Indian young leader Alina Alam is among 20 extraordinary young individuals from 18 countries who have been announced as finalists for this year's Commonwealth Youth Awards.  Indian winner Alina, who was shortlisted for the Decent Work and Economic Growth category, is the founder of Mitti Cafe; which trains and employs persons with intellectual, physical and or psychiatric disabilities to work in inclusive kitchens and cafes in India.

The awards recognise outstanding Commonwealth young people whose projects are transforming lives in their communities and helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

More than 1,000 entries from 43 Commonwealth countries were received last year. The finalists were selected across each of the award's regional categories following a rigorous judging process.

This year, the awards have expanded to include five regional categories: Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and Canada, and the Pacific.

The top finalist from each region will be announced as the regional winner at the official awards ceremony on March 10. The ceremony will be held virtually for the first time due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Of these five regional winners, one outstanding young person will become the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year 2021.

This year's ceremony will also recognise a select number of young people who have successfully addressed the challenges posed by the pandemic in their communities.

(IANS)