Neurodiversity is a framework for understanding human brain function that recognizes the diversity of human cognition as a biological phenomenon. The neurodiversity paradigm argues that diversity in human cognition is normal and that some conditions classified as mental disorders are differences and disabilities that are not necessarily pathological.  Although there is natural diversity of abilities and particularities within the population, some individuals have neurological variations that challenge their communication, self-expression and interactions with others. Neurodivergence is a broad umbrella which goes beyond just autism and ADHD. Variations can also include dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and tics.  The environments within which individuals with these neuro-variations learn, work and live can either facilitate or inhibit their development and opportunities in the world.  The benefits of neurodiversity in leadership found in multiple studies have highlighted that cognitive diversity in teams directly leads to innovation, creativity and problem-solving abilities. A report by McKinsey & Company suggests that diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones in terms of profitability by 36%. By taking advantage of neurodiversity and the unique skills it brings, we help companies foster a culture of innovation which improves teams’ overall performances and competitiveness.

Programming:  LBF helps neurodiverse children and youth to be self-aware and self-determined through using cutting-edge neuroscience-based pedagogy and personalized learning methodology. We similarly help them to be aware of their learning styles and preferences, while enhancing their social, emotional and physical well-being.  We also work to create environments and provide services that support these neurodivese individuals to achieve their full potential. We aspire to facilitate a community of collaboration amongst learning institutions, employers and service providers to generate these environments and opportunities.

Today, young people aged 10 to 24 make up one quarter of the world’s population. The aspirations and achievements of these 1.8 billion young people are shaping the future.  Approximately 87 percent of them live in developing countries.  Of these, 600 million are adolescent girls and young women. They face multiple barriers that include violence and limited and unequal access to resources, knowledge, information, networks and markets.  These multiple forms of discrimination are due to persistent inequalities, discriminatory laws, stereotypical cultural norms and unequal gendered social roles that are attributed to them within their communities and families. In a global context of shrinking civil society space and rising conservative governments, the voice of young women and girls is at greater risk of being silenced than ever before.

Programming: LBF is stablishing a Women’s empowerment and Leadership initiative. We realize that a sustainable model for Women’s Leadership includes a multi-pronged approach across enhancing employability, sport for leadership, and bodily autonomy is the key to strengthening leadership abilities among adolescent girls.

The global economic landscape, along with the nature of work, is rapidly changing. More and more people are working outside of a typical office environment and in the gig economy. This is creating new economic opportunities — and challenges. The abilities and aspirations of young people, who now number almost two billion, are often unrealized, especially in the developing world. What is the best way to secure their futures?  We believe that positive youth development interventions can support and empower youth to be more engaged, healthy and productive members of their communities. Meeting young people where they are — whether in person or online — is necessary to build the critical skills and competencies to meet the demands of a growing and evolving economy. Our research shows that positive youth development interventions can facilitate resilience and, when combined with labor market analysis, prepare young people for future employment.

Programming:  LBF promotes “Global Thought Leadership” initiatives for youth in the areas of business, sustainable development, justice, and world peace. The aim is to foster cross-cultural and constructive dialogue using the ancient Greek philosophy of ethos, logos and pathos along with the Confucian philosophy of moderation and virtue.

As the challenges posed by environmental degradation become more pressing, the need for equipping young people with the tools to promote sustainable development has never been greater. One of the key methods to achieve this is through media and information literacy (MIL), which empowers youth with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complex landscape of environmental issues and develop green skills that contribute to a more sustainable future.  Generations Z and Alpha have the ability to make a large impact on slowing climate change by taking a stand for environmental justice, advocating for countless endangered species, and working to create an overall greener world. They are the next wave of environmental heroes with the influence to create the change we wish to see in the world!  There are many ways we support youth to embrace their role in environmental advocacy. They can raise awareness about environmental issues by sharing educational posters at their school or place of work and take hands-on action in their community by helping out at a beach clean-up. They can look into internship programs available at local colleges or universities, volunteer opportunities at zoos and aquariums, and careers in oceanography and wildlife conservation to continue their involvement into adulthood.

Programming:  LBF is establishing an environmental awareness-raising and action program. To become a youth leader in environmental activism is to embrace your unique voice and advocate for our planet, while taking an important step in preserving our natural resources for future generations.

There are 1.8 billion young people in the world today, nearly 90 per cent of whom live in low- and middle-income countries — the largest cohort ever. Yet globally more than 200 million adolescents are out of school and youth unemployment is 13% globally; 3 times higher than the rate for adults.  There are many different reasons for this, ranging from escaping conflict to disability to education systems that don’t provide the skills young people need for employment today. But the common challenges are a lack of opportunity and systems that fail to provide skills for work and for life.  LBF blends leading approaches to youth and adolescent development, social innovation, and entrepreneurship to empower marginalized youth and adolescents to become social innovators and social entrepreneurs.

Programming:  LBF assists under-resourced children access educational and leadership opportunities by creating a scholarship program for qualifying children.

The benefits of art in a child’s education are widespread. Art can help kids express themselves and understand the world around them. Art is usually a hands-on experience and fun. For low-income students, studies have found that kids who have more arts education in school see long-term benefits by both academic and social standards. In an era where human brains and machine brains simulate each other, and human intelligence competes with artificial intelligence, youth art development is becoming an important topic of how humans and AI can coexist harmoniously.  For teens, art can be a powerful and transformative activity. Whether it’s drawing, painting, sculpting, or any other form of creative expression, art has the ability to provide an outlet for exploring emotions, developing skills, and expressing individuality.

Programming:  We are creating spaces and opportunities to explore their creative side in an encouraging environment as a powerful boost to their comprehensive development.