Online Forums: Text

Buddies Without Borders Online Forums

Buddies Without Borders Online Forums are month-long, web-based collaboration and competition projects attended by students aged 15 - 18 around the world.

The Forums are held 1-2 times a year. Around 3-5 representatives from each country are selected to meet weekly online. Students are grouped as equal global citizens into teams, assigned a country as their joint identity, and together throughout the month, they will debate and co-author recommendation papers to solve a predefined Sustainable Development Goals-related challenge.

Each team is coached by a college student and sessions feature guest speakers. All papers are reviewed and ranked by international educators including college admission officers and subject-matter experts. Winners receive free year-long International Online Internships provided by Leadership Initiatives and funded by top brands including Microsoft and Starbucks. Exceptional students are invited to establish BWB Clubs in schools and take on leadership positions with us.

If accepted, the participation fee is $50 usd. Please click on each Forum below for past Outcome Reports, Award Ceremony Recordings, and Project Designs. Click here for the Interest Form and be notified when the application opens.

*Note to IBDP CAS Coordinators: the Forum is designed to meet all seven learning outcomes - Click here to see how.

Upcoming Buddies Without Borders Online Forums

Sign up in the Interest Form to be notified when the application opens

Social Media and Our Future
February 6 - April 24, 2027

82% of people aged 15-24 globally use the internet for all aspects of their lives. 92% of jobs require digital skills. 66% of employers check applicants' digital footprint. Social media literacty is critical to our understanding of selves and our world.

Students aged 15 -18 are invited to join us to create Social Media Literacy workshop proposals for peers as well as a building a personal LinkedIn profile.

AI and Sustainable Tourism
October 17 - December 12, 2026

From identifying wildlife to managing visitor flow, AI is transforming the travel industry. By 2026, it is estimated that 1 in 9 jobs globally will be in the travel sector. How can we leverage the concept of AI as we develope a more sustainable tourism future?

Now open for application. Click here for details and join like-minded teens around the world to investigate teh AI tools for developing the future of sustainable tourism as global citizens.

Past Buddies Without Borders Online Forums Outcome Reports

Clean Energy; SDG7, SDG10; Climate Action;

Spring 2026 Forum - Power for a Better Future

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.

Based on the Climate Council's estimate, around 90 countries now generate more than 35% of their power with renewables. But is it enough to turn the tide of climate change?

Multiculturalism; Global Goals; Buddies Without Borders

Fall 2025 Forum - Multiculturalism for the Common Good

Let's embrace diversity and foster multiculturalism. Through engaging discussions and interactive activities, participants learn how to connect with individuals from different backgrounds, exploring the importance of understanding and respect. Together, we can create a more inclusive society by answering critical questions about how and why these connections matter.

AI and SDGs; Global Goals; Buddies Without Borders

Fall 2024 Forum - AI's Impact on SDGs

AI tools have been used in many industries to analyze big data for business decisions and government policies, but the technology divide, disinformation, and data availability may lead to threats alongside opportunities. The more powerful a tool is, the more consideration it requires of us to think critically. How can we harness the power of AI to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all?

Peace and Justice; Global Goals; Buddies Without Borders

Summer 2024 Forum - Coexistence: Case Study on Peace & Change

There will be no existence if we cannot coexist. History has taught us that violence begets violence sooner or later. What to do if the lawmakers refuse to change? What to do if the changes are not coming quickly enough for us? Great peace activists in the past have encountered the same conundrum. What lessons did they learn that we must learn for ourselves and put into practice in today’s world? How can we do better?

Fast Fashion; Eco-Fashion; Global Goals; Buddies Without Borders

Spring 2024 Forum - From Fast Fashion to Eco-Fashion

We all want to look good, and fashion helps define our image. What we wear and what we see others wear, in person and on social media, says a lot about our society and what we define as “cool.” Fast fashion keeps prices low and brings growth in developing countries, but also comes with tremendous environmental and social costs, from pollution to human rights violations.
How do fashion and values interact? What changes are needed to improve the Fast Fashion industry to meet the Global Goals?

Good Health & Well-being; Global Goals; Buddies Without Borders

Winter 2024 Forum - Who Will Take Care of Us? Access to Healthcare

It is often said that “without health, we have nothing.” Indeed, for anyone to achieve their full potential, good health is fundamental. With a strong body and a sound mind, a person can achieve so much. Without it, we and our families suffer. In today’s interconnected world, one person’s illness can easily impact thousands. Having access to sufficient healthcare seems to be a basic human right that benefits the whole community. However, vast differences in people’s environments, resources, and social statuses affect the choices available to them.

Green Jobs; Green Economy; Global Goals; Buddies Without Borders

Fall 2023 Forum - Green Jobs in the Green Economy

According to the International Labour Organization of the United Nations, the transition to a green economy is necessary for an environmentally sustainable future for the human race. More importantly, this transition is an opportunity to create decent jobs for all, especially in underprivileged communities. Creative, sustainable and fair businesses are needed to lead the way.

Access to Clean Water; Global Goals; Buddies Without Borders

Summer 2023 Forum - AquaAlliance: Flood, Drought or Pollution? Mobilizing Youth to Solve Water Crises

Life starts with water. More than 60% of the human body is made of water. Yet almost half of the people on earth do not have access to this basic necessity. Around 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water and 4.2 billion people lack safely managed sanitation services (WHO).

In the summer of 2023, students examined the underlying issues around the global water crisis and its impacts on society. They analyzed and proposed solutions to address water-related challenges in their assigned country. From national policy reviews to consumer behavior examinations, students recommended innovative products, services and policies to solve the water challenge before it is too late.

Teen Well-being; Mental Health; Global Goals; Buddies Without Borders

Summer 2023 Forum - Happy Teens: Website Design Challenge

Did you know that even though the standards of living have improved dramatically in human history, the quality of life has not? In fact, according to a 2021 research published by WHO, one in seven teenagers experiences a mental disorder such as anxiety and depression which may lead to lingering problems into their adulthood if not addressed. From mindfulness to goal setting, from gratitude journaling to advisory chats, from internship opportunities to summer job listings - what do teens in your community need in order to achieve happiness? What does happiness look like to teens in your community?

Zero Hunger; Zero Waste; Global Goals; Buddies Without Borders

Fall 2022 Forum - Zero Hunger Zero Waste

Did you know that even though more than enough food is being produced to feed the whole world, more than 800 million people still don't have enough to eat? Why is this? From consumer apps that let us buy unsold food and unused ingredients from local restaurants before they are tossed at the end of the day, to agricultural technologies that allow farmers to grow crops without water, soil or sunshine, to the movement of eating local - can we stop hunger and waste while saving our planet and our community?

Buddies Without Borders Online Forums

Upcoming Buddies Without Borders Online Forums Sign up in the Interest Form to be notified when the application opens

Past Buddies Without Borders Online Forums Outcome Reports

Upcoming Buddies Without Borders Online Forums

Sign up in the Interest Form to be notified when the application opens