Commonwealth Youth Awards.

About the Commonwealth Youth Awards

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) across the Commonwealth who are leading impactful, sustainable development initiatives 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 presented. This award celebrates young leaders using the power of communication to unite communities, promote peace, and uphold Commonwealth values.

Main Objectives of the Commonwealth Youth Awards

• Celebrate Youth Impact on the SDGs: Highlight the exceptional efforts of young people shaping a fairer, peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future through their contributions to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Encourage Youth-Led Development: Foster an enabling environment that sustains investments in youth-led initiatives, empowering young leaders to drive meaningful change.

• Showcase Talent and Creativity: Illustrate the depth, creativity, and commitment of young people across the Commonwealth by sharing nominees’ success stories to inspire others.

• Inspire Excellence: Promote high standards of service and leadership by recognising young people making significant contributions at community, national, regional, and international levels.

• Promote the Role of Youth in Media for Development: Support young communicators whose journalism and communication efforts advance the SDGs and strengthen free, democratic, and inclusive societies.

Nomination Requirements

• The nominee must have been engaged in development work for more than 12 months, either professionally or voluntarily.

• The nominee must be a Commonwealth citizen, and the development work must be taking place in a Commonwealth member country.

• The nominee must be aged 15 to 29 years old as of 31 December 2025.

• Individuals can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone who can accurately describe their work.

Additional Criteria for the Patsy Robertson Award

• Must be a young journalist or writer (including editors, reporters, photojournalists, webcasters, activists, commentators, broadcasters, bloggers, podcasters, or streamers).

• Candidates must provide samples of relevant work and professional references.

• Candidates should demonstrate how their work advances the SDGs, particularly SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

Awards Criteria

• Level of impact

• Level of innovation or fresh approaches to problem-solving

• Quality of achievement

• Quality of evidence provided

• Sustainability

Awards Process

• Four finalists will be selected from 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 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year 2026.

• Regional Finalists: Each will receive £1,000, a trophy, and a certificate.

• Regional Winners: Each will receive an additional £2,000 (total £3,000), a trophy, and a certificate.

• Pan-Commonwealth Winner: Will receive an additional £2,000 (total £5,000), a trophy, and a certificate.

• The Commonwealth Association will present the Patsy Robertson Award, with the winner receiving £1,000, a trophy, and a certificate. Shortlisted candidates will also receive free membership to the Commonwealth Journalists Association.

Announcement

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

Privacy Policy

By entering this competition, participants consent to the collection and processing of their personal data by the Commonwealth Youth Programme for relevant purposes. Data will be stored for up to two years before deletion.

Entry Deadline: 31 October 2025 at 23:59 GMT (UK Time)

How to Apply

1. Register an account.

2. Start your entry (you may save it in progress).

3. Submit your entry before the deadline.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by Agri-web. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the official website for full program details and verified application instructions. Applicants are also strongly advised to exercise due diligence before submitting any personal or sensitive information.