Who We Are
Shaping The Future,
Together.
World Merit is a global network of over 1.2 million young SDG leaders, changemakers, and community builders across 152 countries.
Our Story
Built By Young People, For The World.
World Merit was founded in 2012 with a simple but radical idea: that young people, empowered with the right tools, connections, and opportunities, could be the most powerful force for global change. What started as a single event in the Lake District, UK has grown into one of the world's largest networks of young SDG leaders, operating across 152 countries.
We work across the full spectrum of the Sustainable Development Goals, from climate action and quality education to gender equality and reduced inequalities. Every programme, challenge, and community build is designed to activate young people into meaningful, lasting impact.
Powered By A Truly Global Community
A Rich Tapestry Of
Backgrounds & Voices.
Our strength lies in our global perspective. Today, our team brings a rich tapestry of backgrounds, cultures, and voices to everything we do.
25+
Languages
Spoken fluently in purpose
5
Continents
Currently represented
9
Countries
We call home
From sunrise in Asia to sunset in the Americas, the sun is always up at World Merit. As we look to the future, our ambition is clear: within the next 10 years, we aim to have all 6 inhabited continents and every country on Earth represented in our community.
A Note From Our CEO
“Talent is spread evenly across this earth. Permission is not.”
Breanna Leuze on why the world isn't short of solutions, just first chances.
Every crisis we respond to, every classroom we reach, and every changemaker we fund began with someone being handed the permission, tools, and network to act. World Merit exists to hand out those first chances, everywhere, to everyone.
Why We Exist
Because The World Needs
Young Leaders
Now.
The SDGs cannot wait. The climate cannot wait. The 1.2 billion young people under 30 are not only the leaders of tomorrow. They are the leaders we need today. World Merit exists to find them, connect them, and fuel them.
Activate
Turning passion into action through challenge-based learning and global programmes.
Connect
Building the largest peer network of young SDG leaders on the planet.
Amplify
Giving young voices global platforms that drive policy, partnership, and change.
Our Vision & Values
A World Beyond
Beliefs And Borders.
Our vision is a world where millions of young adults become drivers of local change. It's guided by three values that shape everything we do.
Inclusivity
Every changemaker belongs, whatever their background or geography.
Member-Driven
Young people shape the strategy and direction of World Merit.
Collaborative
Impact grows through partnership, not isolation.
Our Impact
More Than
Just Numbers.
1.2M+
Young Leaders
Active members across 152 countries
180+
Programmes Run
Across 6 distinct pathways for change
12,000+
Projects Completed
Verified SDG projects since 2012
75K+
Volunteer Hours
Contributed to communities worldwide
Our Team
The People Behind
The Mission.
Christopher Arnold
Founder & Chief Executive
Christopher founded World Merit in 2012, driven by the belief that young people hold the key to solving the world's greatest challenges. He has spoken at the UN, Davos, and TEDx stages worldwide.
The World Merit Team
Our global team spans 15 countries, bringing together experts in education, sustainability, technology, and international development.
