What does it take to step up as a youth leader in a world that’s constantly changing?

In this episode, Phoebe and Adam - International Youth Representatives for The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation - break down how their Award journeys shaped their confidence, resilience, empathy, and critical thinking. From navigating international conferences to the unbeatable value of learning by doing, they explore why essential human skills are more critical now than ever.

Phoebe Li is a passionate advocate for youth voice, equity, and global citizenship. She was an Assistant Coordinator for the New Zealand Model Parliament 2025 and volunteered with UNYouth. Through her IYR role, Phoebe is committed to amplifying youth perspectives—especially from Pacific and underrepresented communities—in global discussions around leadership, education, and equity.

Adam Proksch is a medical student and Regional Coordinator for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the Czech Republic, and a passionate advocate for mentorship, lifelong learning, and youth engagement. Now serving as an International Youth Representative, Adam is focused on strengthening the Award’s global community by building platforms that connect participants, alumni, and mentors.

Hosted by Oksana Dobrovolska, Communications Officer at The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation

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What skills will define the future?

Leadership, empathy, adaptability, and resilience are high on the list for today's young people.

To mark World Youth Skills Day, Martin Houghton-Brown, Secretary General of the International Award Foundation, sits down with us for a special podcast episode hosted by our Global Advocacy Manager Mariana Roa, to share how the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award creates opportunities for young people to develop these foundational #HumanSkills.

For 70 years, the Award has provided safe, supportive environments where young people gain real-life experiences, take on responsibility, learn from challenges, and celebrate achievement—building the confidence and capabilities they'll carry throughout life.

Today, these skills matter more than ever. As AI reshapes the world of work, while increasing digital interaction changes the way we build relationships, investing in human skills alongside formal education has never been more important.

Follow this link to learn more about Human Skills and The Award: Human Skills - Intaward

Hosted by Oksana Dobrovolska, Communications Officer at The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation

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In this episode, we explore human skills — communication, teamwork, empathy, creativity, and other so-called “soft skills” — that are proving just as essential as technical and professional knowledge in both everyday life and the workplace. Together with two experienced Award leaders, we discuss how to develop these skills, why they matter, and their impact on personal and professional growth.

This episode opens a wider conversation on human skills.

Guests:

Gabriella Grech is a Bronze, Silver and Gold Award holder from Gibraltar. She works as a secondary school Physics and Maths teacher and volunteers as an Award Leader and Supervisor at a local centre. In 2025, she represented Gibraltar at the International Gold Event and Forum in Nigeria.

John Vincent teaches IGCSE and IB Biology at the Edron Academy in Mexico. He restarted the Duke of Edinburgh's Award at Edron and supports students on their Adventurous Journeys. Prior to Mexico, John worked in Peru for 8 years, running the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, the Outdoor Education programme, and teaching Biology.

Mariana Roa is the Award’s Global Advocacy Manager. She built her career representing her home country, Mexico, at the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva - experience that now shapes her work championing the Award at the world stage

Hosted by Oksana Dobrovolska, Communications Officer at The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation

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Find us on Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts