Belizean Named Top Commonwealth Youth Finalist

A young Belizean is being recognized on the world stage tonight. Ishmael Nicholson has been named one of the top twenty finalists for the Commonwealth Youth Peace Awards, standing out among nominees from fifty‑six countries. Representing the Caribbean, Nicholson is being honored for his work in youth leadership, social development, and his commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. We spoke with him today about the recognition and what it means for Belize.

 

Ishmael Nicholson, Finalist, Commonwealth Youth Award

“I have been doing a lot of youth work in Belize and on the international field and I was asked to apply, to send in all my work that I have been able to do throughout the years. So, I sent in my work from since 2021, from the children’s parliament, to COP-28, to SIDS to Rise Belize currently which is one of the highlights of my application. I was excited. I also felt a sense of happiness and accomplishment. I also looked at it as a way to acknowledge the work I have done with my partners, I call them partners and that is everybody from working with UNCIEF, and NCFC and the different ministries and the global partners. My application was submitted under partnership, SDG seventeen, because I have been able to transcend and work cross sectoral with all these different sectors to accomplish youth work in Belize and internationally. My advise is to never see it as work but as a sense of duty for Belize and it does not matter if it is a large or small impact. The point is that you are doing your part in society to build Belize.”

 

Nicholson says the recognition isn’t just about him, but about the partnerships and young people working every day to make a difference for Belize and beyond.