The Global Youth Awards recognise and celebrate young people aged 11–25 who are creating meaningful social and environmental impact around the world.

Each year, we showcase inspiring changemakers from across the globe - amplifying their stories, connecting them to a wider network, and showcasing their work to an international audience. With nominations received from over 95 countries, the Awards are both a global stage and a gateway into something much bigger.

Nominations open: 1st March

Nomination period: Open for several months to allow global participation across different time zones and school calendars.

Submission closing date: 1st September.

Judging period: After nominations close, the judging process begins.. Judges will receive the nominations in their assigned category and submit their top 3.

Finalists selected: Finalists are announced once judging has been completed (Judges’ answers must be in by 1st October and Finalists will be announced on 5th October).

Winners announcement: Official Winners will be announced across the month of November, with the full Winners’ showcase published on our website on 1st December.

The Awards are more than a moment of recognition, they are the beginning of an ongoing journey.

Every participant gains access to support, personal development and a global ecosystem of opportunity through the Legacy platform. Finalists are invited to join our Global Change Ambassador network, where they can connect, collaborate and grow through mentoring, events and shared experiences. Many also go on to shape future Awards- taking on roles as judges, speakers, hosts and performers, continuing the cycle of inspiration and impact.

The Global Youth Awards celebrate impact across a diverse range of categories, reflecting the many ways young people are driving change in the world. From environmental regeneration and social innovation to education, creativity and community leadership, each category recognises individuals who are turning ideas into action. Together, they showcase the breadth of youth-led impact - highlighting not just what young people are doing, but what is possible.

• Educational Innovation

• Environmental Regeneratiom

• Empowering Everyone

• Creative Rejuvenation

Each of our categories has three sub-categories for:

• Leadership

• Innovation

• Change

*To qualify nominees must be 11-25 years of age at the time of the event

This year the awards will be online making them:

• Global and inclusive

• Fully digital and accessible

• Connected to ongoing support through the Hub

• Focused on real impact, not just recognition

They are the only awards created by young people for young people in the world.

Every nominee becomes part of a wider community.

Through the Legacy ecosystem, participants gain:

• access to the Global Youth Hub

• mentorship and guidance

• increased visibility

• opportunities to grow and collaborate

Recognition is just the beginning.