The Commonwealth awarded the winners of the Think Trade, Think Green: Commonwealth Innovative Youth Essay competition today. The competition challenged young researchers and students to explore how trade and trade policy can tackle the climate crisis and drive a resilient, inclusive transformation across the Commonwealth.
Aligned with the Commonwealth Year of Youth's goals of supporting youth-led entrepreneurship, resilience, and climate adaptation, this year's competition drew over 500 entries from member countries. Each of the five first-time winners received a cash prize. The winners are:
- Faith Mwende Johnson, Kenya - first prize
- Muhammad Shaheer Mirza, Pakistan - second prize
- Fortunate Favour, Nigeria - second prize
- Jashim Howlader, Bangladesh - third prize
- Dorcas Mnyazi Nyaki, Kenya - third prize
View the Think Trade, Think Green: Commonwealth Innovative Youth Essay competition
One of the winners, Jashim Howlader, spoke about the impact of this opportunity, saying:
“Winning this prize would not only be a personal milestone but also an opportunity to channel innovative ideas into trade policies that can bolster my country's resilience to climate challenges. By integrating sustainable practices and advanced technologies, we can transform our trade systems into engines of growth and environmental stewardship, ensuring long-term prosperity.”
The essays by the young writers are published in the Trade Competitiveness Briefing Series titled ‘Think Trade, Think Green: Selected Essays from the Commonwealth Innovative Youth Competition’.
The awards were presented by Dr Arjoon Suddhoo, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General, and Suresh Yadav, Interim Senior Director for Trade, Oceans and Natural Resources, and accepted by Commonwealth Youth Council members on behalf of the winners' countries.
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At the prize-giving ceremony, the Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General said:
“In their essays, the brilliant young minds have identified crucial themes around the water crisis, plastic pollution, deforestation and desertification, and have proposed pragmatic solutions for more sustainable trade and agricultural practices, which we hope to share with policymakers for their consideration.”
Among the winners, the other finalists whose essays also contribute to the theme of trade and climate resilience are:
- Isanda Crystal Bitutu, Kenya
- Abdul Kabir, Pakistan
- Maria F. Mendez, Belize
- Lydia Nkechi Philip, Nigeria
- Kennedy Manyasi Washika, Kenya
Speaking at the event, Opeyemi Abebe, Head of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Trade Competitiveness Section, said:
“The Think Trade, Think Green essay competition has uncovered exceptional young talent, offering fresh perspectives on trade and climate resilience. We're proud to publish their essays, showcasing the innovative thinking that will drive sustainable growth in the Commonwealth."
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The Commonwealth values the unique perspectives of young writers in addressing climate change through trade. Their innovative ideas will enrich ongoing discussions about sustainable trade practices, particularly in light of the recent Commonwealth Trade Review, which highlighted the critical role of trade and investment in bolstering food security across its 56 member states.
View the Think Trade, Think Green: Commonwealth Innovative Youth Essay competition
Media contact
- Rena Gashumba Communications Adviser, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
- T: +44 7483 919 968 | E-mail
