In April 2026, the world will mark what would have been the 100th birthday of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. To honor her legacy of service, leadership, and commitment to young people, the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust (QECT) has launched a landmark initiative—the QECT 100 Young Leaders Awards.
This special program will celebrate and recognize 100 inspirational young leaders from across the 56 Commonwealth countries, amplifying their work and empowering them to scale their social impact.
Building on the success of the earlier Queen’s Young Leaders Programme, this new initiative highlights QECT’s dedication to investing in young people who are actively creating solutions for today’s most pressing challenges.
About the QECT 100 Young Leaders Awards
The QECT 100 Young Leaders Awards 2026 is designed to elevate the voices and work of exceptional young changemakers working within five focus areas:
- Education and Employability
- Environment
- Food and Agriculture
- Health
- Inclusion
By shining a spotlight on their initiatives, the program aims to provide awardees with global recognition, networking opportunities, and the resources needed to expand their impact.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the QECT 100 Young Leaders Awards, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application (born between April 1990 and April 2008).
- Leadership Role: Must be the founder, co-founder, or a key leader in a social impact initiative.
- Citizenship/Residency: Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of one of the 56 Commonwealth countries.
- Track Record: Demonstrated measurable community or global impact for at least 12 months.
- Ethical Standards: The initiative must operate legally, transparently, and in line with QECT’s values.
- Language: Applications must be submitted in English.
Focus Areas Explained
1. Education and Employability
This stream supports leaders addressing barriers to education and employment. Whether it’s reducing dropout rates, empowering girls to complete schooling, or creating job readiness programs for youth, this area focuses on building human capital for future generations.
2. Environment
Young leaders advancing climate action, renewable energy, conservation, and waste management will be recognized under this pillar. Projects tackling climate resilience, adaptation, and sustainability are especially encouraged.
3. Food and Agriculture
Agriculture is central to food security and economic growth in the Commonwealth. Leaders working on innovative farming, food distribution, and sustainable agricultural practices that improve nutrition and livelihoods are key to this focus area.
4. Health
This pillar supports changemakers addressing healthcare access, maternal health, mental health, and public health awareness. Projects that promote inclusive healthcare systems and improve community health outcomes are strongly encouraged.
5. Inclusion
Diversity and equity lie at the heart of this award. This area celebrates leaders building inclusive societies by reducing inequalities related to gender, disability, race, or social status.
What Awardees Receive
The QECT 100 Young Leaders Awards offers more than recognition. Winners gain access to tools and opportunities that help them scale their impact:
- Official Recognition: Awardees will be honored at the official awards ceremony.
- Microgrants: Winners can apply for financial support to grow their projects or organizations.
- Capacity Building: Tailored mentorship and leadership training to strengthen organizational growth.
- Global Platform: International visibility through QECT’s media and communications platforms.
- Networking Opportunities: Access to funders, partners, and global experts through events and mentorship.
This award is designed not only to celebrate but to equip leaders to drive sustainable change in their communities and beyond.
Application Process
Applying for the QECT 100 Young Leaders Awards is a straightforward process:
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather evidence of your project’s impact, leadership role, and achievements.
- Complete the Online Application: Applications must be submitted in English.
- Submit Before the Deadline: The deadline is Wednesday, 8 October 2025.
- Review and Notification: Applications will be reviewed, and successful candidates will be contacted with further details.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute technical challenges.
Why These Awards Matter
Youth make up a majority of the Commonwealth population, yet they often face barriers to leadership, funding, and visibility. Programs like the QECT 100 Young Leaders Awards are essential because they:
- Recognize innovation and impact at the grassroots level.
- Provide visibility and credibility to emerging leaders.
- Open doors to funding, mentorship, and partnerships.
- Ensure sustainability by empowering the next generation to continue driving change.
By investing in youth leadership, QECT is continuing the late Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy of service and her belief in the transformative power of young people.
Join as a Partner
Organizations and companies are also invited to join this initiative by partnering with QECT. Partners benefit from:
- Global visibility by aligning with a prestigious program.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) impact through direct engagement with youth leaders.
- Networking opportunities with changemakers and international stakeholders.
Interested organizations can contact QECT’s team to discuss partnership opportunities.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Wednesday, 8 October 2025
- Awards Ceremony: 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed)
How to Apply
If you are a young leader aged 18–35, working on a high-impact initiative within the Commonwealth, you are encouraged to apply.