The 2026 Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust’s 100 Young Leaders Awards are now accepting applications. This special initiative commemorates what would have been the late Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday in April 2026 and aims to honour 100 outstanding young leaders from across the Commonwealth.

Inspired by the legacy of the Queen’s Young Leaders programme, this award seeks to celebrate remarkable individuals from diverse regions who are driving change in QECT’s five key focus areas: education and employability, environmental sustainability, agriculture and food systems, health, and inclusion. The initiative provides a platform for these leaders to gain international visibility and further enhance the impact of their work within their communities, nations, and beyond.

Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of submission, having been born between April 1990 and April 2008. Eligible candidates should hold a founding or senior leadership role in a social impact project or organisation and must be citizens or permanent residents of at least one of the 56 Commonwealth countries. Candidates are expected to demonstrate tangible community or global impact achieved over a minimum of one year. Furthermore, all initiatives must operate with integrity, comply with relevant legal requirements, and align with the principles and values upheld by QECT. Applications are to be submitted in English.

Recipients of the award will be formally recognised during the awards ceremony. They will also have the opportunity to apply for microgrants to expand their high-impact initiatives and benefit from bespoke capacity-building programs and mentorship designed to strengthen leadership abilities and organisational growth. Awardees will gain international exposure through media coverage, marking a significant milestone in QECT’s history. Additionally, they will have access to networking opportunities with potential funders, partners, and experts in their fields, both virtually and in person, helping them to scale their impact and build meaningful collaborations globally.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity