Sukanya Sonowal Becomes Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassador

Sukanya Sonowal, a student from IIT Guwahati, has been selected as a Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassador. This announcement was made in early July 2025. She will now serve as Lead – Communications & Public Relations for the Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network (CYPAN) until 2027. Her work will focus on promoting peace and understanding among young people across 56 countries.

Sukanya’s Role and the Commonwealth Network

The Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network (CYPAN) is a youth-led group working across 56 Commonwealth countries. It aims to stop violence, spread respect, and build peace. Sukanya has been chosen as a leader in communication and public relations in this group for the 2025–2027 term. Her job will be to share information, manage outreach, and connect young peacebuilders around the world.

Who Is Sukanya Sonowal?

Sukanya Sonowal is a 4th-year student at IIT Guwahati, studying B.Tech. in Biosciences and Bioengineering. She is also the co-founder of STEMvibe, a project that helps spread knowledge of science and technology to students in India. Through STEMvibe, she has reached over 3,000 students across the country.

She also leads The Integral Cup, a national maths competition that had over 2,500 participants in its first edition. Sukanya has worked with big global organisations like Optiver, Qube Research & Technologies, and Jane Street.

Selection Process and Reactions

Sukanya was chosen after a three-stage selection process. It included a written application and two rounds of interviews. The selectors looked at her experience in peacebuilding, leadership, and community service.

Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, congratulated her, saying the institute is “immensely proud” of her and confident that she will inspire other students to do good work at a global level.

Sukanya, who is from Lakhimpur district in Assam, said she was honoured to represent India. She believes communication is a strong tool for change and wants other students to explore activities beyond just academics.