In memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, the Diana Award recognises outstanding young people from across the globe working to create and sustain positive social change.
The Diana Award is a global honour celebrating young social activists driving positive change in their communities and beyond. We recognise youth-led projects and initiatives that align with four key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Quality Education, Good Health and Wellbeing, Reducing Inequality, and Climate Action.
Rooted in the legacy of Diana, Princess of Wales, the Award celebrates young people who are working tirelessly to change the world - particularly those championing change for individuals from socio-economic disadvantaged backgrounds.
Each year, up to 200 exceptional young people are honoured with the Diana Award, spotlighting their contributions to creating a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future across diverse communities and cultures.
Be inspired by our past and current Diana Award Recipients across the globe who are campaigning, volunteering, and fundraising their way to a better world.
Browse through the archives of our Diana Award Recipients here:
Receiving the Diana Award is a prestigious honour that celebrates a young person’s lasting impact through social action and humanitarian work.
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.
Diana Award Recipients are recognised and celebrated through:
Recognition at the Virtual Diana Award Ceremony, shining a spotlight on their achievements on an international platform
Publication on the Roll of Honour, creating a lasting record of their contribution to positive change
A Certificate of Recognition, celebrating their dedication to making a difference
Opportunities to connect with a global network of young leaders, fostering inspiration and shared learning
Invitations to Conversations for Change, a series of peer-led sessions where recipients explore key social issues, build community, and inspire collective action.
Each year we’re supported by a dedicated group of volunteer judges from around the world who help assess nominations. These volunteers bring a wide range of perspectives and expertise, helping to ensure a fair, inclusive, and thoughtful review process.
Applications to join our 2026 Judging Panel will open in November 2025 – more details will be shared soon.
Nominations for the 2026 Diana Award will open in October 2025 and remain open for one month.
Full details on how to nominate a young person the 2026, including the updated Diana Award Nomination Guidelines will be available in August 2025.
Young people aged 16-24 who have been leading sustained social action or humanitarian work for at least 12 months can be nominated for the Diana Award. Their work should align with one or more of the following Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs): Quality Education, Health & Wellbeing, Reduced Inequality, or Climate Action.
Recipients are recognised with:
Following a review period, we have carefully assessed and updated all our work to ensure it remains aligned with the evolving needs of young people. These updates aim to strengthen our impact and ensure we continue to deliver meaningful recognition based on evidence, sector best practices, and the views and experiences of our young people.
Up to 200 exceptional young people are honoured annually, representing a wide range of communities, cultures, and causes from around the world.
The Diana Award is the only award bearing the name of Diana, Princess of Wales. It is rooted in her legacy and built on a long-term commitment to recognising and supporting young social activists – particularly those championing change for individuals from socio-economic disadvantaged backgrounds.
Yes. The Diana Award is a global honour. Since 2020, we’ve recognised young social activists in over 80 countries across six continents.
No. The Diana Award is not a financial grant or scholarship. It is a prestigious recognition of a young person’s impact, supported by meaningful post-award opportunities, community connection, and global celebration.
We take concerns about Diana Award Recipients and nominees seriously. If you wish to raise a complaint or share information about a current or past recipient, please email nominations@diana-award.org.uk
This allows us to review the situation thoroughly and take appropriate action in line with our safeguarding and verification processes.
If you are successfully selected to receive the Diana Award, you’ll be sent a physical certificate by post after completing the onboarding process. All certificates are printed and dispatched from the UK, so international recipients should allow extra time for delivery.
If your certificate is lost or damaged in transit, we will provide you with a digital version instead.
As we work with an external printing and postal service - and due to our status as a charity with limited resources - we are unfortunately unable to re-send physical certificates. We appreciate your understanding.
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