AYV News, February 12, 2026
This year, a young Sierra Leonean, Sylvester Weekes has been shortlisted as an Africa regional finalist for the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work. He was shortlisted for his work on Climate Action (SDG13). This is an amazing feat out of 977 applications across the Commonwealth.
Sylvester Weekes is the founder of Operation 232, a non-profit advancing climate action and empowering women and youth in Sierra Leone through community awareness and climate education. Under his leadership, Operation 232 has recycled over 500 tonnes of plastic, created over 100 green jobs, reduced waste-related illnesses by 50 per cent, and increased environmental participation by 80 per cent through inclusive circular economy solutions.
Twenty outstanding young people from the five regions across the Commonwealth have been shortlisted as finalists for the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work.
Known as the Commonwealth Youth Awards, it highlights young people who spearhead impactful, sustainable development initiatives in their communities and innovative solutions that advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
After a rigorous two-stage judging process led by 57 Pan-Commonwealth adjudicators, these young social entrepreneurs, climate champions, innovators, and health advocates have emerged as this year’s finalists. Whittled down from 977 entries, a rise from just over 800 in 2024, and an initial shortlist of 28 candidates, these 20 standouts represent the very best of youth impact across the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon Shirley Botchwey, congratulated the 20 finalists who represent every region of the Commonwealth. She said:
“At the Commonwealth Secretariat, we believe that young people must be at the forefront of shaping solutions. Their research, innovation and voice are essential to the future we are trying to build. A future where these young leaders are empowered to tackle poverty, fight for climate justice, advocate for education, and bring hope to communities in need across our 56 nations.
“We are committed to recognising, nurturing and celebrating these young changemakers by creating platforms such as the Youth Awards that spotlight their potential on a global stage.”
For over a decade, the Commonwealth Youth Awards has provided a platform for young people to utilise international networks and access funding to support their projects.
Unlocking opportunities for youth through Commonwealth partnerships
Building on the momentum of the 2023 and 2025 editions, the 2026 ceremony will showcase the impactful contributions of the Commonwealth’s partners and accredited organisations.
Breaking new ground, this year sees six additional finalists shortlisted for the inaugural Patsy Robertson Award for Outstanding Communications Skills – a new category in the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Awards. Established by the Commonwealth Association (CA), this award spotlights young communications trailblazers who are transforming the media landscape through their creativity, courage, and passion for championing free expression, inclusivity, and democracy. Named in tribute to its founding Chair, the late Patsy Robertson—a powerhouse in journalism and a tireless advocate for women in media—this prize celebrates the voices shaping a fairer, more open world.
In addition, the Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) partnered with the CA, bringing its expertise to the judging and adjudication process. It also offered shortlisted Patsy Robertson Award finalists complimentary membership, granting them access to a global journalism network and a range of professional development opportunities. Together, these partnerships highlight how youth-driven media sparks real change for sustainable development.
Max Gaylard, Chair of the Commonwealth Association, said: “As we celebrate the finalists of the Patsy Robertson Award, we honour Patsy’s legacy by shining a light on the exceptional talent of young communicators across the Commonwealth. These emerging journalists and media professionals go beyond reporting important stories; they are helping to shape more informed, inclusive, and resilient democratic societies.
“The Commonwealth Association is delighted to partner with the Commonwealth Secretariat to recognise these talented finalists and to celebrate the vital contribution young communicators are making to public life.”
The awards build on the Commonwealth Secretariat’s efforts to empower and engage young people and amplify youth voices and achievements across its 56 member states.
The Commonwealth Secretariat’s Youth Advisor, SushilRam, said: “Across the Commonwealth, young people continue to prove their value as leaders, innovators, and changemakers. They are tackling complex global challenges with imagination, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose, often creating solutions where none had existed before. While we proudly celebrate this year’s winners, we also recognise the 977 young people who applied and are also making an impact in their communities and beyond.”
The top regional winners and the winner of the Patsy Robertson Award will be announced during a special ceremony on 11 March 2026, hosted by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon Shirley Botchwey. One of the 20 finalists will go on to be awarded the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year. The event will be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook.
The highly anticipated ceremony is one of the flagship events marking Commonwealth Day – a week-long celebration observed by millions of Commonwealth citizens across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, Europe and the Pacific.
The awards will be presented in person at Marlborough House, the headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat, and will be attended by senior government officials, development experts, youth leaders and other stakeholders.
The finalists will receive a £1,000 grant, a trophy and a certificate. Five top regional winners will receive an additional £2,000. The Commonwealth Young Person of the Year will receive an additional £2,000, bringing their total to £5,000. The winner of the Patsy Robertson will receive a trophy, a certificate and a £1,000 cash prize.
