The Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition: A Behind-the-Scenes Update

This year is a truly historic year for The Queen's Commonwealth Writing Competition.

First and foremost, thank you to everyone who entered this year's competition. We were thrilled to receive a record-breaking number of entries once again, demonstrating the incredible creativity, talent and enthusiasm of young writers from across the Commonwealth!

At the start of the year, the competition underwent an exciting change to its structure and style. To encourage even wider participation and ensure greater recognition of outstanding young writers, The Queen's Commonwealth Writing Competition introduced a new regional structure. For the first time, winners will be celebrated not only on a global stage but also within each of the Commonwealth's five regions. Each region will have its own dedicated winner, from whom the overall competition winner will be selected. This change ensures that exceptional voices from every corner of the Commonwealth are recognised and celebrated.

Following the competition’s closure in April, we are delighted to share a glimpse behind the scenes of what has been a truly remarkable judging process! Throughout the summer, more than 750 volunteer judges have generously dedicated their time and expertise to reading and evaluating submissions. Their commitment ensures that every story, poem and piece of writing receives the careful consideration it deserves!

With the first round of judging now complete, the competition has moved into its second refining stage, where judges are reviewing the highest-scoring entries from across the Commonwealth. As many judges have noted, selecting the stand-out pieces has been both inspiring and incredibly challenging. This year's competition has once offered the chance to explore prevalent themes of shared culture and identity within the Commonwealth, strengthening our ongoing cooperation across all 56 nations. With young people making up 60% of the Commonwealth's population, the competition also stands out as a rare platform for young voices, one that gives space to often-quiet stories of diversity that we as an organisation value and welcome as our 'common'wealth evolves. Here are some of our judges' insights following the second stage of review:

Reflecting on the process, Nikita Nkese, Second Round Judge and Royal Commonwealth Society Regional Coordinator for Africa, shared that:

"The true challenge for me was not finding excellence, it was choosing between excellence. Each entry carried a unique perspective, making the responsibility of selecting the top ten both a privilege and an emotional challenge. These entries were more than essays; they were windows into the dreams, resilience, and brilliance of Africa's next generation."

This sentiment was echoed across our second-round judges, who were struck by the quality and effort of this year's young writers, united in their creative rigour and communicative skill, and left optimistic about the future of the Commonwealth. Kingsley Sintim, also an acting RCS Associate Fellow, said:

"Every time I read the passionately written entries on 'Common Grounds, Better Together,' I am excited and inspired by the creative and highly imaginative output of each participant. They articulate their ideas so skilfully, even within the constraints of a strict word count. The future of our Commonwealth is safe in these bright minds."

Comments such as his following this difficult second-stage of essay judgements can only portray the resilience of young Commonwealth generations who use uncertainty to produce moving and artistic pieces of perceptive writing. Similarly, Second Round Judge and Regional Coordinator for Asia, Anoka Abeyrathne, highlighted the human and emotional impact of the entries, saying :

“I greatly enjoyed reading and analysing the creativity and thoughts behind the written work. The growth of humanity has always been innovation and thinking, and seeing that embodied by the Gold winners through their written works means that we have hope for more empathetic and creative growth in the coming years. Congratulations to you all”

A fitting reflection of the universal narratives this year's writers so beautifully conveyed.

Aside from the analytical work of reviewing the entries, the judges also found this years competition to be a crucial opportunity to connect with individuals across the world who shared an interest in literacy and Commonwealth Affairs. Keiran Healy, Second Round Judge and Regional Coordinator for Europe, reflected on the experience:

“Being a second round judge this year provided an amazing opportunity to connect with other judges based across the Commonwealth, each bringing a unique view to the table and a different cultural perspective - but with a shared respect for the high quality entries we each judged!!

This year's Judging process has evidently yet again served as another chance to unveil the Commonwealth's shared objectives and interests - giving our judges the space, highly academic resources and original perspectives to conceptualize the wider aspects of humanity at the heart of what we do. From everyone at the Royal Commonwealth Society, a huge thank you goes to our volunteer judges. Their dedication, care and expertise make this competition possible.

We look forward to sharing more updates in the coming months as we celebrate the outstanding young voices that make The Queen's Commonwealth Writing Competition such a special programme!

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The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.