The Initiatives of Change Annual Lecture and Trustbuilding Awards recognize, encourage and promote outstanding individuals and organizations working tirelessly to create a better world and raise the standards of 'trustbuilders' around the world.

It is a key opportunity for leading peacebuilders, changemakers and activists to network, get inspired and celebrate their achievements.

The Awards showcase personal stories of change and successful trustbuilding models, providing valuable examples and inspiration for others seeking to address conflict, inequality or social fragmentation.

Coming Soon! Information about the 2026 IofC Trustbuilding Awards, including Application Process and more will be available on 1 March 2026.

We are proud to offer three prestigious awards:

1. Trustbuilder of the Year, celebrating exceptional impact by an organization or individual.
2. Young Trustbuilder of the Year, honoring individuals under 30 years of age driving innovative trustbuilding initiatives.
3. Lifetime Achiever, recognizing a lifetime dedicated to building trust and reconciliation.

Learn more about the application process, deadline, as well as the benefits, and selection criteria by clicking the link below.

The Annual Lecture accompanying the awards ceremony is a thought-provoking keynote address by a high-profile speaker in the field of trustbuilding, peacebuilding or social change. A moderated Q&A session and post-ceremony networking opportunities, allow attendees to engage with the speaker and explore key themes in greater depth, build relationships and explore collaborations on future trustbuilding initiatives.

We seek to forge impactful and sustainable partnerships with individuals and organizations, whose values align with our own. Our wish is to offer our sponsors a powerful opportunity for maximizing return on investment, while we expand the impact and reach of our trustbuilding work.

We invite you to join this inspiring initiative by helping our global network bring more recognition and support to individuals and organizations who bridge divides, rebuild trust, and develop inclusive societies.

Sponsorship enables us to provide practical assistance to award winners - 90% of sponsorship contributions go to cash prizes and financial support of their work on the ground. It also helps us partially cover event costs and ensures that the Awards events can operate at a high standard and reach a wider audience. 

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please check our Proposal and contact our Awards Team.

The 2025 Annual Lecture and Trustbuilding Awards ceremony was hosted by Initiatives of Change South Africa and IofC International on 12 November at the University of South Africa, in Pretoria, under the theme 'Personal to Global: Trustbuilding and Healing Begins at Home'.

• Puppets World [Jordan] - Ban Khalil and Rami Bader - Trustbuilder of the Year Award
• Arbe Bonaya Godana [Kenya] - Young Trustbuilder of the Year and
• Niketu Iralu [India/ Nagaland] - Lifetime Achiever

Learn more and celebrate with us these outstanding individuals, each of whom has made significant contributions to the field of Trustbuilding and have demonstrated exceptional skill, passion, and commitment to their work.

For decades, IofC has championed trustbuilding across communities worldwide. In 2019, we launched the award-winning Trustbuilding Program, now active in 15 countries. This movement empowers individuals and communities to bridge divides, rebuild trust, and foster inclusive societies.

IofC believes in personal change as a catalyst for societal transformation.

Learn more about the IofC Trustbuilding work.