2026 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work

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About Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work

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.

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. 

 

• Sponsor Organisation: The Commonwealth of Nations

Benefits of Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work

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.

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

Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work Requirements

Nomination Requirements

• The nominee must have been engaged in development work for more than 12 months, either in a professional or voluntary capacity; 
• The nominee must be a Commonwealth citizenand the development work must be taking place in a Commonwealth member country; 
• The nominee be aged 15 to 29 years old on 31 December 2025; and
• Individuals can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone who can accurately describe their development work.

Awards will be decided on the basis of:

1. Level of impact;
2. Level of innovation/fresh approaches to problem solving;
3. Quality of achievement;
4. Quality of the evidence provided; and
5. Sustainability.

Application Date and Process

1. Register an account.
2. Start your entry (you can save it in-progress until you are ready to submit).
3. Submit your entry before the deadline to be in the running.

Entry deadline: 17/10/25 at 23:59 GMT (UK Time)

If you have any queries, please contact [email protected].

Application Deadline

17 October, 2025

Scholarship Application Portal

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