The Duke of Edinburgh's Award World Fellowship celebrates 21st anniversary

Attended by the founder of the Award Programme, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, and over 200 guests, the special event celebrated the creation of the Association’s global network of generous individuals that are key to the long-term stability and success of the leading youth development charity.

LONDON, 2 JULY 2008 – To mark the 21st Anniversary of the founding of the World Fellowship, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International Association (IAA) held an anniversary dinner in the Ballroom of Buckingham Palace. Attended by the founder of the Award Programme, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, and over 200 guests, the special event celebrated the creation of the Association’s global network of generous individuals that are key to the long-term stability and success of the leading youth development charity.

Sponsoring the event, Paul Green from the Halcyon Gallery, one of Europe’s leading art galleries, said “I am proud to have been involved with the World Fellowship for over four years now and to have witnessed first-hand how the Award is transforming so many young lives around the world.”

Since 1987, the World Fellowship has provided the stable financial foundation to the IAA which has enabled it to develop the Award significantly and extend its reach to over 125 countries. It is now made up of over 300 Benefactors, Fellows, Members and Young Fellows worldwide who share a common interest in the development of young people.

“The ongoing development and expansion of the Programme relies on the support of the World Fellows, as well as backing from other generous corporate donors, trusts and individual sponsors,” commented Claire Dakin, World Fellowship Director, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International Association. “For anyone with a real interest in youth development, getting involved with the IAA offers an ideal opportunity to create a positive impact on young people and society.”