LEBANON (Enmaeya News) - November 23, 2025

A 24-year-old Lebanese innovator, Marina al‑Khawand, was honored as one of five young global changemakers by the United Nations for her work using digital tools to drive social impact. 

Awarded at a ceremony held at the UN headquarters in Geneva before nearly 1,000 attendees, al‑Khawand was recognized for her post‑explosion initiative, Medonations, which she founded following the Beirut port blast in 2020. The platform leverages technology to provide free medication and care across Lebanon. 

Melissa Fleming, UN Under‑Secretary‑General for Global Communications, described the winners as “some of the most extraordinary people on our planet,” emphasizing their ability to create “positive, high‑impact change.” 

Other awardees included a 17-year-old Indian student working on environmental restoration, a young Japanese woman driving political engagement, an Ivorian championing digital inclusion, and a Brazilian activist focused on education in underserved communities. 

Al‑Khawand’s recognition highlights the power of innovation and resilience in Lebanon, especially among its youth, in the face of repeated crises.

UN officials said the young winners were chosen for their creativity in using technology not just for profit, but to tackle social challenges, from healthcare to environmental protection to civic participation. 

The award underlines the importance of digital solidarity and grassroots solutions in advancing global development goals, particularly in countries like Lebanon grappling with economic and humanitarian stress.