Youth organisations across Commonwealth countries have an opportunity to put their community projects on a wider stage through One Country, One Project 2026.
The initiative, organised by the Commonwealth Youth Council, is looking for youth led projects that respond to real problems in local communities. Projects can cover areas such as education, climate action, technology, health, employment, peacebuilding and community development.
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There is no need to wait for selection before carrying out the project. Registered organizations are expected to implement their projects between 12 August and 20 September 2026, then submit a report explaining what they did, who benefited and what changed. One outstanding project from each participating Commonwealth country will be recognized as the country’s One Country, One Project 2026 Awardee.
One Country, One Project 2026 at a glance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organizer | Commonwealth Youth Council |
| Program | One Country, One Project 2026 |
| Who can participate | Eligible youth led organizations |
| Eligible locations | Commonwealth member states |
| Projects per organization | 1 |
| Registration deadline | 22 August 2026 |
| Project period | 12 August to 20 September 2026 |
| National recognition | One awardee per participating country |
| Overall recognition | Commonwealth Best Project Award 2026 |
| Grant available | No guaranteed grant funding |
What is One Country, One Project 2026?
One Country, One Project is a Commonwealth Youth Council initiative created to recognise practical projects led by young people in their communities. The focus is on results. A project should respond to a clear local need and produce evidence of what it achieved.
Projects can be small or large. What matters is the quality of the work, the role played by young people and the effect the project has on the community. After implementation, participating organisations will submit a Project Completion Report. Outstanding projects will then be considered at country level.
What types of projects can be submitted?
The programme accepts projects that address different community needs. Your organisation could register a project related to:
- Climate action
- Education and skills
- Youth employment and entrepreneurship
- Technology and artificial intelligence
- Health and well being
- Peacebuilding
- Civic participation
- Gender and inclusion
- Arts, culture and sports
- Community development and volunteerism
Your project can take different forms. It could be a training programme, campaign, community activity, event or another intervention that produces measurable results.
The strongest applications will have a clear problem, a practical response and evidence that young people are leading the work.
Who can participate?
One Country, One Project 2026 is open to eligible youth led organisations based in Commonwealth member states. Eligible organisations include:
- National Youth Councils
- Youth led organisations
- Youth networks and associations
- Student organisations
- Community based youth organisations
- Youth social enterprises
Each organisation can register one project. If your organisation has several ongoing projects, choose the one with the clearest community results before registering.
What will the projects be assessed on?
- Impact
- Youth leadership
- Innovation
- Relevance
- Inclusion
- Quality of implementation
- Sustainability
- Potential for scale
How the One Country, One Project process works
Step 1: Choose your project
Select one project that your organisation is implementing or plans to implement during the programme period. Your project should address a specific community need and have clear results that you can measure.
Step 2: Register the project
Complete the registration through the official One Country, One Project registration channel. Each organisation can register only one project.
Step 3: Implement the project
The implementation period runs from 12 August to 20 September 2026. You don’t have to wait for a selection decision before starting your project. Keep records throughout the project. Take photographs where appropriate, record attendance, collect feedback and document results.
Step 4: Prepare the completion report
After completing the project, submit the required Project Completion Report. The report should explain:
- What your organisation did
- Who the project reached
- What results were achieved
- What changed because of the project
Step 5: Country level assessment
Outstanding completed projects will be shortlisted and assessed at country level. One project from each participating Commonwealth country may receive national recognition if it meets the required standard.
Step 6: Commonwealth level consideration
National awardees will be considered for the Commonwealth Best Project Award 2026. The overall award recognises an exceptional youth led project with strong local results and the potential to inspire action elsewhere in the Commonwealth. The award will be presented during CHOGM Week in Antigua and Barbuda in November 2026.
Important dates for One Country, One Project 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Project implementation begins | 12 August 2026 |
| Registration deadline | 22 August 2026 |
| Project implementation ends | 20 September 2026 |
| Commonwealth Best Project Award | November 2026 |
Frequently asked questions
Who can register for One Country, One Project 2026?
Eligible youth led organisations across Commonwealth member states can participate.
Can a student organisation participate?
Yes. Student organisations are listed among the types of organisations that can participate.
Can a youth social enterprise participate?
Yes. Youth social enterprises are eligible organisation types under the initiative.
How many projects can an organisation register?
Each organisation can register one project.
Do I need to wait for selection before starting my project?
No. Organisations can begin implementing their projects during the stated implementation period without waiting for selection.
When should the project be implemented?
The stated implementation period is 12 August to 20 September 2026.
What is the registration deadline?
The deadline to register is 22 August 2026.
Is there an age limit for participants?
The information provided for the initiative focuses on youth led organisations rather than stating a specific individual age limit.
Does the programme provide a grant?
There is no guaranteed grant. The initiative is primarily for recognition and partnership.
Can a project focus on education?
Yes. Education and skills are among the listed areas.
Can technology projects participate?
Yes. Technology and AI are included among the areas that projects can address.
Can a health project participate?
Yes. Health and well being is one of the listed areas.
Can climate projects participate?
Yes. Climate action is one of the eligible project areas.
What happens after the project is completed?
Participating organisations will submit a Project Completion Report describing their activities, reach and results.
How are national awardees selected?
Outstanding completed projects will be shortlisted and assessed at country level. One project from each participating Commonwealth country may be recognised where the required standard is met.
What is the Commonwealth Best Project Award?
It is an overall recognition for an exceptional youth led project selected from the national awardees.
When will the Commonwealth Best Project Award be presented?
The award is expected to be presented during CHOGM Week in Antigua and Barbuda in November 2026.
Can a small community project participate?
Yes. The organisers state that the project doesn’t need to be the biggest. The focus is on meaningful action and measurable community impact.
What should organisations document during the project?
Keep records of activities, people reached, results and other evidence that can support the completion report.
