Briefing
On 27 September 2026, the Government of the Canary Islands held the ceremony at the Centro Cultural Guaires in Gáldar the Premios Joven Canarias 2026 awards ceremony. The gala focused on the call for young people to take an active part in the region’s political and administrative processes. Candelaria Delgado, Consejera for Welfare, Equality, Youth, Childhood and Families, stressed in her speech the importance of active participation structures such as the Consejo de la Juventud and youth organisations.
The main award in the “8 Islas” category went to the Unión de Estudiantes de Canarias . The association, which has been operating since 1989, was honoured for more than three decades of work representing pupils’ interests and promoting youth associations. The award highlights the role of organised student representation in political education and youth advocacy in the Canary Islands.
In the “Colectivo” category, NoPor OnSex received the award for its educational work and projects on sexuality and digital culture; the individual award went to nurse and development worker Cristina Martel Martín. Two runners-up awards recognised the work of ADISLAN, the Asociación de Personas con Discapacidad de Lanzarote, as well as the work of Sabah Oualit Quensi with deaf young people.
Mayor of Gáldar Teodoro Sosa welcomed the decision to host the awards ceremony in the town and stressed that local measures on housing, employment and training were crucial to ensuring youth participation was more than symbolic. The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, sent a video message to those present.
The Directorate-General for Youth described the 2026 edition as a “fresh start” for the format, aiming to give greater visibility to life stories and promote talent. A total of 65 applications were received in the “8 Islas”, “Colectivo” and “Individual” categories. The regional government said it wanted to further strengthen young people’s civic engagement through the Premios Joven Canarias 2026 and improve their access to participation and public decision-making processes.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).