The RDI Youth Leadership Programme is designed to engage and empower young people within the rare disease community, ensuring their perspectives are represented in global discussions and decision-making processes. It provides a platform for young leaders to contribute their insights and expertise while fostering capacity-building and collaboration across the rare disease ecosystem.
Programme objectives
- Empower young leaders in the rare disease community through mentoring, capacity building and training opportunities
- Promote innovation by integrating fresh perspectives into the rare disease agenda, enhancing RDI’s relevance in a rapidly evolving world
- Strengthen collaboration among young advocates, fostering an inclusive and dynamic network within the rare disease ecosystem
- Facilitate participation of young advocates in global forums and events
Programme Pillars

Meet our 2025 Youth Leaders
Alba Parejo
YLP Coordinator & Strategic Engagement Assistant
Sam Ho
Rare Diseases Hong Kong
Caitlin Howley
Genetic Support Network of Victoria
Ida Mirković
Rare Diseases Croatia
Niveda Kiridaran
Brittle Bone Society
Liam McCarthy
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
Pablo Ramírez
Federación Colombiana de Enfermedades Raras (FECOER)
Daniel Wainstock
RDI Volunteer
Vincent Mugwati
Child and Youth Care Zimbabwe
Grace Njoroge
Rare Disorders Kenya (RDK)
Toni Roberts
Debra International
Miza Marsya
Malaysian Rare Disorders Society
Mehul Jain
Interessengemeinschaft Hämophiler e.V
María Antonia González
Colombian Orphan Disease Foundation (FUNCOLEHF)
The RDI Youth Programme is sponsored by Fondation Ipsen, under the aegis of Fondation de France