BD youth selected as judge for Diana Award-2026

Faez Belal, a young Bangladeshi entrepreneur, is serving as the Lead Judge of the judging panel for the Diana Award-2026, one of the world’s most prestigious recognitions for youth leadership. 

His role in this international platform is being seen as a significant milestone for Bangladeshi youth leadership on the global stage.

Established in memory of the late British Princess Diana, the Diana Award is considered one of the most respected honours for individuals under 25. The award recognises young people who have made outstanding contributions to positive social change. The initiative is closely associated with Prince William and Prince Harry, the two sons of Princess Diana.

Nominations for this year’s Diana Award have been closed on 31 October last year. The winners will be announced in November this year. It will be known then whether any Bangladeshis are included in the list.

Faez Belal received the Diana Award in 2022 for his contribution to social development and youth leadership. He later served as a judge in 2024. This year, he has been appointed as the Lead Judge of the judging panel.

Faez Belal is the founder of the Bangladesh Youth Society (BYS) and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BYS Ventures. He is also a member of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Youth Advisory Board, where he works alongside 25 youth representatives from different countries.

Speaking about his journey, Faez Belal said, “While serving as a judge for the Diana Award, I have realised that leadership is not defined by age, but by innovative ideas and the ability to implement them for change.”

He further said, “Young people in Bangladesh are already making significant contributions on the global stage. I believe their impact will become even more extensive and influential in the coming years.”

For more than 25 years, the Diana Award has been recognising youth-led social initiatives worldwide. The vision of Princess Diana�"that young people have the power to change the world�"continues to inspire the initiative.