Commonwealth opens nominations for 2026 youth awards

Nominations for the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Awards (CYA) are now open across member states.

The awards, managed under the Commonwealth youth programme, celebrate changemakers between the ages of 15 and 29 who are leading impactful projects that support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Winners are selected from 56 member countries, with regional awards for Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and Canada, and the Pacific. One outstanding candidate is named Commonwealth Young Person of the Year.

The launch of the 2026 edition will be streamed on the Commonwealth Secretariat’s YouTube channel on International Youth Day, and will feature past winners reflecting on how the award spotlighted their work.

Shirley Botchwey, Commonwealth secretary-general, said young people are no longer “waiting for permission to act” but are driving solutions across multiple sectors.

“They are building sustainable farms, launching climate apps, mentoring students, running for local office, and turning the Sustainable Development Goals into local, living realities,” Botchwey said.

“They are the change, and it’s our job to support them.”

Layne Robinson, head of the Commonwealth’s social policy development, said the 2026 edition marks a milestone year for celebrating youth innovation.

He noted that past nominees have included entrepreneurs, inventors, environmentalists, women’s rights advocates, health campaigners and political activists.

According to him, the awards provide young leaders with a global platform to showcase their work as well as funding to expand their development projects.

“This milestone year presents a unique opportunity to highlight success stories,” Robinson said.

Stanley Anigbogu, CEO of LightEd and the 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year, described his recognition as “surreal” and a launchpad for growth.

“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,” he said.

The 2026 awards will be delivered in partnership with the Commonwealth Association for the first time to deepen collaboration in supporting young leaders.

Winners will be unveiled during Commonwealth Day celebrations in March 2026, and finalists will each receive a £1,000 grant, while regional winners will take home £3,000.

The Commonwealth Young Person of the Year will receive £5,000.

Nominations close at 23:59 GMT on October 17, 2025, and must be submitted via the nomination portal.

This year’s call for entries also marks the 10th anniversary of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.