The Royal Commonwealth Society, in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the City of London Corporation’s Youth Natural Environment Board, has officially launched the Commonwealth Youth Photography Competition 2026: Waves of Change.
The Commonwealth-wide competition invites young people aged 18 to 30 from across the Commonwealth to capture powerful stories through photography, centred on the shared theme of oceans, waterways, and the transformations they represent.
From changing coastlines and environmental pressures to stories of resilience, innovation, and community connection, the competition encourages young photographers to submit a single original image that reflects the evolving relationship between people and the natural world.
The initiative aims to elevate youth voices across the Commonwealth while fostering greater awareness of environmental challenges and solutions affecting oceans and waterways globally.
Competition Categories
Entrants may submit photographs under one of four categories:
Human–Ocean Connection
Hope and Resilience
Threats and Challenges
Innovative Solutions
Participants are invited to accompany their image with a written statement of up to 300 words explaining the story behind the photograph and its connection to the competition theme.
Competition Details
Eligibility: Open to citizens or residents of Commonwealth countries aged 18–30
Submission Deadline: 8 June 2026 (World Oceans Day)
Entry Portal:
https://www.royalcwsociety.org/environment/cypc
Exciting prizes for winning entrants are expected to be announced shortly.
The Royal Commonwealth Society is encouraging branches, members, schools, universities, youth organisations, and community networks across the Commonwealth to help promote the initiative and encourage participation from emerging photographers and storytellers.
Official Competition Launch Posts
Follow and share the official launch campaign across social media:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DX9UtsUtdGV/?igsh=bTV5c3pyNWU0bDc=X:
https://x.com/royalcwsociety/status/2051648707230081381?s=46LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7457428961224974338Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AUXDymFT3/?mibextid=WC7FNe
The Royal Commonwealth Society ACT Branch encourages eligible young people across Canberra and the broader Commonwealth community to consider participating in this exciting initiative.
The competition represents another important example of Commonwealth collaboration, youth leadership, and environmental engagement on a global scale.
