MIPAD Opens Nominations and Announces 2025 Global Top 100 Editions

Tuesday, October 24th – In celebration of United Nations Day, MIPAD is proud to announce the opening of nominations for the 2025 Global Top 100 Editions. This year, alongside the flagship Global Top 100 Under 40 Edition, MIPAD introduces three special editions: the Global Top 100 Social Impact & Philanthropy Edition, the Global Top 100 Coaches Edition, and the UK’s Next Generation Edition, which focuses on young changemakers in the UK aged 16-25.

Recognizing the Next Generation: Global Top 100 Under 40

The Global Top 100 Under 40 Edition continues MIPAD’s legacy of recognizing young leaders shaping the future across diverse sectors. In line with MIPAD’s mission, this edition highlights outstanding individuals of African descent who have made significant contributions in the following core categories:

Politics & Governance
Business & Entrepreneurship
Media & Culture
Activism & Humanitarianism

This year’s edition aims to celebrate trailblazers from across the globe, fostering leadership, excellence, and empowerment within the global African diaspora.

Special Edition: Global Top 100 Social Impact & Philanthropy

New for 2025, the Global Top 100 Social Impact & Philanthropy Edition celebrates individuals of African descent whose work is transforming communities, solving societal challenges, and advancing philanthropy. From grassroots organizations to large-scale initiatives, this edition recognizes those driving social change through innovation and compassion.

Special Edition: Global Top 100 Coaches

The Global Top 100 Coaches Edition honors leaders, mentors, and professional coaches who dedicate themselves to empowering others. This edition will spotlight influential coaches across business, sports, life coaching, and personal development for their extraordinary ability to inspire and guide others toward growth and success.

Special Edition: UK’s Next Generation Edition

For the first time, MIPAD introduces the UK’s Next Generation Edition, which focuses on recognizing outstanding young individuals aged 16-25 who are shaping the future of the United Kingdom. This edition celebrates the achievements and potential of young people of African descent making a significant impact in various sectors, including innovation, arts, activism, and more.

Nominations Open on UN Day

As we commemorate the anniversary of the United Nations’ founding on October 24, MIPAD officially opens nominations for all four editions: the Global Top 100 Under 40 Edition, the Global Top 100 Social Impact & Philanthropy Edition, the Global Top 100 Coaches Edition, and the UK’s Next Generation Edition. We invite individuals and organizations worldwide to nominate exemplary candidates who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their fields. Nominations can be submitted at www.mipad.org/nominate.

A Message from MIPAD’s CEO, Jonathan Olufowobi

“At MIPAD, we are committed to showcasing the excellence and brilliance within the global African diaspora. As we transition from the International Decade for People of African Descent, this year’s editions are more meaningful than ever. We’re expanding our recognition with two new categories: Social Impact & Philanthropy and Coaches, alongside the Global Top 100 Under 40. This year also marks a special focus on the UK’s next generation of African-descended changemakers, ensuring that we recognize those making a difference at all ages and levels of influence. Together, we continue to shape the future by honoring those who are pushing boundaries, solving societal challenges, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.”

Honoring the Legacy of the International Decade for People of African Descent

These editions continue MIPAD’s commitment to recognizing the outstanding achievements of people of African descent globally. As we transition from the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024), MIPAD remains dedicated to celebrating individuals making a lasting impact across governance, business, philanthropy, and activism, while fostering the leadership of future generations.

Join the Global Celebration

We invite all past and present honorees to join us for the Recognition Weekend 2025, which will take place on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York City from September 25-27, 2025. The event will gather MIPAD Global Top 100 honorees from previous years alongside newly recognized leaders for a grand celebration of African heritage, leadership, and excellence.

Follow us @MIPAD100 on social media for updates, and visit our blog at blog.mipad.org for more information on past honorees.

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