The Commonwealth Youth Programme has announced the official launch of the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Awards, inviting nominations from across its 56 member countries to recognize outstanding young leaders spearheading development efforts in their communities.
The prestigious annual awards, open to youth aged 15 to 29, celebrate individuals making significant contributions toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The awards aim to highlight the transformative work of young people who are building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable societies.
According to the Commonwealth Secretariat, the awards are part of a broader effort to encourage investments in youth-led solutions and promote excellence in community service, innovation, and leadership.
“This initiative is about amplifying the voices of young people and acknowledging their role as agents of change,” said a spokesperson from the Commonwealth Youth Programme.
Regional Representation and Global Impact
The awards are open to citizens of any Commonwealth country, with finalists selected from the five regions: Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe & Canada, and the Pacific.
Each region will produce four finalists. Among them, one will be selected as the Regional Winner, and from the five regional winners, one will be named the Pan-Commonwealth Winner — the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year 2026.
Awards and Benefits
- 20 Regional Finalists will receive a £1,000 grant, a trophy, and a certificate.
- 5 Regional Winners will receive an additional £2,000 (totaling £3,000).
- The Pan-Commonwealth Winner will receive an additional £2,000 (totaling £5,000).
All winners will be celebrated during Commonwealth Week in March 2026.
Eligibility and Nomination Criteria
To be eligible, nominees must:
- Be aged 15 to 29 on or before 31 December 2025;
- Be a citizen of a Commonwealth member state;
- Have been engaged in development work for at least 12 months, either professionally or voluntarily;
- Demonstrate measurable impact and innovative approaches to solving community challenges.
Nominations are open to both individuals and third-party nominators familiar with the nominee’s work.
Focus on Impact, Innovation, and Sustainability
Award decisions will be based on:
- Level of impact
- Quality of innovation
- Sustainability of the initiative
- Strength of supporting evidence
The Commonwealth Secretariat emphasized that the awards aim not just to reward accomplishments but to inspire excellence and promote youth-led development across the Commonwealth.
Deadline
Nominations must be submitted by 17 October 2025 at 23:59 GMT.
For more information or to submit a nomination, visit the official webpage of the foundation
