The Commonwealth Youth Awards have added a new category for 2026 that honors young media professionals who advance freedom of expression and community development. The Patsy Robertson Award for Outstanding Communications Skills in Advancing Community Development and Peace will award 1,000 pounds to a winner who demonstrates exceptional creativity and courage in promoting media freedom and democracy. The Commonwealth Association established this prize to commemorate its first chair, and the late Patsy Robertson, who served as the Commonwealth Secretariat's director of communications.
Applicants must be Commonwealth citizens between 15 and 29 years old by Dec. 31, 2025, and have at least 12 months of development work experience. Eligible candidates include editors, reporters, photojournalists, webcasters, social media activists, commentators, broadcasters, bloggers, podcasters, and streamers who support Sustainable Development Goal 16. The application deadline is Oct. 17, 2025, and submissions require work samples, professional references, and evidence of community impact. Robertson championed fearless journalism and advocated for women in media throughout her career.
Applicants must be Commonwealth citizens between 15 and 29 years old by Dec. 31, 2025, and have at least 12 months of development work experience. Eligible candidates include editors, reporters, photojournalists, webcasters, social media activists, commentators, broadcasters, bloggers, podcasters, and streamers who support Sustainable Development Goal 16. The application deadline is Oct. 17, 2025, and submissions require work samples, professional references, and evidence of community impact. Robertson championed fearless journalism and advocated for women in media throughout her career.
