Commonwealth Youth Awards

Deadline: 17 Oct

Eligibility: Global (Commonwealth)

Description:  

Organised and delivered by the Commonwealth Youth Programme, the Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work aims to recognise and celebrate young people (aged 15 – 29) in the Commonwealth who are spearheading impactful, sustainable development work in their communities.

This year, in partnership with the Commonwealth Association, the inaugural Patsy Robertson Award for Outstanding Communications Skills in Advancing Community Development and Peace,  will be offered to celebrate young leaders using the power of communication to unite communities, promote peace, and uphold Commonwealth values.

The main objectives of the Commonwealth Youth Awards are to:

• Celebrate Youth Impact on the SDGs: Shine a spotlight on the exceptional efforts of young people who are actively shaping a fairer, more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future, especially through their contributions to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Encourage Youth-Led Development: Foster an environment that encourages and sustains investments in youth-led development initiatives, empowering young leaders to drive change in their communities.

• Showcase Talent and Creativity: Illustrate the depth and breadth of talent, commitment, and creativity among young people across the Commonwealth by sharing nominees’ success stories, thereby inspiring others.

• Inspire Excellence: Encourage young people to aim high and take initiative by recognizing and promoting high standards of service and leadership at community, national, regional, and international levels.

• Promote the Role of Youth in Media for Development: Highlight and support the critical role young communicators play in advancing the SDGs by recognizing outstanding journalism and communications that contribute to specifically building free, democratic, and inclusive societies, in partnership with Commonwealth Association. 

Awards Process

There will be four finalists for each Commonwealth region with the top entries receiving the Regional Winner Award. The top Regional Winner will receive the Pan-Commonwealth Award and be named the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year 2026.

The 20 Regional Finalists will each receive a £1,000 grant, a trophy and a certificate.

The 5 Regional Winners will receive an additional £2,000 (a total of £3,000) a trophy and a certificate.

The Pan-Commonwealth Winner will receive an additional £2,000 (a total of £5,000) a trophy and a certificate.

The Commonwealth Association will also present the inaugural Patsy Robertson Award for Outstanding Communications Skills in advancing Community Development and Peace. The selected winner will receive £1,000, a trophy and a certificate.

Winners will be officially announced during Commonwealth Week in March 2026.

Application Link: Apply here