The Award began in 1956 in the UK, where it is known as The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Over the last 54 years it has spread across the globe, because the philosophy and the format have proved attractive and adaptable to many cultures. // The Award enables young people to demonstrate self-development within an internationally recognised framework. The non-formal educational network can complement formal education and offers a substitute where formal opportunities are not available. The Award provides access to an international network of youth development expertise, training capacity and best practice. // Through contributing to skills development, the Award can significantly enhance a country’s human resource development and support its national development goals.