The Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work are organized by the Commonwealth Youth Programme. These awards aim to recognize and honor young people in the Commonwealth who are leading impactful, long-term development projects in their communities. This year, the Khalili Foundation and the Commonwealth Foundation are offering additional funds and prizes to eligible applicants for the 2025 Awards.
The main goals of these international youth awards are to highlight the outstanding achievements of young people in creating a just, peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future. This includes working towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda. The Commonwealth helps young leaders make a difference in their communities and fosters an environment that supports youth-led development projects.
By sharing the success stories of the nominees, this international awards competition aims to inspire others and showcase the talent, dedication, and innovation of young people across the Commonwealth. This opportunity gives exceptional young people special recognition in partnership with the Commonwealth Foundation. Selected regional finalists will be eligible for Capacity Strengthening Grants, which depend on satisfactory reporting and evaluation.
The Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work recognize young people’s efforts in various areas, from promoting peace to reducing poverty. These awards remind government and other leaders of the importance of youth development. They also encourage other young people to get involved in their communities. Development work in this contest can include fields like science, human rights, education, arts and culture, environmental protection, technology, sports, and more.
Scholarship Details
- Host Organizations: The Commonwealth Foundation and The Khalili Foundation
- Competition Location: Online
Scholarship Benefits
- Four finalists will be chosen from each Commonwealth region, and the winners will be named Regional Winners.
- The top Regional Winner will receive the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year 2025 title and the Pan-Commonwealth Award.
- Each of the 20 Regional Finalists will receive a £1,000 stipend, a trophy, and a certificate.
- The five regional winners will get an additional £2,000, making a total of £3,000, along with a trophy and diploma.
- The Pan-Commonwealth Winner will receive an extra £2,000, totaling £5,000, along with a trophy and diploma.
- The Khalili Foundation will award three youth PEACE prizes to young individuals involved in development and peace efforts.
- The Commonwealth Foundation may give additional awards based on eligibility.
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Eligibility Criteria
- Nominees must be Commonwealth citizens, and the development work must be done in a Commonwealth member nation.
- They must have been involved in development work for more than 12 months, either professionally or as a volunteer.
- The nominee must be between 15 and 29 years old as of December 31, 2024.
- Applicants can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone familiar with their development work.
How to Apply
- First, register your account with an email address.
- Answer the required questions.
- Attach your entry.
- You can save your entry and submit it later if needed.
- Submit your entry before October 18, 2024.
Documents Required
- A reference letter from an employer, youth organization, or government youth department.
- Social media content, including the project’s website, Facebook/Instagram/Twitter page.
- Testimonials of the nominee’s work, including reports, quotes, links to videos, case studies, videos, pictures, letters from the nominator.
- Impact/Change Stories from colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, including reports, quotes, links to videos, case studies, videos, pictures.
- Submit all materials/documents in JPEG or PDF format, with a maximum file size of 5MB per file (up to 5 files can be uploaded with your entry).
- Video attachments should be hosted on YouTube or Vimeo.
- Submit website URLs as well.
Submission Deadline: The last date to apply is October 18, 2024.