WHAT IS #WORLDREADY?
Today’s young people face complex and ever-changing challenges.
At The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, we believe in their ability to overcome them. Through non-formal education and the development of essential skills — including self-confidence, resilience and communication — we support young people to discover their potential and look to the future with confidence. This helps every participant to proudly say: “I am ready for the world. I AM #WORLDREADY.”
WHY #WORLDREADY?
Around the world, young people confront a constantly evolving mosaic of challenges — many of which previous generations never experienced.
The #WORLDREADY campaign was launched to raise awareness and spark discussion about these real-world challenges and how, as a global society, we can help young people be prepared for whatever the future holds. Working with the global Award network, we’ve aligned responses to regional issues and contributed our experience in many parts of the world. Today, the #WorldReady message perfectly captures what The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award does for so many young people, thanks to the exceptional efforts of our volunteers and dedicated teams.
This slogan has evolved to reflect current circumstances and the Award’s determination to be part of community and crisis-response solutions at every step
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
For generations, formal education has prepared young people for the future. In some parts of the world, access to school is a newly won right; in others, it remains a struggle. But we know that preparation for life doesn’t end within the walls of a classroom.
”Be prepared to discover yourself every day; prepared to learn, prepared to adapt, prepared to ask questions and to be asked; prepared to lead, prepared to follow, prepared to stand up for others and for what is right; prepared to do what is good — always; prepared to work; prepared to play, prepared to laugh and to cry — To be World Ready means being prepared for life.”.
John May, Secretar General, Fundația Internațională The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
YOU’VE COMPLETED THE AWARD! YOU ARE #WORLDREADY
Congratulations! You’ve achieved something truly significant — an internationally recognised accomplishment worth celebrating. But… what comes next? How can you use this experience to further your education or career?
In some countries, completing the Award earns additional points towards university admission. If you’re unsure whether that applies where you are, check with the relevant institution. Either way, keep your certificate safe — it’s evidence of your journey. Your experience can be a valuable asset in applications or interviews, whether for study or work.
HOW TO GET THE MOST FROM YOUR AWARD EXPERIENCE
- Explain clearly what the Award means:: Even though it’s recognised globally, not everyone is familiar with its structure. Some people think it’s only about Adventure, others only about volunteering.
- Reflect on your experiences:: Think about the skills, behaviours and attitudes you developed through the activities you chose, and how these have shaped you.
- Identify key skills: Research shows participants develop competencies such as confidence, emotional regulation, resilience, leadership, creativity, adaptability, planning, problem-solving, civic engagement, intercultural skills, personal and social well-being, and communication. Which of these apply to you?
- Connect your experiences to your goals: What activities did you do? What did you learn? How do these link to the course or job you want?
- Highlight what makes you unique: Maybe your volunteer work aligns perfectly with your future career. Maybe your Adventurous Journey strengthened your communication and problem-solving skills under pressure. Consider how these will help a team, company or community
- Present yourself confidently: Use strong action verbs — achieved, completed, developed. Be confident, but not arrogant.
- Support everything with evidence: Show what you can contribute concretely. If you were part of a sports team, maybe you’ll continue in a team at university or work.
- Apply the “So what?” test: Read what you’ve written as if you were a university admissions officer or recruiter. Is it convincing? Are details missing? Ask your Award Leader for feedback.
- Keep it concise and simple: Avoid jargon. Say it clearly, the way you would explain it every day.
- Be authentic: Don’t exaggerate achievements. Sometimes we learn more from mistakes than from successes. Tell the story honestly.
Final tips:
Be the best version of yourself. Universities and companies look not only for skills, but also for people they genuinely want to work with. Culture and compatibility matter.