In the Buddies Without Borders Online Forums, we hold that self-discovery is equally important as understanding the subject matter. We believe that the insights gained from meeting experiences, peer discussions, and self-reflection on our learning journey are valuable tools that will remain with us for years. Vedant Nukalapati from Prosper High School shared his learning journey in the Power for a Better Future Buddies Without Borders Online Forum. Vedant Nukalapati - Prosper

International students play a vital role in connecting people and cultures. However, as the dynamics of student mobility change, the cost of living continues to rise, and opportunities for skills and employment are influenced by AI and international politics, how should students decide on their paths when selecting a higher education destination? This weekend, our international panelists will share their perspectives and experiences at the 2026 Destination Workshop. It is op

Broadening our international horizons is increasingly important in today’s interconnected world. Engaging with different cultures and viewpoints helps us understand and appreciate the variety of human experiences, especially the need for clean energy. It is only through collaboration that we can find an effective solution moving forward. Mahsa Raeissi Goudoei, one of the Top Five Finishers, is an Iranian student living in the UAE. She worked with teammates from the USA, Braz

Many students from the graduating high school class are preparing for college this Fall. Developing soft skills such as planning, time management, communication, and collaboration is crucial for their readiness for higher education. We are pleased that our participants have the opportunity to practice these skills through the Buddies Without Borders Online Forums. Here is a reflection from Karthik Anumolu, a member of The Best Team in the Power for a Better Future Online Foru

International communication is about connections, not linguistic perfection. Using a foreign language to express ideas and feelings can be challenging for many, but let's remember that building a global community is impossible without a common language. English has become the most commonly used language worldwide, which is why many international organizations, including Global Education Destinations, choose it as their operating language. When students come from different co

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." ~ Edward Everett Hale When smart, hard-working students came together from across the globe to compare their research and ideas for making the world a better place, it was naturally difficult to keep a team together due to availability constraints, cultural barriers, and knowledge gaps. However, when a team figures out how to work together and help each other, that's when magic happen

Our vote is our voice. The best way to be heard is through voting. Once all the ideas were submitted by the participating teams at the Power for a Better Future Forum, the online community was invited to vote on the ideas based on creativity, sustainability, and equity. The team that received the most votes from the public is Team A-4-APPLE. The contributing members are: People's Choice Team Aisha Minjal Rupen Pathak - St Luke's Catholic College, Australia Natalia Righele

So many of us worry about fitting in, but it is our willingness to put ourselves out there that can foster inclusivity for all, including ourselves. The Best Representative of the Power for a Better Future Buddies Without Borders Online Forum, Gabby Louise Wieczorek (the Walker School, USA), shared her observations on her journey of building a community with her international teammates: Gabby Louise Wieczorek (the Walker School, USA) The Best Representative of the Power for

Earth Day is not just an inspiring concept; it is a goal that binds us all. On April 25, 2026, the Power for a Better Future Buddies Without Borders Online Forum hosted its award ceremony. Educators and changemakers across the globe came together to honor those who worked the hardest and have the best ideas, chosen by an online audience, ranked by our international panelists, and voted by their forum peers. Awards were given to the team with the most creative and impactful pr

Just three days left to vote for your favorite team in the People's Choice Award category at the Power for a Better Future Buddies Without Borders Online Forum. Please click on the link to see what the international teams propose and cast your vote. Currently, all forum participants are conducting peer reviews and voting for the student among the Top Five Finishers who they feel best represent the spirit of Buddies Without Borders. These are the students who accumulate the

The truth is that the world we live in is rife with inequalities—certain countries have more natural resources, and certain people are born into settings with better employment opportunities. However, this doesn't mean that humanity must endure an unfair world indefinitely. Democracy remains the most effective way to attain justice for everyone. Its foundation is the ability for all to vote. It is non-violent and empowers every citizen, regardless of their socioeconomic statu

"In 2026, energy has reemerged as a central force shaping our world." Time Magazine (April 4, 2026). What do our future leaders think about this issue? To address climate change, avoid vulnerability from global conflicts, and meet the growing energy demands of an AI future, countries around the world are working hard to find better ways to manage their energy resources. France, Norway, and Sweden now have electric highways that automatically charge electric vehicles while

Only a few days remain for the participants to complete their final proposals for their assigned countries in the Power for a Better Future Buddies Without Borders Online Forum . Soon, we will discover which ones show the best critical thinking skills and attitude for collaboration. Here are some highlights from each team in the past week. Please join us in wishing each team good luck! Team The Fossil Slayers Representing Brazil ~ Team The Fossil Slayers: Vivianna Shekhar

Global challenges can only be solved through global dialogues. Eight countries were chosen to be represented by the eight international teams in the Power for a Better Future in the Buddies Without Borders Online Forum : India, Brazil, Singapore, the USA, Australia, China, Nigeria, and the UK. Last week, students examined the strengths of their designated country and challenged each other's analyses. One of the top research essays was authored by Mahsa Raeissi, representing

In the Power for a Better Future Buddies Without Borders Online Forum, participants deepen their knowledge by questioning their assumptions and researching facts from different angles. Two students demonstrated their excellent abilities in conducting such inquiries during the Kick-off week: ~ Abena Oforiwaa Okoampah (Tema International School, Ghana) on her research about Australia " Australia has made several commitments under the Paris Agreement to reduce its environmenta

More than 30 teens from around the world have formed eight international teams to work across borders to explore the challenges and best ways to implement clean energy policies in various corners of the world. Prior to the kick-off, we encouraged the students to practice their critical thinking abilities as a warm-up exercise. Two students have emerged as exemplary rising stars to learn from: ~ Defne Su Kurt (Vali Muammer Güler Sosyal Bilimler Lisesi) on her research about

Currently, climate change is a major concern. The BWB Clubs recently discussed climate justice . The students noted that underserved countries often bear the brunt of climate-related disasters, but reparations are not the only solution. The real opportunity is developing solutions that benefit everyone. One suggestion is to shift the world's investments from fossil fuels to clean energy. UNEP’s new State of Finance for Nature 2026 report indicates that for every dollar corpo

In just a few days, eight international teams of teens from around the world will come together to understand the Paris Agreement, collaborate across borders and explore ways to transition to cleaner energy options from different perspectives. How is the world doing with the goals stated in the Paris Agreement? Is it important and why? How will we make progress? Our speakers, coaches, workshop leaders, and panelists will guide us through the challenges and opportunities

As Buddies Without Borders Clubs entered their sixth year of operation around the world, we invited teens to review the global goals and consider how effectively these goals are translated into laws, locally and globally. One topic they are most enthusiastic about is Health and Wellness: Nora Franka Vastag (Green Bay High School, New Zealand) - "Healthcare access across the world is a large problem, and as of late 2025, according to the World Bank and the World Health Organi

Our reactions to the events around us reveal much about who we are as individuals and communities. In a world where challenges and changes happen daily, the way we respond defines not only our present but also the future we build together. In Buddies Without Borders Online Forums, participants share their lived experiences in their own countries, gain insight into others' struggles and successes, and, finally, brainstorm solutions objectively with a global mindset. Aubrey Gui