Introduction

As 2025 came to a close, we reflected on a world marked by uncertainty and accelerating change. Long-held assumptions about stability, shared values, and collective responsibility have been tested and put under pressure. For organisations like Fondation Botnar, this sharpens both our responsibility and our purpose: to stay responsive and connected to the communities and young people with whom we work.

This year we concentrated on what matters most to us: enabling young people’s wellbeing by working differently — more coherently, collaboratively, and with greater strategic intent. Our refined strategy, Pathways to young people’s wellbeing, represents a shift from individual initiatives toward connected portfolios and a long-term perspective. It challenges us to align our choices, our partnerships, and our ways of working around impact rather than activity.

That shift has required focus and trust. Throughout 2025, open and regular dialogue within the team and with the Board has been essential. Together, we examined our limitations as honestly as we did our achievements, and we collectively shaped what comes next. This will allow us to remain adaptive in an ever-changing environment.

Our engagement with young people remains a critical source of insight. Our Board’s visit to Ghana this year reinforced a simple truth: the future depends on young people’s access to opportunities, their voices being heard, and their ideas shaping decisions. For us, being a modern philanthropic actor means working with young people and partners, not merely for them — embracing complexity, sharing power, and remaining adaptive and courageous.

As we look ahead, we do so with momentum. Strengthening the implementation of our strategy will require deeper cooperation with other foundations, project partners, policymakers, and, above all, young people. By recognising our shared goals and complementary strengths, we can contribute meaningfully to systems that uphold young people’s rights and wellbeing.

The courage shown by young people around the world in 2025 — standing up for their rights, democracy, and the rule of law, often at personal risk — reminds us why this work matters. Their resolve inspires ours. We thank those who continue to accompany us in learning, partnership, and action. With this focus, we step into the future committed to moving forward together.