Students turn classroom learning into community action

From promoting women's health to improving public spaces for people with disabilities, Chinese students presented community-focused projects at a national youth leadership competition in Beijing on Oct 17, showing how classroom knowledge can be put to practical use.

The 2026 United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Youth Leadership Challenge national final concluded at the UN Compound, recognizing students who translated their academic interests into initiatives that address real-world needs.

Launched in November 2025, the competition drew more than 510 applicants across China. The National Finals presented Outstanding Project awards, along with Gold, Silver and Bronze awards at the National Finals.

Fifteen projects were also featured at a youth action exhibition, covering issues such as adolescent mental health, women's health, intergenerational dialogue, gender equality for children in rural areas, and accessible public spaces.

UNFPA China and philanthropic data platform Yishan jointly organized the event, with support from the Shanghai Zijiang Foundation, academic support from the China Philanthropy Research Institute at Beijing Normal University, and a strategic media partnership with Ifeng Philanthropy.

Across seven thematic tracks, students applied academic knowledge for social good. Students used approaches such as workshops, handbooks, documentaries, games, and advocacy activities to help share information and engage communities.

Li Bairui, a youth representative and member of the team behind Drifting on the City's Margins: A Documentary on Older Urban Migrants, says his team used to think helping others meant donating supplies.

"Through in-depth interviews with older migrants, we came to understand that helping begins with asking questions and listening. Only when we truly understand people's needs can we develop practical solutions. Even the best ideas must be grounded in real life, rather than drawn solely from books and imagination," Li says.

Nadia Rasheed, a UNFPA Representative to China, says that realizing every young person's potential is central to UNFPA's mission.

"This challenge shows what is possible when young people have the space and support to learn, experiment, and act. Their projects connect classroom learning with community needs and turn ideas into practical action for health, gender equality and inclusion," Rasheed says.

Tao Ze, founder of Yishan, says the platform co-launched the challenge with UNFPA to connect young people's learning with social needs through data and philanthropy.

"We are proud to see their ideas become practical, sustainable action in schools and communities," Tao says.