Following the success of two Global Changemakers Workshops (GCW) in Berlin with Aspen Institute Germany, and in Poland with Aspen Institute Central Europe, we are excited to announce the third edition will take place in Bogotá, Colombia with Aspen Institute Colombia as this year’s co-host: 

Global Changemakers Workshop Series 3: Price of Passage: Borders & Belonging

1- 5 October, 2025 | Bogotá, Colombia 

The Aspen Institute International Partners have awarded one scholarship to Archie Ritchie, an outstanding Aspen NZ Alumnus to attend this year’s workshop. More on the scholarship announcement here.

What is the Global Changemakers Workshop?

The Workshop will explore the complexities and implications of migration in the modern world. Together, a diverse group of young Changemakers will examine how societies respond to these shifts which ultimately become either a source of strength or division in our shared ecosystem.

The Workshop structure will be 3.5 days of text-based Aspen-style seminars, policy roundtable discussions, visits to significant cultural sites of Colombia, and unique conversations with officials and experts of the subject-matter. 

Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded peers to develop actionable commitments for positive change in their communities, expand their global networks, and form valuable partnerships.

Congratulations to Archie for his successful application - we look forward to seeing how this experience shapes his future leadership journey. Thank you to all applicants for their thoughtful submissions, and to the Aspen Institute’s International Partners team in Washington, D.C., for making this unique opportunity possible.

Past Scholarship Recipients

For Aspen NZ scholarship recipient Shreya Singaraju, the 2024 Global Changemakers workshop reinforced the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges:

“Working together is key to driving meaningful change.”

For Shreya, the opportunity to connect with international peers from nations including Nairobi, Colombia and Germany, and to hear firsthand about their struggles and successes, was both humbling and inspiring. 

Following the 2023 Global Changemakers workshop in Berlin, Peter Southey-Jensen, Aspen NZ youth alumni and scholarship recipient reflected:

“The Aspen Institute’s Global Changemakers event was an incredible experience. The opportunity to learn from so many different people each with their own fascinating stories and experiences was an absolute privilege. The combination of intellectual and social discussions was the perfect mix to make for a memorable experience that got the most out of everyone.”