'IT'S UP TO ME TO...' Press Release
Boys take centre Stage at CosmoCaixa for the 4Voices Grand Final
For the first time in its four-year history, the annual 4Voices competition will feature more boys than girls among its finalists, a timely and powerful shift in a year when young men’s mental health is taking centre stage globally.
Held at CosmoCaixa in Barcelona, the final event on 6 April 2025 will bring together 12 young speakers, each delivering a five-minute speech on the theme ‘IT’S UP TO ME TO…’ in front of a packed auditorium. The speeches, shaped through a transformative February bootcamp, promise to challenge, inspire and move the audience with deeply personal takes from the young male participants on kindness, vulnerability, dissent and human connection.
“I chose my topic because vulnerability is seen as a weakness among men, when in reality, it should be a strength. Breaking this conception will allow deeper and more sincere connections, leading to a better tomorrow.”
Enzo Mitjavila, Escola Frederic Mistral Tècnic Eulàlia
”Not long ago I was spending lots of time on my phone and social media. When I understood that I didn’t want that in my life, I tried to make a change to come to where I am now. Disconnecting from screens and reconnecting with myself has helped me with being more self-aware and conscious of what’s around me and enjoying the simple things of life that we don’t acknowledge when we are absorbed into screens.”
Pol Obradó, Garbí Pere Verges
“My first few drafts were about something I was passionate about, but I realised most people wouldn’t relate to it very well, much less care. I wanted to get across how important it is to pay attention to the small, more obscure problems, especially those causing dissent. I then pivoted to more of an umbrella term – Activism.”
Timur Khashiev, Saint George’s School
“I chose my topic because I felt kindness is lacking and everyone could use a little of it in their lives. The goal of this message is to get people thinking and maybe to even get them to share a little kindness, just a small act is enough.”
Victor Puentes, Saint George’s School
This year’s line-up reflects a growing movement: teenage boys are speaking up and owning their stories. From tackling the pressure to appear ‘strong’ to redefining what it means to care, these voices are joining a broader cultural conversation. With shows like Netflix’s Adolescence spotlighting the fragility and emotional depth of teenage boys, the timing couldn’t be more powerful.
“This isn’t just a competition,” explains 4Voices co-founder Gabriella Opaz. “It’s a platform for courage. It’s about giving space to the kind of conversations we desperately need, especially among boys.”
Audiences can expect a morning of raw authenticity, thoughtful reflection and unforgettable moments as the finalists take the stage. Whether they’re talking about friendship, failure or fear, one thing is clear: this generation isn’t waiting for change. They’re becoming it.
Full line up:
Liam Tunbridge Corr, Hamelin-Laie International School
‘Success is in our hands’
Milana Shaposhnyk, International School, Maresme
‘Your voice matters: the war is real and so is your power to change it’
Pol Obradó, Garbí Pere Verges
‘Disconnect to reconnect’
Ecko Metcalfe, Barcelona High School
‘LPT: Leave positive trace’
Enzo Mitjavila, Escola Frederic Mistral Técnic Eulàlia
‘Make vulnerability your superpower’
Ariadna Duran López, Saint George’s School
‘Generations connect a country’
Victor Puentes, Saint George’s School
‘The incredible power of kindness’
Sofia Chen, Hamelin-Laie International School
‘Be the first domino: small actions, big impact’
Timur Khashiev, Saint George’s School
‘Change through dissent’
Greta Andersson Sabaté, Escola Frederic Mistral Técnic Eulàlia
‘Be in charge of your own reality’
Steven Li, Garbí Pere Verges
‘Stop eating plastics!’
Jan Ortiz de Zárate, Anne Sullivan International School
‘Move to succeed: exercise for academic success’
For media inquiries, interviews or to attend the event, please contact: Carrie Frais (+34 620 586 655)
