Murad Ansary, a Bangladeshi well-being advocate, has been named the top regional winner for Asia for the 2025 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work.
He is the founder of ‘Psycure’, a one-stop digital solution platform for mental health & emotional well-being dedicated to providing affordable, accessible and high-quality mental health services.
The organisation has provided direct counselling services to over 3,000 individuals and trained 12, 000 young people on mental health topics, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to manage mental health challenges.
His project aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being.
Ansary clinched the top position in Asia from a shortlist that included in India Keyaan Shah, Smriti Bhaya & Putri Humairah Binti Monashofian Putra from Malaysia.
Over 800 applications were received for the awards and they were carefully reviewed by a panel of 54 Pan-Commonwealth adjudicators. From an initial shortlist of 31 people, the 20 finalists were selected, representing every region of the Commonwealth.
Murad was selected alongside 19 other finalists who are making significant contributions toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering development within their countries and beyond.
The finalists include social entrepreneurs, climate advocates, innovators and community health champions.
Congratulating the 20 finalists, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said: “Across our 56 nations, we see young leaders tackling poverty, fighting for climate justice, advocating for education and bringing hope to communities in need. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow – they are leaders right now. The hope that your leadership brings us is not just a feeling – it can be felt tangibly in the results of your actions and collaborations, which build our collective confidence in the possibility of even greater change.”
She continued, “As we honour our regional award winners, our Peace Award champions, and our Commonwealth Young Person of the Year, let today serve as a reminder. You are seen. You are valued.”
Recognition and Impact
The ceremony was held on Wednesday, 12 March 2025, at Marlborough House, the headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat. Senior government officials, youth leaders, partners, and other stakeholders were present.
The Youth Awards, delivered by the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP), aim to recognise and celebrate young people aged 15 to 29 in the Commonwealth who are leading impactful, sustainable development work in their communities.
For over five decades, CYP has invested in youth through projects and partnerships that accelerate development, amplify their concerns, and empower young leaders. The Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work is just one visible aspect of that work.
The success stories of the recipients of the prestigious Commonwealth Young Person of the Year award and finalists over the past decade serve as a testament to the impact the awards can have on young people’s lives. With this initiative, the Commonwealth’s youth are poised to lead, innovate, and inspire, ensuring a brighter future for everyone.