It is today announced that two young people from Malta are among 60 others from across the Commonwealth who are being recognised as exceptional leaders in their community. These 60 young people will receive a prestigious Queen's Young Leaders Award.

The Award, which will be presented in London by Her Majesty The Queen in 2016, and is part of The Queen's Young Leaders Programme, celebrates the achievements of young people who are taking the lead to transform the lives of others and make a lasting difference in their communities.

This year's Award winners, aged between 18 and 29 and who come from all over the Commonwealth, are working to support others, raise awareness and inspire change on a variety of different issues including; education, climate change, gender equality, mental health and disability equality.

28 year old Annabelle Xerri from Mosta has been selected in recognition of her work promoting equal opportunities for the deaf community in her country, and 19 year old Sara Ezabe Malliue from Gzira who has been acknowledged for her commitment to creating a more diverse and inclusive society.

Annabelle said, "it's amazing to be recognised amongst so many other brilliant young people who are making a difference. I have been deaf since the age of six and I managed to communicate through lip reading until I was 25 when I learnt sign language. I work with local families to offer them advice and support as well as with the authorities to ensure that deaf people have equal opportunities, enabling them to live independently."

The Queen's Young Leaders Programme was established in 2014 by The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust in partnership with Comic Relief and the Royal Commonwealth Society in recognition of The Queen's lifetime of service to the Commonwealth. Over the next three years the Programme will support thousands of young people to achieve their goals.

Dr Astrid Bonfield, Chief Executive of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust said, "once again 60 incredible young people from around the Commonwealth have shown strength, leadership, empathy and drive. Some of our winners are just embarking on their leadership journey and others are more established. Either way, we recognise not only what these amazing young people have achieved, but also their potential in changing people's lives for the better in the countries and communities in which they live."

Each year from 2014 to 2018, 60 exceptional young people will be selected to receive a Queen's Young Leaders Award and become 'Queen's Young Leaders' – one for every year that The Queen had served as Head of the Commonwealth at the time of her Diamond Jubilee.

As part of the Award, winners will receive bespoke mentoring and online learning provided by the University of Cambridge. Award winners will attend a week-long residential programme in the UK in June, when they will receive their Award at Buckingham Palace from Her Majesty The Queen.

To see a full list of Award winners and Highly Commended runners up, and read more about their stories please visit www.queensyoungleaders.com.

Photograph: Annabelle Xerri and Sara Ezabe Malliue

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