Nila Ibrahimi, an Afghan teenager has been selected as one of the 17 United Nations Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2025.

Ibrahimi, who was the recipient of the 2024 International Children’s Peace Prize, said she will work with the United Nations over the next two years to amplify the voices of Afghan girls and advocate for their rights globally.

The UN said the 2025 cohort was chosen from more than 33,000 applications submitted from 150 countries. The group, aged 16 to 33, includes founders, activists, peacebuilders, and entrepreneurs working across UN agencies to advance causes such as gender equality, human rights, climate action, and peace and security.

In a post on Instagram, Ibrahimi said she would collaborate with the UN and its partners to advance the Sustainable Development Goals, using storytelling, international partnerships, and community engagement to empower Afghan girls and women.

The UN described Ibrahimi as an education advocate and founder and president of “Her Story,” an organisation promoting women’s empowerment through storytelling.

In November 2024, she was selected from 165 nominees across 47 countries to receive the International Children’s Peace Prize, which honours young people who make significant contributions to children’s rights and global peace.