In a world where hope can sometimes flicker, United People Global (UPG) shines brighter than ever.

This past week, the global UPG community came together for a vibrant, heartwarming event (#UPGTownhall) during which the winners of the Journey to Hurricane Island Campaign were announced. Selected nominees came from diverse world regions including: Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America, MENA, South Asia, North America and the Caribbean.

Hosted with enthusiasm and boundless energy, the event witnessed an outpouring of love and support for the leaders. The atmosphere in the Zoom room was electric, chat boxes buzzed with excitement, cheers erupted with each announcement, and the spirit of unity was palpable.

All UPG Sustainability leaders stood tall, representing the dreams and aspirations of their communities. As UPG’s president, Yemi Babington Ashaye so beautifully reminded everyone:

“When one of us is winning, all of us are winning.”

Each nominee’s journey symbolized much more than individual success; it stood as a testament to collective resilience, ambition, and the unstoppable drive to make the world a better place.

EPIC Events That Inspire Change
UPG’s impact stretches far beyond one celebration. Rooted in the powerful acronym EPIC – Events, Publications, Initiatives, and Community. UPG crafts opportunities for real-world transformation.

Under Events, UPG’s vibrant activities like:

• United Voices ‘What’s going on’ brings together passionate individuals to discuss themed conversations centred on global happenings and personal experiences,
• UPG Sustainability Leadership Program and UPG Biashara aimed at entrepreneurs,
• United for Ukraine & Peace for Palestine: showing solidarity and compassion for our brothers and sisters during challenging times.
• Learning Lab, amongst others.

These powerful events foster not just dialogue, but action,  reinforcing the belief that every voice matters and every action counts.

Fostering a Global Community of Changemakers

At its’ heart, UPG is a thriving, interconnected family. Through its UPG Clubs, global campaigns, and the life-changing UPG Sustainability Leadership program, which empowers individuals to step into their roles as community leaders, environmental champions, and social entrepreneurs.

Whether through mini-trainings in local communities or incredible opportunities like the pilgrimage to Hurricane Island; a full scholarship experience, the movement is building tangible solutions aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As participants like Doyinmola shared, the program is not just a training, it’s a transformative journey that ignites purpose, innovation, and lasting change.

“We don’t take it for granted. I am personally grateful. I cannot wait for all the transformation this experience will bring.”

Gifts That Empower and Give Back
UPG doesn’t just talk about creating change, it actively invests in her mission.
Through giveaways and grants, such as:

• The full-cost covered trip to Hurricane Island for selected leaders,
• The Diamonds Do Good Grant to support Biashara entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses,
• Opportunities like the Learning Lab, equipping members with tools, knowledge, and mentorship
• Raffle draws which allows lucky winners to WIN Cash Prizes, A trip to Zanzibar and more!

UPG ensures that dreams are not just envisioned, they are realized.

This unique combination of encouragement, empowerment, and tangible support is why UPG members consistently rise to create ripple effects of positivity in their communities and beyond.

What It Means to Be a UPG Champion
Being a United People Global (UPG) Champion means standing at the intersection of passion and action. It is about believing in the power of individual and collective efforts to make the world a better place. UPG Champions are everyday people committed to creating positive change in their communities and beyond, whether it’s in sustainability, equality, education, health, or innovation.

A UPG Champion embraces leadership with humility and courage, using their voice to inspire and empower others. They don’t wait for the perfect moment; they create it. To be a UPG Champion is to embody hope, resilience, and the unwavering belief that together, we can shape a more united, sustainable, and inclusive world.

Final Reflections:
As the session closed, emotions ran high not from competition, but from the overwhelming sense of unity and shared purpose. UPG isn’t just an organization. It is a movement. It is a family. It is a beacon of hope.

As we look ahead, one thing is clear:
With UPG, the future is not something we fear,  it is something we create together. And in true UPG spirit, we rise, we celebrate, and we move forward all as one.

#UPGSustainabilityLeadership #UPGBiashara #UPGBlog #Makingtheworldabetterplace