(Commonwealth)_ The 2025 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work has shortlisted 20 exceptional young individuals from across the Commonwealth. These finalists include social entrepreneurs, climate advocates, innovators, and community health champions who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the enhancement of development in their communities. The regional winners and the prestigious Commonwealth Young Person of the Year will be announced at a special ceremony on 12 March 2025, hosted by The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, the Commonwealth Secretary-General.
This year, the adjudication process saw an overwhelming response, with over 800 applications reviewed by a panel of 54 Pan-Commonwealth adjudicators. From an initial shortlist of 31, the panel selected the 20 finalists who represent every region of the Commonwealth. These young individuals have shown a deep commitment to making the Commonwealth fairer, more secure, more sustainable, and more prosperous.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, praised the finalists for their innovation and dedication, stating, “Our young people have shown genuine innovation and commitment in striving to make the Commonwealth fairer, more secure, more sustainable, and more prosperous. Their projects demonstrate the great potential of 1.7 billion young people across the Commonwealth.”
The Commonwealth Youth Awards serve as a platform to recognize and nurture young people, empowering them to showcase their contributions and scale up their projects globally. By celebrating the achievements of these young trailblazers, the Commonwealth Secretariat aims to amplify their voices and work, fostering an environment where youth can lead change in their communities and beyond.
This year’s awards are further supported through a partnership with the Khalili Foundation and the Commonwealth Foundation. This collaboration aims to amplify the finalists’ work across continents, helping them reach a broader audience and scale up their success. The Commonwealth Secretariat’s Head of Social Policy Development, Layne Robinson, emphasized the value of youth in addressing global challenges, stating, “The Commonwealth continues to celebrate young people as valuable assets to society—problem solvers addressing global challenges with creativity and courage.”
While only 20 finalists will be recognized, the Commonwealth Secretary-General acknowledged the efforts of all 800 applicants, recognizing that each of them is making a significant impact in their communities. The awards are part of the broader celebrations for Commonwealth Day, taking place on 10 March 2025, which will be commemorated by millions across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, the Americas, the Pacific, and Europe.
The award ceremony will be held at Marlborough House, the headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat. Senior government officials, youth leaders, and other stakeholders will be in attendance to celebrate the achievements of these extraordinary young individuals. The finalists come from diverse regions of the Commonwealth, each bringing their unique projects and initiatives aimed at addressing pressing global challenges.
The finalists for the 2025 Commonwealth Youth Awards are as follows:
Africa
Comfort Peace Ayikoru (Uganda)
Faith Kuya (Tanzania)
Fredrick Kioko Kilonzo (Kenya)
Stanley Anigbogu (Nigeria)
Asia
Keyaan Shah (India)
Murad Ansary (Bangladesh)
Putri Humairah Binti Monashofian Putra (Malaysia)
Smriti Bhaya (India)
Caribbean
Joshua Andall (Grenada)
Kache Hanna (The Bahamas)
Nicholas Kee (Jamaica)
Romario Simpson (Jamaica)
Europe and Canada
Christopher Lee (Canada)
Justin Langan (Canada)
Rateb Ajamieh (Canada)
Zubair Junjunia (United Kingdom)
Pacific
Bethalyn Kelly (Solomon Islands)
Jack Anderson (Australia)
Malaki Tito (Samoa)
Ruby Riethmuller (Australia)
In addition to the recognition and support that these finalists will receive, the Commonwealth Foundation is offering up to £30,000 in funding to support the initiatives of the awards winners. This funding will provide valuable resources to help scale their projects and increase their impact, further enhancing their contributions to the SDGs and the development of their communities.
The 2025 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work celebrate the creativity, innovation, and determination of young people across the Commonwealth. Their efforts in advancing the SDGs and creating positive change are a testament to the power of youth in shaping the future. These awards recognize their achievements and provide them with the tools and platforms to continue making a difference on a global scale.
