Rijve Arefin is a dynamic leader in youth activism and community development, globally recognized for his impactful work in empowering young people to drive social change. As the co-founder of Awareness 360, a global non-profit operating in over 40 countries across the Global South, Rijve has directly empowered over 3.1 million people through innovative programs that advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Under his leadership, Awareness 360 has successfully graduated over 50,000 youth leaders, many of whom have launched their own community-driven initiatives.
Rijve currently serves as the vice chairperson of the Commonwealth Students Association, representing over 640 million students globally. His exceptional work has earned him numerous accolades, including being named Forbes 30 Under 30, a featured honoree for social impact, and a recipient of the Diana Award.
In his previous roles, Rijve has been an advisor to the United Nations Global Compact’s Target Gender Equality Programme, where he worked with over 700 companies in more than 40 countries to implement gender-responsive strategies. He also served as a youth development consultant for CIVICUS in South Africa, pioneering the Youth Action Lab, an incubator program supporting young activists in the Global South.
Rijve’s dedication to gender equality and sustainable development has been widely recognized. He was honored as a 30 for 2030 Young Leader by UN Women, a Royal Commonwealth Society Fellow, and a USA Pavilion at Expo 2020 Fellow in Dubai. Additionally, he is a UNDP Youth Co:Lab Fellow, a member of the Climate Action Champions Network, and a global youth ambassador for Theirworld UK.
A frequent speaker at high-level forums, Rijve has addressed global audiences, including the Commonwealth Youth Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, alongside esteemed leaders such as the Hon. Rosemary Mbabazi, Minister of Youth and Culture, Rwanda. He has also participated in the Royal Commonwealth Society International Meeting in London, engaging with Her Majesty Queen Camilla.
Beyond his advocacy work, Rijve has excelled as a strategist and fundraiser, raising over $300,000 for community projects and leading teams in building homes, improving WASH systems, and promoting gender equality. His initiatives have directly impacted underserved populations, including Rohingya refugees, indigenous communities, and slum dwellers.
Rijve’s work embodies a vision of inclusivity, equity, and sustainable development, making him a global role model for youth leadership and social impact.