#United States #Baltimore #Youth Empowerment #International Youth Foundation #Burberry Foundation

International Youth Foundation and Burberry Celebrate Empowerment of Youth

The International Youth Foundation (IYF) is set to mark a significant milestone on August 15, 2025. Collaborating with the Burberry Foundation, IYF will ring the Nasdaq Closing Bell to commemorate International Youth Day. This notable event will be streamed live at 4 PM ET and is designed to showcase global initiatives aimed at fostering youth empowerment through creativity, opportunity, and leadership.

This year’s celebration notably highlights the Burberry Inspire program. A joint initiative co-developed by IYF and The Burberry Foundation, this program has made a lasting impact across various countries including the U.S., U.K., Italy, Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong S.A.R. Young individuals aged 10 to 24 are provided with valuable opportunities to delve into arts, STEM, and leadership, all the while enhancing their confidence, sense of belonging, and social bonds.

Christina Sass, President and CEO of IYF, expressed her thoughts on this significant occasion: “Ringing the Nasdaq bell with The Burberry Foundation on August 15, in celebration of International Youth Day, is a powerful statement about what’s possible when we invest in the creativity and leadership of young people. Together, we’re building a future where youth agency and innovation drive global progress.”

Additionally, the initiative encompasses the Burberry Inspire Young Leaders Program, which connects youth from different regions with mentorship, storytelling platforms, and Burberry employee volunteers. This fosters cross-cultural experiences and enhances community impact. Alexandra McCauley, Chief People Officer at Burberry, stated, “We believe in empowering young people to realize their potential through creativity and connection. Our partnership with IYF on the Burberry Inspire program has helped bring that vision to life in communities around the world.” She emphasized her excitement about joining IYF and their partners to celebrate collective efforts that spotlight the next generation of global leaders.

As IYF commemorates its 35th anniversary, the Nasdaq event stands as a tribute to over three decades of connecting youth with transformative opportunities. It further serves as a renewed call to action for investments in future generations. The organization's mission is grounded in the belief that educated, employed, and engaged youths possess the capability to solve some of the world's most formidable challenges.

The IYF’s commitment to developing youth spans across 105 countries globally, illustrating its dedication to providing young people with tools to craft the futures they envision. With impactful programs directly benefiting 8.1 million young individuals, IYF emphasizes unlocking their potential through driving economic opportunities and fostering inclusion.

The Burberry Foundation, as an independent charity, is committed to enhancing the lives of young people globally. It operates independently from Burberry Group plc, focusing on improving the creativity and life skills of youth to help elevate their futures. Established in 2008, this charity adheres to the principles of the Creative Youth Development Partnership, reinforcing the relevance of creativity in fostering youth development and social impact.

For anyone interested in the ongoing initiatives and achievements, further details can be found at iyfglobal.org and Burberry Foundation. This collaboration and the upcoming Nasdaq ringing event underline a commitment to celebrate, uplift, and inspire the youth worldwide, showcasing what can be accomplished when organizations unite for a common cause.