What an amazing week we had in Herning, Denmark, at the 2025 JCI European Conference! We had 4 days with unforgettable experiences filled with dynamic training sessions, engaging workshops, inspiring keynote speeches, and vibrant cultural activities.​

We couldn’t have ended it without a fairytale Gala, with a menu and decorations inspired by the tales of Hans Christian Andersen. Well done, JCI Denmark!

But, the most awaited moment of the Gala is the JCI Awards Ceremony!

At the JCI Awards Ceremony, we shine a spotlight on the Local and National Organizations that transformed ambition into action and leadership into lasting impact.

Before we dive into the awards that honor our most outstanding members and projects, let’s begin by recognizing the champions of the conference competitions — those who inspired us with their skills, courage, and energy throughout the week.

The winners of the conference competitions: 

First Timers Award

A recognition dedicated to someone who made their very first JCI European Conference truly unforgettable.

The winner of the 2025 European Conference First Timers Award from JCI Germany, André Otolski.

Debating

English Debating  

Seven English debate teams went head-to-head, each bringing sharp arguments and bold perspectives — all competing for the prestigious recognition: 2025 JCI European Conference Debating Champions.

The English Debating champion is  JCI Finland, with Anni Tyynelä as captain and Ville Mukka and Siru Sirén as speakers.

French Debating  

 We also had the chance to celebrate the art of French Debating — a spirited tradition of strategy, persuasion, and flair. Out of all the teams, one rose to the top and can now proudly claim the title of French Debate Champions! 

The French Debating champion is JCI Belgium, with Romain Baiwir as captain and Emmanuel Minutillo and Catherine Thise as speakers.

German Debating

After a series of powerful arguments and passionate exchanges, one team emerged victorious and can now proudly call themselves the German Debate Champions of 2025! 

The German Debating champion is “Die Frankophilen”, with Elodie as captain and Benedict and Oli as speakers!

JCI Public Speaking Competition 

We are proud to recognize the winner of the JCI Public Speaking Competition at the 2025 European Conference — a speaker who moved hearts, sparked thought, and truly embodied the spirit of JCI. This champion will continue on to defend the honor of our Area at the upcoming 2025 JCI World Congress in Tunisia.

The 2025 JCI European Conference Public Speaking Championship is  Anela Denic from JCI Finland.

Creative Young Entrepreneur Program

Let’s meet the entrepreneurs redefining what’s possible,  the change makers who turned vision into action and business into impact!

These CYE winners have truly showcased exceptional innovation, bold thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit. They’ve set a powerful example for others to follow — not just in business, but also in leadership.

1st Place Winner: Petr Šťastny, with the business Windees s.r.o., from JCI Czech Republic.

The winner of the Creative Young Entrepreneur Award gets also the $5,000 cash prize and free enrollment to the 2025 World Congress in Tunis, Tunisia.

2nd Place Winner: Furkan Yazıcı, with the business TUMURLY, from JCI Türkiye.

Star Member and Star Local President Awards

Our Star Members are: 

From Czech Republic: Roman Jasenovec.

From Estonia: Maris Praats and Kati Miller.

From Finland: Pauliina Pietilä and Kristina Karjalainen 

From Moldova: Ioana M. Bora.

From the Netherlands: Tessa Van Den Dolder.

From Switzerland: Kevin Meilland.

From Türkiye:

• Mert Şenyiğit
• Emin Seyhan
• Hasret Utkan
• Fulya Merdinli
• Esat Bakir
• Fatih Akdik
• Işil Selen Çiçek Gunt
• Şaban Karaca 
• Mustafa Ersin 
• Emre Kollayan
• Emre Örendil 
• Tuğba Apaydın 
• Hilal Gökçe Akbulut 
• Eda Uslu
• Orhun Özkan
• United Kingdom: Cynthia Terpics

Star Local Presidents:
From Estonia: Uku Viira.

From France: Esther Vito and Aurélia Perrotte.

From Moldova: Șveț Valentina.

From the Netherlands: Thomas Runhart.

From Sweden: Josefina Golgersson.

From Switzerland: Michael Shiffer.

And from Türkiye:

• Sevinç Yazılıtaş Kayasu
• Şeyda Özdemir
• Tuğçe Şit
• Beren Ilkim Ceylan

Best JCI RISE Project

Top 3 entries:

– Meet & Greet Food Producers: JCI Keurusselkä, Finland
– Global Impact Move:  JCI Nice Côte d’Azur, France
– Green and Digital Transformation Support Programme Information Seminar: JCI Çankaya, Türkiye

And the winner is Green and Digital Transformation Support Programme Information Seminar – JCI Çankaya, Türkiye.

