Innovative Solutions Highlighted by Finalists at 2024 CIEE UNHCR Student Challenge in Singapore

The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) recently announced the three finalist teams for the prestigious 2024 CIEE UNHCR Student Challenge, showcasing their innovative solutions aimed at increasing access to higher education and livelihood opportunities for refugees. The finals will take place at the upcoming CIEE Global Internship Conference in Singapore from June 25-27, 2025.

This third annual competition, jointly organized by CIEE and UNHCR— the UN Refugee Agency— invited university students globally to propose impactful solutions that address the pressing challenges faced by refugee and forcibly displaced youth. The challenge saw an impressive response, with 123 teams submitting proposals from various countries, targeting improvements in access to higher education, career development, and the overall livelihoods of displaced youth.

Out of the initial submissions, 36 teams representing 47 institutions across 24 countries were selected to refine their projects and present them virtually to a panel of expert judges. These judges hailed from prominent refugee advocacy organizations including The Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education, Immigration representatives, the World University Service of Canada, and The University Corridors for Refugees.

Among the three selected finalist teams are:
1. Team Aspan (Kazakhstan): Representing Semmelweis University and Lingnan University, this team includes Aisana Issabay (Team Captain), Aruzhan Shakirkhozha, Alina Serik, and Makhabbat Ibraimova.
2. Team Path Seekers (Brazil): This innovative collective comprises Júlia Kamata de Castro (Team Captain) from the Federal University of São Paulo, alongside members from Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, Paulista University, and Technological Federal University of Paraná.
3. Team The Unstoppables (Uganda, Rwanda): Featuring Shalom Nyirimana Ishimwe (Team Captain), Sasha Achola, and Akankunda Rhinah from Makerere University, this team's solution addresses the complex barriers facing refugee students.

During their time in Singapore, these finalist teams will have the opportunity to further refine their presentations before the final pitch at the closing plenary session of the Global Internship Conference. Each member of the winning team will receive a summer global internship opportunity in 2026, arranged by CIEE, alongside the chance for their solutions to be implemented in collaboration with UNHCR and its global partners. The winners will be announced on June 27, 2025.

James P. Pellow, President and CEO of CIEE, emphasized the importance of the Student Challenge for fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges refugees face. "This experience not only equips students with critical skills such as collaboration, creative thinking, and cross-cultural communication, but also empowers them to contribute to meaningful solutions essential for global internship frameworks,” he stated.

Sadly, only a mere 7% of young refugees have access to higher education, compared to 43% of their non-refugee peers. This sharp disparity affects their ability to achieve social and financial stability and significantly limits their opportunities for contributing to sustainable development goals globally. Manal Stulgaitis, Higher Education Officer at the United Nations Refugee Agency, underlined the urgency in addressing these challenges, stating, "The challenge represents a pivotal opportunity for students to explore the landscape of refugee education and generate impactful solutions that tackle the barriers faced by refugee youth on their educational journeys."

Moreover, UNHCR is committed to protecting the rights and welfare of millions forced to flee their homes worldwide. With over 120 million individuals globally displaced due to conflict and persecution, there’s an urgent need for innovative contributions from young leaders passionate about creating a positive impact.

CIEE also plays a crucial role in facilitating intercultural understanding through international study programs. With over 75 years of experience, the organization continues to foster connections among youth worldwide while empowering them to effect transformational change in their communities.

For more information on the finalists and the upcoming competition, please check CIEE's official website.