Commonwealth Youth Awards launches New Media Freedom category for media professionals

The Commonwealth Youth Awards has expanded its recognition programme to include young media professionals for the first time. The new category, announced in Dhaka on October 04 will honour journalists, broadcasters and writers who use their platforms to advance community development and peace.

The inaugural of Patsy Robertson Award for Outstanding Communications Skills in Advancing Community Development and Peace marks a significant addition to the awards programme. Named after the late Patsy Robertson, who served as director of Communications at the Commonwealth Secretariat, the award celebrates young people working at the intersection of media and social change.

Who can apply: The award is open to a broad range of communications professionals, including editors, reporters, photojournalists, webcasters, social media activists, commentators, broadcasters, bloggers, podcasters and streamers. This inclusive approach reflects the changing landscape of media and the many ways young people now share information and tell stories.

To qualify, applicants must meet several requirements. They need to be Commonwealth citizens between the ages of 15 and 29 on December 31, 2025. Candidates should have worked in development for at least 12 months, either professionally or as volunteers, and demonstrate a clear track record of impactful work that contributes to any of the 17 sustainable development

goals (SDGs).

For the Patsy Robertson award specifically, nominees must provide samples of their relevant work along with professional references. Crucially, they need to show how their journalism or communications work advances SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. This goal encompasses media freedom, inclusive societies and democratic principles.

The prize: The winner will receive £1,000 in cash, along with a certificate and trophy. Beyond the financial recognition, the award offers young communications professionals visibility and acknowledgement for work that often happens in challenging circumstances.

Remembering Patsy Robertson: The award honours the memory of Patsy Robertson, a figure remembered for her unwavering support of fearless journalism. Throughout her career at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Robertson championed women in media and believed strongly in the capacity of words and storytelling to bring about real change in communities.

The Commonwealth Association, made up of former Secretariat staff members, initiated this award. Robertson served as the association's first chair, and members felt this recognition would be a fitting tribute to her life's work.

Max Gaylard, current chair of the Commonwealth Association, spoke about the importance of supporting young journalists. "We honour Patsy Robertson by rewarding young people and by highlighting the important work of communications professionals," he said. "Young journalists do much more than simply tell stories-they are the visionaries and architects of our future democratic societies."

He added that introducing this award aims to empower the next generation of communicators who strengthen the foundations of democracy. The Commonwealth Association is working in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat to recognise Robertson's contributions and showcase emerging leaders in this field.

Why this matters: The timing of this award reflects growing recognition of the crucial role young journalists and communicators play in shaping public discourse and holding power to account. In many Commonwealth nations, press freedom faces ongoing challenges, and young media professionals often work with limited resources and considerable risk.

Layne Robinson, head of Social Policy Development at the Commonwealth Secretariat, emphasised how the awards platform highlights young leaders driving community development and strengthening democracy. By spotlighting achievements in media and communications, the programme supports its commitment to building inclusive societies and promoting good governance throughout the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work, as they are formally known, have long recognised exceptional young people whose work has made lasting differences to individuals and communities. The awards acknowledge how young people solve local and national problems, shape development in creative ways, and inspire their peers to participate in building stronger nations.

How to apply: Applications for the Patsy Robertson award and other categories opened on October 04 and will close on October 17, 2025. The short application window reflects the urgency of recognising and supporting young people doing important work across Commonwealth nations.

Interested candidates can submit their applications through the Commonwealth Youth Awards platform at commonwealth-youthexcellence.awardsplatform.com.

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