The project helps SMEs adopt green and digital practices aligned with development goals. Through visits, seminars, and support from institutions like KOSGEB and TEB, it promotes sustainable growth and awareness of available incentives.

Best Local Business and Entrepreneurship Program

This award celebrates the initiatives that sparked innovation, empowered local entrepreneurs, and built stronger, more sustainable economies — right at the heart of our communities. Let’s discover which program stood out as a true engine of business brilliance!

Top 3 entries:

– Night with Entrepreneur – Prime Minister Edition: JCI Chisinau, Moldova
– JCNetwork Business Circle: JCI Çankaya, Türkiye
– InspireBO: JCI Haaglanden, The Netherlands

And the winner is JCNetwork Business Circle – JCI Çankaya, Türkiye.

JCNetwork Business Circle by JCI Çankaya is a year-long program to boost entrepreneurship and networking within JCI. With six stages—from events to an annual summit—it connects leaders, investors, and professionals to foster innovation, partnerships, and local economic growth.

Best Local Individual Development Program

The Best Local Individual Development Program recognizes initiatives that equip JCI members with the skills, mindset, and confidence to grow into the next generation of impactful young leaders.

Top 3 entries:

– WJ Nordschwarzwald Summer School 2024: JCI Nordschwarzwald, Germany
– Advanced Level Leadership Academy: JCI Istanbul, Türkiye
– Financial Education: Learn. Invest. Grow! :JCI Chisinau, Moldova

And the winner is Financial Education: Learn. Invest. Grow! – JCI Chisinau, Moldova.

This 14-module program gives members essential financial skills—from budgeting to investing in stocks, crypto, or real estate. Through real examples and expert insights, it helps them make smart money choices and build a stronger financial future.

Best Local Growth and Development Program

Top 3 entries:

– Show Ourselves – an inventive way in promoting awareness of JCI locally: JCI Lier, Belgium
– JCI Evenings: JCI Cluj-Napoca, Romania
– The Rookie Race: JCI Choletais, France

And the winner is Show Ourselves – an inventive way in promoting awareness of JCI locally – JCI Lier, Belgium.

The project focuses on two pillars: strengthening ties with local organizations through active participation, and boosting JCI’s visibility with a branded cargo bike at public events. It also launches youth road safety campaigns and a community-driven social media contest.

Best International Cooperation Project

This award honors the projects that went beyond borders — fostering collaboration, cultural exchange, and global impact through meaningful partnerships between JCI organizations. 

Top 3 entries:

– JCI Central Park’s International Activities: JCI Keskuspuisto – Helsinki, Finland
– International Friendship Project (JCI Chișinău – JCI Haapsalu): JCI Chisinau, Moldova
– Twinning 2024 – The Royal Edition: JCI Kennemerland, The Netherlands 

And the winner is International Friendship Project (JCI Chișinău – JCI Haapsalu) – JCI Chisinau, Moldova.

The twinning between JCI Chișinău and JCI Haapsalu began as a friendship during an Erasmus program in 2021 and became official in 2023. It fosters cultural exchange, strong Moldova-Estonia ties, and joint projects—highlighted by visits, virtual meetings, and shared values of unity and positive change.

Best Inter-Organization Collaboration Project

The category of Best Inter-Organization Collaboration Project celebrates initiatives that built strategic, win-win partnerships with like-minded organizations — proving that when missions align, impact multiplies. These projects are a testament to the power of collaboration beyond our own network.

Top 3 entries:

– Entrepreneurship and Leadership Summit (Junior) – GLZ Junior JCI Ankara, Türkiye
– New Metz Association Forum: JCI Metz, France
– JCI Baltic Conference 2024: Arts of Survival in Borderless Business: JCI Toomemae, Estonia

And the winner is JCI Baltic Conference 2024: Arts of Survival in Borderless Business – JCI Toomemae, Estonia.

The JCI Baltic Conference 2024 in Tartu, Estonia gathered nearly 200 participants from 15 countries. Under the theme “Borderless Business, Teams, and Me,” it featured keynotes, visits, and networking to foster international collaboration and leadership growth. Six local chapters actively contributed.

Best Local Community Impact Program

Projects in the category of Best Local Community Impact Program recognize the outstanding efforts of members who take a close look at their community’s most pressing challenges — and respond with bold, lasting solutions. These are the initiatives that turn local insight into sustainable change.

Top 3 entries:

– Financial Skills for Young Adults: JCI Keskuspuisto – Helsinki, Finland
– Lenterally (Spring Rally): JCI Ede, The Netherlands

– Fit4Jobs Training Day: JCI Oberthurgau, Switzerland

And the winner is Lenterally (Spring Rally) – JCI Ede, The Netherlands.

