So proud to be part of the team that seeks out tomorrow’s trailblazers

The fifty three member countries of the Commonwealth have a combined population of over two billion, over 60 per cent of whom are under 30 years of age. These young people – often in the most inspiring ways – wish to play a full part in tackling the issues facing their own and wider communities today.

When The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme was launched in 2014 it set out to identify exceptional individuals whose actions have already changed lives for the better. We were overwhelmed by the depth of talent.

Between 2014 and 2018 our programme has discovered a further 60 young leaders each year, all of whom have applied their own energy and vision to issues that matter deeply to them. I have been astonished at the innovation – and often the sheer courage – of our winners.

Their issues are many and varied, from education to climate change; entrepreneurship to gender equality. In the past, certain issues – such as

‘They are a truly remarkable, energising and inspiring group, whom I feel privileged to know’

mental health – had received scant attention: perhaps because of the stigma they carry in some communities. But, by tackling controversial issues, our young keaders have been bold – and effective.

Most of their projects have begun in a very small way at the grass roots.

Yet typically, as the young keaders gain experience, their field of action expands, bringing change on a wider scale. The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust offers mentoring and training to add to their leadership skills, and also helps them to connect to a powerful Commonwealth-wide network.

Each June, the achievements of the young keaders are officially recognised by Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace, when they are presented with a Queen’s Young Leader Award. The 2018 winners will be meeting Her Majesty next week.

Altogether, they make up a 240-strong, Commonwealth-wide network of talented young people, dedicated to effect change for the better. Individually, and collectively, they are a truly remarkable, energising and inspiring group, whom I feel privileged to know.

Although still young, they have already achieved an astonishing amount, and during the coming years I – and my fellow trustees – will look on with great interest and huge pride as our young Commonwealth leaders of today become the Global Leaders of tomorrow.

Sir John Major is chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust