Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work

Young people constitute more than 60% of the population of the Commonwealth; their empowerment is essential to the success of the Commonwealth and its member states. The Commonwealth works with youth leaders, member governments and other stakeholders to engage and empower young people and enhance their contribution to development. The work of the Commonwealth is anchored in the belief that empowered young people are assets to their societies. It is vital to ensure young people realise their individual potential, and to recognise and nurture their ability to contribute to their countries’ development, and the success of the Commonwealth.

To mark the celebration next year of the Platinum Jubilee of the Head of the Commonwealth, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust (QCT)has joined as a partner to offer a special award prize to an eligble, selected applicant.

The main objectives of the Commonwealth Youth Awards are to:

• Highlight Contributions: Recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of young people in promoting a future built on fairness, peace, prosperity, and sustainability. This includes efforts toward achieving the 2030 Agenda and 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.

• Motivate and Challenge Young People: Motivate, encourage, and challenge young people to set high standards for their work and service at community, national, regional, or international levels.

• Provide Special Recognition and Support: In partnership with the Commonwealth Foundation, offer special recognition to outstanding young individuals, with the potential to award Capacity Strengthening Grants to selected regional finalists. These grants are contingent upon successful reporting and assessment.

• Recognize Peace and Development Efforts: In partnership with the Khalili Foundation, support the recognition of three Peace and Development Prizes for eligible young changemakers, celebrating their contributions to creating a more peaceful and equitable world.