The Commonwealth Youth Awards have introduced a new category this year to recognise young journalists and communicators whose work contributes to advancing democracy, peace and community development through fearless reporting and creativity.
The new category鈥攖he Patsy Robertson Award for Outstanding Communications Skills in Advancing Community Development and Peace鈥攁ims at celebrating young professionals working to promote media freedom and inclusive societies across the Commonwealth, according to a press release.
The award, launched by the Commonwealth Association, a group of former Commonwealth Secretariat staff members, honours the late Patsy Robertson, the association鈥檚 first chair and former director of communications at the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Robertson was known for her passionate advocacy for women in media and her belief in journalism鈥檚 power to transform societies.
The inaugural winner will receive a 拢1,000 cash prize, along with a certificate and a trophy.
The award is open to editors, reporters, broadcasters, photographers, social media activists, podcasters and other media professionals aged between 15 and 29 years from the Commonwealth countries.
Applicants must have been engaged in development work for at least 12 months and demonstrate how their work contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 16: peace, justice and strong institutions.
Applications for all categories of the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Awards, including the new Patsy Robertson Award, are now open and will close on October 17, 2025.
Interested candidates can apply through the platform:
https://commonwealth-youthexcellence.awardsplatform.com/
Max Gaylard, chair of the Commonwealth Association, said that the new award underscores the role of young communicators in building democratic futures.
鈥榊oung journalists do much more than simply tell stories鈥攖hey are the visionaries and architects of our future democratic societies,鈥� he said.
Layne Robinson, head of social policy development at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said that the initiative highlighted the critical role of youth in strengthening governance and advancing sustainable development.
The Commonwealth Youth Awards annually honour young leaders who have made outstanding contributions to development, peace building, and community transformation across member states.
