The Commonwealth Youth Awards celebrate outstanding young people (aged 15–29) across the Commonwealth who are driving measurable, sustainable development in their communities. Run by the Commonwealth Youth Programme, the Awards spotlight youth-led contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and encourage investment in youth-led development.

New this year: Patsy Robertson Award

In partnership with the Commonwealth Association, the inaugural Patsy Robertson Award for Outstanding Communications Skills in Advancing Community Development and Peace recognises young communicators whose journalism or media work promotes peace, inclusion, and SDG 16.

What the Awards honour

• Youth-led initiatives that deliver measurable impact on the SDGs.

• Innovative, sustainable, and scalable approaches to development challenges.

• High standards of leadership, creativity, and community engagement.

• Outstanding communications that advance community development and peace (Patsy Robertson Award).

Who can be nominated

• Individuals aged 15–29 on 31 December 2025.

• Commonwealth citizens working in a Commonwealth member country.

• Must have been engaged in development work for at least 12 months (voluntary or professional).

• Self-nominations and third-party nominations are accepted.

Additional requirements for the Patsy Robertson Award

• Must be a young journalist or communicator (reporters, editors, photojournalists, podcasters, bloggers, content creators, broadcasters, etc.).

• Submit samples of published/produced work and professional references.

• Demonstrate how the work advances SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Judging criteria

Entries will be assessed on:

• Level of impact

• Innovation and fresh approaches to problem solving

• Quality of achievement and evidence provided

• Sustainability of outcomes

Awards & grants

• 20 Regional Finalists: £1,000, a trophy, and a certificate each.

• 5 Regional Winners: Additional £2,000 (total £3,000), a trophy, and a certificate each.

• Pan-Commonwealth Winner (Commonwealth Young Person of the Year 2026): Additional £2,000 (total £5,000), a trophy, and a certificate.

• Patsy Robertson Award winner: £1,000, a trophy, and a certificate.

Winners will be announced during Commonwealth Week in March 2026.

How to enter

• Prepare a concise application describing your project, achievements, evidence of impact, and (for Patsy Robertson) samples of communications work.

• Ensure you meet the age, citizenship, and 12-month activity requirements before submitting.

• Entry deadline: 17 October 2025 at 23:59 GMT.

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 websites and portals of this opportunity for complete program details and verified application instructions. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to exercise due diligence before submitting any personal or sensitive information.