The Rising Star Programme, which launched at the One Young World Summit 2014 in Dublin, aims to catapult one undiscovered leader into space – and into the global spotlight. Taking their search to the next stage, the initiative’s creator, leading London-based talent agency, Kruger Cowne, and their partners One Young World, the preeminent global forum for young leaders, and Spaceship Earth Grants, have announced the shortlist. Made up of extraordinary individuals from across the world, each has their own inspiring, unique story and 24-year-old Arpan Dahal from Jhapa, Nepal is honored to be among the thirty.

“The Rising Star Programme is an opportunity that would be a great catalyst in reaching my life goals. It will help me gather so many resources to work on the process of educating people, and helping the community. This experience will help me get public support in order to pioneer space education program in Nepal. It will then help to motivate youths, which will further increase the youth engagement and also create opportunity awareness. I want to introduce the necessary changes to make difference in the world. Therefore I will continue being an educator and social worker,” says Arpan.

The son of a social worker and a teacher, Arpan applied to the programme in the hopes of raising awareness of the deep inequality that exists in the world. By leading discussion on a global scale, the Aerospace Engineer hopes that by shining a light on the poverty experienced by many in society, particularly children, whether in his home country of Nepal or across the globe, solutions can be explored on an international level.

With candidates from across the globe, the champion of the programme will travel by XCOR Aerospace’s Lynx® Spacecraft and experience the world from a completely new perspective, subsequently inspiring new insight on issues relating to the global population.

One man who knows all too well the impact of such a journey is celebrated astronaut Ron Garan, who champions the “Orbital Perspective”:

“Seeing our planet from the vantage point of space provides an undeniable perspective that each and every one of us is riding through the Universe together on this spaceship we call Earth”, finalist judge for the Rising Star Programme, Ron Garan.

Hoping to follow in the footsteps of some of history’s boldest adventurers, Arpan’s achievements already includes being part of the prestigious Amnesty International Nepal where he was a part of a research team on human rights. The team would highlight human right issues all around the country in order to pressurize the government to take action. He was further active in educating and creating awareness on human rights around the country. Arpan is also a Resident Representative of Nepal for International Youth Action Against Terrorism (IYAAT) and part of the International Cancer Advocacy Network (ICAN). He educates kids, writes on social issues and sports, and also volunteers at United Nations (UN) youth events.

“Our chosen 30 represent the epitome of hope, leadership and talent. Spanning countries and continents, these hopefuls strive to make a difference in the world and provide a voice for those who wish to join the debate on a global scale. From societal and environmental issues, to politics and business, each and every one of our shortlist dreams of inspiring a global audience and influencing change,” says Mark Cowne, CEO of Kruger Cowne.

With the value of the space trip prize over $100,000, 3 impressive finalists chosen from the final 30 will be flown to Bangkok in November to attend the One Young World Summit 2015. Here, they will take to the stage in front of an audience of thousands of delegates and a panel of esteemed global business and social icons to deliver an inspirational 10-15 minute keynote on a topic of their choice. The established panel, which includes influential figures from the world of entertainment, business and media such as Sir Bob Geldof, Gina Nelthorpe-Cowne, David Jones, Fatima Bhutto and acclaimed astronaut Ron Garan, will deliberate before announcing on stage their chosen Rising Star.

With astronauts, global leaders and entrepreneurs from the Kruger Cowne roster offering mentorship, the chosen young leader will be managed and positioned to develop powerful connections and given a platform to engage with a global audience and develop solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues.