Nominations open for 2026 Commonwealth Youth Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work.
The Commonwealth Secretariat is seeking young changemakers aged 15 to 29 from 56 member countries whose projects contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Commonwealth Youth Awards (CYA), managed by the Commonwealth Youth Programme, honour exceptional young individuals each year, including a Commonwealth Young Person of the Year and regional winners.
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This year, Bangladesh celebrated Murad Ansary as Asia Regional Winner of the 2025 Commonwealth Youth Awards, earning £3,000 and highlighting Bangladesh's presence in global youth leadership.
The launch for the 2026 awards will air on the Commonwealth Secretariat's YouTube channel on International Youth Day, featuring past winners reflecting on how the awards have spotlighted their innovative solutions.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon Shirley Botchwey said: "Across our 56 member countries, young people are not waiting for permission to act. They are turning the Sustainable Development Goals into local, living realities. They are the change, and it's our job to support them."
Stanley Anigbogu, CEO of LightEd and the 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year, called the experience "surreal" and credited the awards for opening doors to partnerships and opportunities.
The 2026 edition will be delivered in partnership with the Commonwealth Association for the first time, strengthening support for young leaders. Layne Robinson, Head of the Secretariat's Social Policy Development, said: "This award gives them a global platform to promote their innovations and funding to scale up their projects."
Winners will be announced on Commonwealth Day in March 2026. Finalists receive £1,000; regional winners an additional £2,000; the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year receives a total of £5,000.
To submit a nomination, complete the online application form by 23:59 GMT on 17 October 2025 at the Commonwealth Youth Awards nomination portal. Visit the portal for detailed eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and to start your submission.
