Help us name our 2026 Commonwealth Ocean Youth Photography Competition!
- William Bolton
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Royal Commonwealth Society is launching a new photography competition, in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the City of London Youth Natural Environment Board, to celebrate the creativity and environmental awareness of young people across the Commonwealth.
Young people everywhere are stepping up to lead the global conversation about the ocean, its beauty, and the importance of protecting it for the future.
The competition aims to shine a light on how young photographers are capturing the transformations shaping our seas, from rising tides to fading reefs, and from restoration to resilience. Through their lenses, these storytellers are revealing how the ocean connects and sustains life across the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries.
Home to more than 1.5 billion young people under 30, the Commonwealth is a community where youth voices have the power to inspire action and change. Whether living by a coral coast, an inland lake, or a city canal, young photographers are uniquely placed to tell the stories of both hope and hardship facing our waters.
Before the competition officially begins, we are inviting young people to play a special part in shaping its identity by helping to name the competition. The winning entry will become the official title used across all platforms, offering one participant the opportunity to make their mark on a global stage.
Participation is simple:
·      Submit your name idea through the online form below
·      Share your inspiration, what does the ocean mean to you?
·      The winning name will be announced ahead of the competition’s opening
This initiative invites young people from every nation, culture, and coastline across the Commonwealth to celebrate the ocean that unites us all. Whether you are an aspiring photographer, a storyteller, or simply someone passionate about protecting the planet, this is your chance to take part in a movement that uses creativity to inspire environmental awareness.