The Commonwealth Secretariat launched nominations for the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work on International Youth Day, seeking outstanding young changemakers aged 15-29 from across all 56 member countries.

Managed by the Commonwealth Youth Programme, the awards recognize young people who demonstrate impactful projects supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Each year, one outstanding participant is named Commonwealth Young Person of the Year, with regional awards given for Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Canada, and the Pacific.

In her International Youth Day message, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey said: “Across our 56 member countries, young people are not waiting for permission to act. They are building sustainable farms, launching climate apps, mentoring students, running for local office, and turning the Sustainable Development Goals into local, living realities. They are the change, and it’s our job to support them.”

The 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year, Stanley Anigbogu, CEO of LightEd, reflected on his experience: “Winning the award was surreal, I couldn’t believe it when I heard my name called and its been an amazing experience thus far. Not only have I received tangible support, but also a number of opportunities to highlight my work. I have also developed partnerships and friendships because of this experience. I highly recommend being a part of it.”

This year marks a milestone as the 2026 edition will be delivered in partnership with the Commonwealth Association for the first time, strengthening the Commonwealth’s commitment to supporting young leaders.

Layne Robinson, Head of the Secretariat’s Social Policy Development, said: “This milestone year presents a unique opportunity to highlight success stories. Entrepreneurs, inventors, environmentalists, women’s rights advocates, health campaigners and political activists are just some of the diverse nominees we have had in the past. This award gives them a global platform to promote their innovations, and some funding to help them scale up their development projects.”

Winners will be announced during Commonwealth Day celebrations in March 2026. All finalists receive £1,000 grants, regional winners get an additional £2,000 (totaling £3,000), and the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year receives an additional £2,000 (totaling£5,000).

Nominations must be submitted online by 23:59 GMT on October 17, 2025, through the official nomination portal. The awards celebrate over five decades of Commonwealth work empowering young people across the organization’s 2.7 billion population, of which more than 60 percent is aged 30 or under.

The launch event will be broadcast on the Commonwealth Secretariat’s YouTube channel, featuring previous award winners reflecting on how the awards have spotlighted their innovative solutions to complex issues.