Are you a young person making a big difference in your community, or do you know someone making a difference? The Commonwealth Youth Awards are now open to celebrate young people aged 15–29 who are helping build a better and fairer world.
These awards shine a light on youth-led work that supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The aim is to honor young people who are leading change and creating a future that is peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable.
The awards encourage youth-led development, showing that young people can drive real solutions in their communities. By telling these success stories, the program hopes to inspire others to take action too.
The awards also showcase the talent and creativity of young people across the 56 Commonwealth countries. Stories of impact will be shared widely to inspire more young people to think big and act for change.
In addition, the awards recognize the role of youth in media for development. This includes a special journalism award called the Patsy Robertson Award. It highlights young communicators who are using media to advance peace, democracy, and inclusive societies.
Prizes and other benefits
- There will be four finalists from each Commonwealth region. Each finalist will receive £1,000, a trophy, and a certificate.
- The Regional Winners will get an extra £2,000 (total £3,000 each).
- The overall Commonwealth Young Person of the Year will get an extra £2,000 (total £5,000).
- The winner of the Patsy Robertson Award will get £1,000, a trophy, and a certificate.
Who can apply?
- You must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country, aged 15–29, and engaged in development work for at least 12 months.
- Your work must be happening in a Commonwealth member country. This can be voluntary or professional. You can nominate yourself or be nominated by someone who knows your work.
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For the Patsy Robertson Award, applicants must be young journalists, writers, or media creators. This includes reporters, bloggers, podcasters, photographers, editors, or broadcasters.
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You must provide samples of your work and references that show how your work promotes the SDGs, especially SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
Judgement criteria
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Winners will be chosen based on impact, innovation, quality of work, evidence of results, and sustainability.
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The judges will look at how big the difference is, how new the idea is, how strong the results are, and whether the project can last over time.
When and how to nominate
The deadline for nominations is 17 October 2025. Winners will be announced during Commonwealth Week in March 2026. Click HERE to begin.
The Commonwealth Youth Awards celebrate young people aged 15–29 who are positively impacting their communities and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
These awards aim to honor youth leaders driving change for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future.
By sharing impactful stories, the initiative hopes to inspire further action among young people across the 56 Commonwealth countries.
The awards also emphasize the role of youth in media for development, including the special Patsy Robertson Award for young communicators using media to promote peace and democracy.
There will be four finalists from each Commonwealth region, each receiving £1,000, while regional winners and the overall Commonwealth Young Person of the Year will receive additional cash prizes.
The awards recognize citizens of Commonwealth countries engaged in development work for at least a year, with opportunities for both nominators and self-nominations.
Applicants for the Patsy Robertson Award should be young journalists or media creators showcasing work that promotes the SDGs, particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
The awards will be judged based on impact, innovation, quality, evidence of results, and sustainability. Nominations are open until 17 October 2025, with winners announced during Commonwealth Week in March 2026.
