The 2025 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work have announced Nicholas Kee of Jamaica as the Caribbean regional Champion. The esteemed announcement was made on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, during an award event in London.
Kee was one of five regional winners who were honored at the event for their exceptional contributions to development work. Each winner received a £3,000 reward.
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Murad Ansary from Bangladesh (Asia), Zubair Junjunia from the United Kingdom (Europe and Canada), and Bethalyn Kelly from Solomon Islands (Pacific) were the other regional winners.
Nigerian Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu won the overall 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year title and the top regional prize for Africa.
The creator and CEO of LightEd, Anigbogu, received recognition for turning trash into solar solutions that give more than 10,000 African migrants access to sustainable energy. He received a total prize of £5,000 for his two victories.
Anigbogu was congratulated by Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, who said, “Not only are you bringing hope and light to vulnerable communities and refugees who face many hardships and disadvantages, but you are also ridding communities of harmful waste and pollution, leaving environments safer and cleaner for other young people. This is a testament to the creativity of the Commonwealth’s youth.”
“Stanley is training other young people and providing skills for employment in a field that will contribute to the energy transition we need to mitigate against climate change. You are a true revolutionary – a visionary – and I am pleased to award you the title of Commonwealth Young Person of the Year.”
Upon receiving the award, Anigbogu stated: “It is an incredible honor to receive this recognition alongside an inspiring group of 20 young changemakers, all dedicated to launching innovative solutions that drive transformative change for millions of young people around the world. I cannot wait to continue this journey with the support of the Commonwealth and its remarkable network of partners.”
The Khalili Foundation also presented PEACE Awards to five exceptional young people. Executive Director Waqas Ahmed congratulated the winners from Cameroon, Uganda, Tanzania, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Professor Sir Nasser David Khalili, Chairman of the Khalili Foundation, praised the PEACE awardees, saying that “Youth-led initiatives rooted in understanding and dialogue are key to building a more harmonious Commonwealth. I am delighted to recognize these young stars whose examples will inspire people across the Commonwealth and beyond to act in service of peace, unity, and harmony.”
Shem Ochola, Deputy Director General at the Commonwealth Foundation, which provided £30,000 in funding for the event, added that, “The Commonwealth Foundation proudly congratulates Stanley Anigbogu. His innovation, brilliance, and passion stand as a testament to the transformative power of youth leadership. Indeed, his work, alongside other participants in this initiative, showcases the immense potential of youth-focused, asset-based development. Today, we celebrate not just an achievement but a legacy in the making.”
From over 800 submissions, the 20 finalists were narrowed to five regional winners by a pan-Commonwealth adjudication panel. Each of the 20 finalists received a trophy, a certificate and £1,000 to support their work.
The awards ceremony took place after Commonwealth Day celebrations and was an important milestone during a two-week Commonwealth Youth Leadership Summit in London.
