Heela Yoon is a 26-year-old peacebuilder, climate activist, and mental health advocate, originally from Afghanistan and now based in the United Kingdom. As a first-generation refugee, Heela’s journey has been one of resilience, purpose, and global impact.

Her career in communications and marketing for leading international NGOs spans over five years, during which she has championed initiatives that amplify brand visibility and drive meaningful engagement, impacting communities across Afghanistan, the UK, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and beyond. As an External Board Member for the FCDO, she advises the UK government on empowering women and girls worldwide. Recognized as a prominent peacebuilder by the OSCE and serving as a One Young World Ambassador, Heela advocates for international cooperation and sustainable change.

Heela is the Founder and Executive Director of the Afghan Youth Ambassadors for Peace Organization (AYAPO), a grassroots NGO dedicated to mental health, peacebuilding, and climate action. Since its inception in 2019, AYAPO has implemented transformative programs for Afghan youth and has directly supported over 7,500 families. Her work has brought her to over 22 countries, where she shares her story and expertise alongside global leaders.

Among her accolades, Heela is a United Nations Young Leader for the SDGs and a member of the U.N. Women Asia Pacific 30 for 2030 Youth Leadership Network. Her contributions have been recognized through Chevening and Fulbright Scholarships, and her story has been featured on platforms like Al Jazeera and BBC.