The Young Systems Leader Awards are back!

IAPB is excited to launch for its third year, the IAPB Young Systems Leader Awards.   

The award is focused on recognising and supporting early-career eye health professionals who demonstrate an aptitude and motivation to drive systems change.    

“The Young Systems Leader awards continue to go from strength to strength each year as we celebrate more talented and inspiring individuals whose outstanding work, dedication to the eye health sector and courage to drive change is making a lasting impact. I am honoured to be part of this programme, helping to shine a spotlight on individuals demonstrating systems leadership in their roles. This is one of the programs of IAPB I love as we support the next generation to lead us to what is possible together” said IAPB President Caroline Casey.  

The initiative has at its heart IAPB’s ambitions 2030 In Sight Strategy. A strategy driving the eye health sector to move beyond isolated interventions, calling on individuals and organisations to embrace a holistic systems approach, seamlessly integrating eye care within health systems and demonstrating its vital role in other sectors and settings.  

Feedback from our 2025 award winners:  

Fatima Zehra  

My journey as a Young Systems Leader has been filled with passion, learning, and diverse experiences. The coaching, mentorship, and opportunities provided through the program have been truly transformative. Throughout this period, I engaged with multiple stakeholders through group sessions, individual consultations, and global learning exchanges. These interactions enabled me to gain valuable technical knowledge, explore best practices from around the world, and understand the complexities of systems change at various levels. 

The appreciation, recognition, and continuous engagement I received have been deeply motivating and nurturing. I have not only strengthened my technical skills but have also grown personally, enhancing my leadership and people skills. It has indeed been a rewarding roller-coaster journey—one that continues to inspire and challenge me. 

“The YSL Program creates a positive, collaborative learning culture where we support each other and celebrate every success together.” 

Mehran Memon 

The YSL Programme has been a transformative journey—strengthening my leadership, expanding my global perspective, and connecting me with passionate advocates who are shaping the future of eye health. It has empowered me to think boldly, act strategically, and contribute more meaningfully to systems change.” 

Nomination and Selection  

IAPB members are invited to nominate emerging leaders, aged under 35, who they feel demonstrate the aptitude and mindset to shift the paradigm to tackle avoidable sight loss. For example:   

• Embracing opportunities, being adaptable and flexible    
• Working and collaborating across sectors   
• Trying new approaches – experimenting and piloting ideas   
• Building a culture of learning, in which failures are lessons to be shared   
• Shifting from reactive problem solving to collaborative planning for the future  

Candidates for the award must be nominated and seconded by an IAPB member (not necessarily from their own organisation). Up to 10 candidates will be selected for the award.    

Nominations Open 11 December 2025 

• Nominations close 30 January 2026 
• Candidates must be aged 35 and under as of 30 June 2026 
• Candidates must be available from 4-6 June to attend 2030 INSIGHT LIVE Kenya. 
• Candidates must be able to fund their own travel, accommodation, and visa arrangements to attend 2030 INSIGHT LIVE Kenya (registration for the event is free to award winners)  
• Candidates must also be available to attend 6 x online webinars between March – May 2026. 

Nominations close 30 January 2026