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Reach Researchers Driving Solutions for the Hardest to Reach
Each year on August 12, International Youth Day serves as a global reminder of the transformative power emerging leaders hold in shaping a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world. For the Reach Alliance, this day is more than a celebration—it is a reflection of our core mission. Since its founding at the University of Toronto in 2015, Reach has placed students at the forefront of global research and innovation, empowering them not just as participants, but as leaders who drive real-world change.
At the heart of the Reach Alliance’s model is the belief that the most pressing global challenges—those affecting the hardest-to-reach populations—require interdisciplinary, student -led inquiry. Each year, diverse teams engage in 12 to 18 months of rigorous research, fieldwork, and mentorship, producing in-depth case studies on effective development interventions. These researchers work alongside local communities, NGOs, governments, and private sector organizations to understand what works and why—translating insights into impact. In doing so, they gain more than academic knowledge; they develop leadership skills, build global networks, and acquire a lifelong commitment to inclusive development.
Aligned closely with the goals of International Youth Day and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Reach students have led research projects addressing everything from maternal health in Nepal to solar energy in Mongolia. These case studies don’t remain on paper—they inform program design, influence policy, and provide scalable models for equitable development. Reach researchers represent the powerful role of emerging leaders in shaping more resilient communities.
Beyond the field, the Reach Alliance fosters global citizenship by creating spaces for emerging leaders to engage in international dialogue. On August 8, 2025, eight Reach alumni attended the AFS Youth Assembly in New York, and led a workshop. The Reach Alliance podcast, Insights to Impact, also featured a special International Youth Day episode, where student delegates from Canada, Ghana, and South Africa discussed how emerging leaders are redefining leadership and social impact. These platforms reinforce Reach’s commitment to amplifying youth perspectives and nurturing the next generation of global change makers.
As we mark International Youth Day this August, we recognize the immense potential of students—and the urgent need to invest in their development. This International Youth Day, we invite you to celebrate and support the researchers at the heart of Reach’s mission. Listen to their stories, amplify their voices, and stand with us in creating a future shaped by the next generation of ethical, capable, and visionary leaders.
