. We believe growth requires custom support, not one-size-fits-all advice:

  • Tailored Guidance: A year-long, one-on-one mentorship program designed specifically to address your initiative's scaling challenges.

  • Global Experts: You'll be paired with seasoned experts whose experience directly matches your needs, whether in finance, tech, policy, or grassroots organizing.

    3. Sustained community: We build the power they need to last. The award is just the start; the community is the lifelong resource:

    • Active Alumni Engagement: Ongoing support and resources long after the initial program year.

    • Peer Learning: Direct connection with a cohort of 25 inspiring changemakers for shared learning and collaboration.

    • Lifelong Network: Access to a powerful, supportive network of fellow leaders, mentors, and BacharLorai partners.

Our Policy Residents

Who We're Looking For (Eligibility Essentials)s

We are seeking individuals who are actively leading proven, impactful work. Please ensure you meet the following essential criteria:

You Must:

  • Age: Be between 18 and 25 years old as of March 15, 2026.

  • Location: Be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of a Global South country (see full list below).

    • Note on Diaspora Applicants: If you reside outside the Global South or hold dual citizenship, you may apply as a diaspora candidate. Your initiative must directly benefit your country of origin, and you must prove at least 5 years of sustained engagement with that cause or community.

  • Initiative Status: Be leading an initiative that is active (operational or piloted), not a concept. It must be engaged in measurable, positive social change and cannot be a purely for-profit venture.

  • Experience: Have been engaged in your initiative for at least 12 months prior to the application date.

  • Commitment: Be fully available to participate in all mentorship and program events throughout the year.

Exclusions:

  • You must not be a current BacharLorai staff member or a close relative of the staff/judging panel.

  • We accept only one application per initiative. Teams must coordinate in advance to designate a single representative.

Geographic Focus: While applications are welcome from all eligible Global South countries, we are intentionally prioritizing outreach in the following regions: Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, India, Colombia, Ecuador, Perú, Venezuela, Ghana, and Nigeria.

Our Policy Briefs

Unique Benefits

Global Network

A cohort nested in a set of BacharLorai communities—its expert network, its affiliate network, and the alumni network that will grow from the Residency.

Conferences

Conference opportunities that connect the Residents to the world through institutions, themes, and projects tied to their research.

Community Building

An inclusive and open space to foster deeper discussion, to cultivate new relationships through shared experiences, and to broaden networks across industries, sectors, and communities.

Thought Leadership

Opportunities for thought leadership, publication, and content creation in collaboration with BacharLorai in order to reach a global audience.

Policy Residency Team

  • A man with short dark hair, glasses, and a beard, smiling, wearing a cream-colored shirt and a dark green cable-knit vest, standing against a warm orange background.

    Nahid Tahrima Rashid

    Manager, Policy Residency

  • Close-up of a smiling young man with dark hair, glasses, and a beard, wearing a black shirt and blazer, against a blurred orange background.

    Aditi Zahir

    Director, Policy Research

For Inquiries, contact Aditi Zahir and Nahid Tahrima Rashid