Welcome to the Global Youth Awards 2026

The Global Youth Awards discover and celebrate young people who are creating meaningful change in the world.

Now fully integrated into the Global Youth Hub, the Awards are more than a moment of recognition - they are the entry point into a global ecosystem of support, development and opportunity.

ABOUT THE AWARDS

Visit The Hub for details on winners from previous years, updates on their projects, information on nominating and timelines for the awards.

Still have questions? Reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and nominate.

  • 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.

NOMINATE NOW

OUR GLOBAL GOALS

At Legacy Project, we go beyond the Sustainable Development Goals. We believe young people are not just responding to global challenges - they are creating bold, practical solutions that can shape a better future for everyone.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGENERATION

We are excited to hear about projects that are going beyond sustainability to restore and regenerate the global eco-system. Tell us about your environmental projects and innovations.

We need to re-imagine the way that young people learn and develop ensuring that this learning is inclusive for everyone. If you are doing anything to innovate or transform education, we want to hear from you.

EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION

Our empowerment goal is focused on ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities and knowledge. We are specifically interested in projects that empower women, youth and people with disabilities.

EMPOWERING EVERYONE

Creative Rejuvenation has a goal of not only addressing the stigma around being ‘creative’, but the importance of combining creativity and movement. We love creative projects that have a strong message.

CREATIVE REJUVENATION

We now receive nominations from 96 different countries. Is your country on the list yet?

Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Republic of Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Moldova, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uganda, United Kingdom, Ukraine, United States of America, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

OUR GLOBAL REACH