Nominations for the 2027 Diana Award are now open! Do you know an inspiring young person aged 16-24 who is making a positive difference through social action? Help us recognise their achievements by nominating them for the 2027 Diana Award.
Nominations close: Friday 8 January 2026, 17:00 UK time (GMT).
The Diana Award is a global honour recognising young people who are creating positive social change in their communities and beyond.
Inspired by the legacy of Diana, Princess of Wales, the Award celebrates young people who demonstrate outstanding leadership, commitment and impact through their social action.
To be eligible, the young person must:
Nominations must be submitted by someone who:
Self-nominations are not accepted.
All eligible nominations are assessed against five criteria:
Each criterion requires a response of 150-300 words, supported by specific examples and evidence wherever possible.
We recognise that social action takes many forms and operates at different scales. The size or geographic reach of a project does not determine the significance of its impact.
Do you know a young person who deserves to be recognised?
We welcome nominations from around the world, celebrating young people whose social action is creating meaningful positive change.
Nominations close: Friday 8 January 2027, 17:00 UK time (GMT).
At The Diana Award, we recognise that social action takes many forms across the globe. Our approach to recognising young people is guided by four key principles:
We recognise the inherent value and expertise of young people's lived experiences and aim to recognise social action based on individual circumstances.
We put youth voice at the heart of our work and make evidence-informed decisions when recognising young people's social action.
We recognise that every young person's social action journey is different, and that meaningful impact can take place at any scale.
We are committed to recognising social action that promotes inclusion, dignity and respect, and aligns with our anti-racist, anti-sexist and anti-LGBTQIA+ bullying principles.
Social action initiatives that raise safeguarding, ethical or other concerns will be reviewed appropriately before decisions are made.
In line with Charity Commission guidance, The Diana Award ensures that any decision to revoke an award is made in the best interests of the charity, following a fair and transparent process, and with full consideration of safeguarding responsibilities, ethical conduct, and reputational risk. We also reserve the right to seek advice and support from the Charity Commission at any stage, should further guidance be required. As a charity, we have a responsibility to act with care and diligence, protecting the integrity of our programmes and the trust placed in us by our beneficiaries, supporters, and the wider public.
Hear from previous Diana Award Recipients about their social action, the change they are creating and what receiving the Award has meant to them.
“This is such an honour to get your efforts recognised on such global stage. I'm very glad to be awarded and excited to use this recognition to enlarge my network and strengthen my credibility to make global impact.”
- 2024 Diana Award Recipient
“It has strongly boosted my confidence as a person because not only did the Diana Award acknowledge my service, it has acknowledged me as a person which has made me feel deeply understood and stand up to my worth.”
- 2024 Diana Award Recipient
“For me, this award isn’t just a recognition; it's a motivation to continue creating spaces where stories help us see through others’ eyes and foster deeper empathy.”
- 2024 Diana Award Recipient
Every year, up to 200 outstanding young people from around the world are recognised with the Diana Award.
Recipients are celebrated for their commitment to social action and the positive change they have created in their communities and beyond.
Being honoured with the Diana Award marks a moment of global recognition – and the opportunity to connect with a wider movement of young people working for a better future.
Before starting your nomination, we recommend reading the 2027 Diana Award Nomination Guide and preparing the following information.
Once added, each supporter will receive an email inviting them to complete their supporting statement online.
Your nomination cannot be considered complete until both supporters have submitted their statements.
You can save your progress and return to your nomination before submitting it.
Young people aged 16–24 at the time of nomination who have been actively involved in social action for at least 12 months and whose work aligns with one of the four SDG thematic areas.
Nominees must not have previously received the Diana Award.
No. Self-nominations are not accepted. A nominator must be aged 18 or over, know the young person in a professional or formal capacity and not be related to them.
Yes. Young people who have been nominated in previous years but did not receive the Diana Award can be nominated again, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
Previous Diana Award Recipients cannot receive the Award again.
Nominations for the 2027 Diana Award open on 4 November 2026 and close on Friday 8 January 2027 at 17:00 UK time (GMT).
Yes. The Diana Award is a global honour, and we welcome nominations from around the world.
Up to 200 exceptional young people are recognised annually.
Yes. You can nominate multiple young people, provided each meets the eligibility criteria and has a separate, complete nomination.
Only one nomination per individual will be considered.
No. The Diana Award recognises individuals rather than groups or organisations.
However, multiple young people involved in the same project can be nominated separately. Each nomination must demonstrate the individual's own contribution and impact.
We recognise a wide range of social action, including volunteering, campaigning, advocacy, fundraising and community initiatives.
The work must align with one of the four SDG thematic areas and demonstrate meaningful positive change.
No. Meaningful social action can take place at any scale. We recognise the significance of impact rather than the size or geographic reach of a project.
No. Meaningful social action can take place at any scale. We recognise the significance of impact rather than the size or geographic reach of a project.
You must provide three pieces of evidence demonstrating the nominee's social action and impact.
This could include photographs, videos, testimonials, reports, campaign materials, media coverage or other relevant documentation.
Files and links are accepted. Evidence in English is preferred, but other languages are permitted.
Each nomination requires two independent supporters aged 18 or over who know the nominee in a professional or formal capacity.
Supporters must not be family members or friends of the nominee, and they must be different individuals from the nominator.
When completing the nomination, you will provide the names and email addresses of two supporters.
Each supporter will receive an email invitation to complete their statement online.
Please ensure both supporters have agreed to provide a statement before adding their details.
Yes. You can save your progress and return to your nomination through our online nomination platform before submitting it.
All nominations are initially reviewed by The Diana Award team to ensure they meet the eligibility requirements.
Eligible nominations are then assessed against the five Award criteria by an external panel of volunteer judges.
Successful nominations undergo additional verification, safeguarding and risk checks before final decisions are confirmed.
Nominators will be notified of the outcome of their nomination by email in [MONTH 2027 TO BE CONFIRMED].
Successful nominees will also be contacted directly.
Due to the high volume of nominations received, we are unable to provide individual feedback.
However, eligible young people who are unsuccessful may be nominated again in future years.
Recipients receive a Certificate of Recognition, a place on the Diana Award Roll of Honour, recognition at our global virtual ceremony and opportunities to connect with a global network of young social activists.
Yes. Nominators must ensure the young person is aware of their nomination and has agreed to their information being shared.
If successful, their Award will remain under embargo until the official announcement.
Please read the 2027 Diana Award Nomination Guide before contacting the team.
For further assistance, email [email protected].
Our working hours are Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm UK time.
Help us recognise the next generation of young people creating positive social change.