The JCI Ede Lente Rally is an annual puzzle rally in the Veluwe region that unites the community while supporting a local charity—this year aiding families affected by Huntington’s disease. It strengthens team spirit, boosts JCI Ede’s visibility, and attracts members, partners, and sponsors.

Best Local Global Goals Project

Projects in the category of Best Local Global Goals Project highlight the powerful role JCI local organizations play in advancing the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development. These initiatives connect local action with global impact — proving that no goal is too distant when purpose drives progress.

Top 3 entries:

– Crossed Knowledge: JCI Saint-Etienne, France
– Entrepreneurship Summit: Green: JCI Beşiktaş, Türkiye
– Eur’Hop (Yuurhop) – The Puzzle of the European Union: JCI Metz, France

And the winner is Eur’Hop – The Puzzle of the European Union – JCI Metz, France.

Eur’Hop is a puzzle-based educational project that makes the EU easier to understand, supporting Global Goals 4 and 16. Using an 89-card kit, JCI-led workshops promote civic knowledge and fight disinformation. Backed by EU institutions, it reached 700+ people in just 2 months.

Best International Human Duties Project

The Best Human Duties Project honors initiatives that champion the values of responsibility, respect, and shared humanity. These exemplary projects lead the way in promoting Human Duties, making a meaningful and lasting impact — not just locally, but around the world.

Top 3 entries:

– Exit Happyland: JCI Innerschwyz, Switzerland
– Duty to Earth: Clean Up Together!: JCI Chisinau, Moldova
– Kararlarda Gençlik De Var: JCI Ankara, Türkiye

And the winner is Duty to Earth: Clean Up Together! – JCI Chisinau, Moldova.

To mark Human Duties Day, JCI teams united for clean-up events in parks and public areas, promoting responsibility for our planet. Beyond cleaning, the project raised awareness about pollution and inspired cross-border teamwork and civic action to protect our shared home—Earth.

Most Outstanding Local Project

The next award recognizes the Most Outstanding Local Project — a true standout among all initiatives, representing the highest standard of impact, innovation, and leadership within the JCI community. This is more than a project. It’s a benchmark for excellence.

Top 3 entries:

– JCNetwork Business Circle: JCI Çankaya, Türkiye
– Financial Education: Learn. Invest. Grow! – JCI Chisinau, Moldova
– InspireBO: JCI Haaglanden, The Netherlands

And the winner is JCNetwork Business Circle – JCI Çankaya, Türkiye.

JCNetwork Business Circle by JCI Çankaya is a year-long program to boost entrepreneurship and networking within JCI. With six stages—from events to an annual summit—it connects leaders, investors, and professionals to foster innovation, partnerships, and local economic growth.

Best National Flagship Program

These national-level programs set the standard for vision, scale, and sustainable impact. These flagship initiatives reflect the very best of what a JCI National Organization can achieve when purpose meets action.

Top 3 entries:

– The Buddy Project: JCI Sion, Switzerland
– The Tour of France of 2024 European Elections: JCI Montpellier, France
– CYE Türkiye Local: JCI Beşiktaş, Türkiye

And the winner is The Tour of France of 2024 European Elections – JCI Montpellier, France.

JCI France’s 2024 Tour of France for the European Elections engaged over 1,800 citizens through 80 workshops and 22 conferences. With tools like the Eur’Hop puzzle and a “Why I Should Vote” campaign, it promoted civic responsibility and youth participation across 39 chapters.

Best National Growth and Development Program

The category of Best National Growth and Development Program honors initiatives that drive the expansion, sustainability, and leadership pipeline of JCI at the national level. These programs go beyond numbers — they breathe life into the JCI mission and values, creating more opportunities for young people to lead and thrive.

Top 3 entries:

– Introducing JCI to New Cities: JCI Aalborg, Denmark
– JCI UK National Growth Initiative 1.0: JCI London, United Kingdom
– “Nacht der jungen Leaders”, “Night of the Young Leaders” (NYL): JCI Basel, Switzerland

And the winner is Introducing JCI to New Cities – JCI Aalborg, Denmark.

The “Introducing JCI to New Cities” project aimed to grow JCI Denmark by launching new chapters in untapped areas. Through outreach to local businesses and talents, it hosted engaging meetings to attract young people and promote JCI’s mission of leadership and positive change.

Most Outstanding New Local Organization

This award celebrates a newly formed Local Organization that has already made a bold impression. It goes to a group of young leaders who, though new to JCI, have shown exceptional drive, vision, and commitment from day one. They are proof that you don’t need a long history to make a big impact.

