The Award programme grew out of the efforts of three men -
HRH Prince Philip, Kurt Hahn, a German educationalist, and Lord Hunt, leader of the first successful ascent of Everest - who were aware that young people’s development was lacking in certain key areas.

The Award in the UK

The Award goes global

For all young people everywhere

The International Award was founded by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, in 1956, in conjunction with Kurt Hahn, the German educationalist. Both were concerned that young people’s development was lacking in certain key areas, and they resolved to create a programme that would be a 'do-it-yourself kit in the art of civilised living'.

A youth development programme for all

Global appeal