Kailash Satyarthi

Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi has been a prominent figure in the global fight against child slavery for over four decades. As the founder of the grassroots nonprofit "Bachpan Bachao Andolan" (Save the Childhood Movement), he has rescued over 87,000 children from various forms of exploitation, including child labor and trafficking.

Satyarthi's work extends beyond rescue operations. He has also been influential in advocacy and policy change. He led the Global March Against Child Labor in 1998, a significant event that spanned 80,000 kilometers across 103 countries, culminating in the adoption of the International Labour Organization's Convention No. 182, which targets the worst forms of child labor. His efforts have also led to the creation of "Rugmark" (now known as "Good Weave"), a pioneering social labeling system that certifies child-labor-free carpets.

In addition to his earlier achievements, in 2016, Satyarthi launched the "Laureates and Leaders for Children" initiative, which unites Nobel Laureates and leaders worldwide to combat violence against children. That same year, he initiated the "100 Million for 100 Million Campaign," aiming to mobilize 100 million youth to improve the lives of 100 million children deprived of their rights and freedoms. Furthermore, he has been actively advocating for a new legally binding UN convention against online child sexual abuse and pornography. Satyarthi's continued dedication to children's rights and education was recognized when he was named to Fortune's list of "The World's 50 Greatest Leaders."