Top 3 entries:

– JCI Tournai, Belgium
– JCI Rivierenland, The Netherlands
– JCI Sibiu, Romania

And the Most Outstanding New Local Organization from Europe is JCI Sibiu, Romania.

Founded in October 2024, JCI Sibiu quickly emerged as a vibrant new chapter in Romania. With projects like “HOW TO” and “Speak and Lead,” a 160% membership growth, and strong partnerships, it showcases leadership, impact, and alignment with JCI’s mission and Plan of Action.

Most Outstanding Local Organization

In recognition of their remarkable teamwork, leadership, and unwavering commitment to creating positive change in their communities, economies, and beyond, we are proud to present the top JCI Local Organizations from Europe. These are the chapters that lead with purpose and inspire by example: 
– JCI Keskuspuisto – JCI Central Park Helsinki, JCI Keskuspuisto – Helsinki, Finland
– Jeune Chambre Economique d’Angers et sa région (JCI Angers et sa région), JCI Angers et sa région, France
– JCI CHIȘINĂU, JCI Chisinau, Moldova

And the Most Outstanding Local Organization from Europe is Jeune Chambre Economique d’Angers et sa région (JCI Angers et sa région), JCI Angers et sa région, France.

In 2024, JCI Angers et sa région made international collaboration a top priority, earning the JCI France award for Best International Program. With the “Sharing History” initiative, global event participation, and a twinning with JCI Göteborg, the chapter boosted JCI’s visibility and bid to host EC2028.

Most Outstanding – Individual Awards

The recipients of the following three award categories will each receive complimentary registrations to the 2025 JCI World Congress in Tunisia, where they will go on to represent Europe and compete against winners from other Area Conferences for the prestigious Global Title.

Most Outstanding New Member

New members are the future of our Local Organizations — This next award honors those who have only recently joined JCI, yet have already shown exceptional commitment to our Mission and made a meaningful impact in a short time. 

Top 3 entries:

– Sandro Arnold: JCI Innerschwyz, Switzerland
– Tiina Tanninen: JCI Keskuspuisto – Helsinki, Finland
– Ayşe Ecem Yetkin: JCI Beşiktaş, Türkiye

And the Most Outstanding New Member from Europe is Sandro Arnold from JCI Innerschwyz, Switzerland. 

Sandro Arnold, a new member of JCI Innerschwyz, has quickly become a key leader. He spearheaded the Twinning Program with India and a Start-Up Weekend Hackathon, showing strong commitment to JCI values, global citizenship, and empowering others through service and collaboration.

Most Outstanding Member

The Most Outstanding Member award honors an individual whose dedication, leadership, and actions have gone above and beyond, embodying the very spirit of JCI. This is the mark of a true changemaker.

Top 3 entries:

– Maria Gabriela Stredie: JCI Targu Mures, Romania
– Tessa van den Dolder, JCI Kennnemerland, The Netherlands
– Sara Krogh Bruun-Olsen, JCI København, Denmark 

And the Most Outstanding Member from Europe is Tessa van den Dolder from JCI Kennnemerland, The Netherlands.

Tessa van den Dolder of JCI Kennemerland has shown exceptional leadership in JCI The Netherlands. She led the national CYE launch, organized the 2024–2025 editions, and contributed to the EC 2027 Bidbook as Creative Director, earning a Presidential Award. Her initiatives also strengthened local impact and communication.

Most Outstanding Local President

Local Presidents are the driving force behind every impactful Local Organization. They dedicate their time, energy, and resources to lead with purpose — listening to members, building bridges with stakeholders in business, government, and civil society, and ensuring that impact is not just promised, but delivered.

The Most Outstanding Local President award recognizes a leader whose commitment and vision have truly elevated their community and their JCI chapter.

Top 3 entries: 

– Tina Kramer: JCI Sense-See, Switzerland
– Sergiu Liogchii: JCI Chisinau, Moldova
– Christin Wiesberger: JCI Magdeburg, Germany

And the the Most Outstanding Local President from Europe is Christin Wiesberger from JCI Magdeburg, Germany.

As Local President of JCI Magdeburg, Christin Wiesberger drove membership growth and national visibility. She revitalized the chapter through innovative training, led a successful national conference bid, and inspired a culture of learning and collaboration—all while embodying JCI’s values of sustainable leadership.

Congratulations to each and every winner, their dedication, creativity, and leadership are shaping not just JCI, but the future of the world. We know they’ll continue to grow, inspire, and rise as the remarkable leaders this changing world needs.

Photo Credits:

Cover Photo: Andreas Thørring Bastrup / ATB Consulting

IG: @andreasbastrup

Photos within the article: @jonathansphotographe