Month: April 2026

We are delighted to welcome Dhairya Sharma, a 14-year-old student from Jammu and Kashmir, India, as the first participant from India to join Global Youth Philanthropy (GYP).

Dhairya brings with him a strong passion for journalism, geopolitics, and global affairs. He has actively participated in seven Model United Nations (MUN) conferences, where he has developed a keen interest in diplomacy, international dialogue, and problem-solving. Alongside his MUN experience, Dhairya has contributed to his school’s journalism initiatives, building valuable skills in research, critical analysis, and structured writing.

Growing up in Jammu and Kashmir, Dhairya has cultivated a thoughtful perspective on the complex global challenges people face today. His curiosity about world issues and dedication to understanding diverse viewpoints align closely with GYP’s mission to promote accurate, unbiased, and impactful reporting.

We are especially excited to welcome Dhairya as our first student member from India, marking an important step in expanding GYP’s global youth network. His enthusiasm for diplomacy and storytelling will undoubtedly enrich our community.

Please join us in welcoming Dhairya Sharma to GYP—we look forward to seeing his contributions and growth as part of our international youth initiative.

We are excited to announce that Manfred Xirinachs Ugalde has joined the GYP Student Board — marking several meaningful “firsts” for our global community.

Manfred is the first university-level student to join the GYP Student Board, the first representative from Costa Rica, and notably, the first member bringing extensive hands-on experience in space science and engineering.

Currently majoring in aerospace engineering, Manfred is recognized as the youngest analog astronaut in Costa Rica. His passion for space exploration is matched by a strong commitment to empowering others and expanding access to the field.

At a remarkably young stage in his career, Manfred has already founded and led multiple impactful initiatives:

• President & Founder of Red PlaNet, an aerospace, engineering, and science organization at Texas Tech University – Costa Rica
• Lead Engineer & Founder of Summit Tower, the first accessible microgravity tower in Central America
• Chapter Director of The Mars Society Costa Rica, helping connect local talent with the global space industry

Beyond leadership titles, Manfred is deeply committed to hands-on learning and innovation. He leads student teams to design and build real-world projects — from microgravity simulators to underwater rovers — demonstrating that meaningful contributions to science and technology can begin long before graduation.

As he joins GYP, Manfred brings an inspiring vision: to encourage young people around the world to take initiative, explore boldly, and realize that they do not have to wait to make a real impact.

We warmly welcome Manfred to the GYP Student Board and look forward to the energy, creativity, and global perspective he will bring to our community.