The Daily Star joins 49 of the world's leading newspapers to tell the stories for a better world

Beyond the constant stream of negative news, there are many stories of hope and concrete solutions. Stories of changemakers tackling some of the world's most pressing issues with innovative ideas, in order to change the lives of millions for the better. Stories worth reading and spreading, not only to rebalance our view of the world, but to help these existing solutions be replicated worldwide.

The media can play a crucial role in telling the individual stories behind this global movement. That's why for the last five years Sparknews has invited newspapers to take part in Impact Journalism Day, harnessing the power of collaborative journalism to bring stories of change to the surface. The Daily Star, which has been part of this important global platform since 2015, too believes in the power of positive, solutions-based journalism. It has been at the forefront of initiatives that recognise those individuals who are making a difference in ways big and small. One such initiative is the "Unsung Women Nation Builders Awards" which The Daily Star recently presented to seven incredible women for their selfless contribution to the development of Bangladesh.

Every year, newspapers taking part in Impact Journalism Day explore and publish an array of groundbreaking solutions in special supplements on the same day, reaching 120 million people worldwide in print and digital media. Many publications have come to realise the impact of these articles, and now incorporate more solutions-driven stories into their day-to-day coverage of the world.

For the fifth edition of Impact Journalism Day, the media are joined by organisations that believe spreading these stories is a first step toward change. These include the United Nations as well as One Young World, which annually gathers together 1,500 young leaders from social and corporate sectors who are involved in positive innovations. A large community of well-known personalities and ordinary citizens have also joined the chorus in signing a manifesto to show that everyone - governments, the private sector, civil society, NGOs and everyday people - can take action for a better future. You, too, can be part of this transformational movement.

Discover those who have successfully brought answers to challenges such as good health, access to water, quality education, decent employment and clean energy. Each serves as a concrete example of the power of individual or group initiatives to help reach the UN Sustainable Development Goals, to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity and good health for all.

We hope you enjoy the read and that you become part of the solution. Sign the manifesto (sharestoriesofchange.org) and share the stories that impress you most on Facebook and Twitter (#ImpactJournalism, #StoryOfChange, @Sparknews, @dailystarnews).

Mahfuz Anam, Editor and Publisher,

The Daily Star

Christian de Boisredon, Founder of Sparknews and Ashoka Fellow; and The Sparknews Team