Organisers of a Commonwealth contest aimed to reward youths are still waiting for the first submission from Malta despite receiving over 1,000 applications.

Known as The Queen’s Young Leaders Award, the contest is held among 45 Commonwealth countries from which 60 winners are rewarded by the monarch herself at Buckingham Palace. Apart from the royal audience, winners also visit 10 Downing Street and meet business leaders during a week-long stay in the UK.

Organised for the first time in 2014, the total number of winners – recognised for taking the lead to help others – corresponds to the Queen’s 60 years of service to the Commonwealth up to her Diamond Jubilee. A further three editions of the contest are scheduled, with the last one set for 2018.

In the 2016 edition, Malta had two winners: 29-year-old Annabelle Xerri was recognised for her work to ensure equal opportunities among the deaf community; and 20-year-old Sara Ezabe Malliue received acknowledgment for her work to promote a more diverse and inclusive society.

This year’s winners also had the opportunity to attend a series of high-profile events at the BBC, the Twitter UK headquarters as well as Cambridge University.

Despite this strong showing, organisers are baffled that so far no nominations have yet been received for next year’s award even though the submission period opened on June 24.

Nominations close on September 4, and candidates must be between 18 and 29 years old. Priority will be given to individuals who have overcome challenges to achieve their goals, and each nominee has to be supported by a suitable referee.

Further details are available at www.queensyoungleaders.com.