In Samoa, an energised and committed group of over 350 young leaders from 56 Commonwealth countries today concluded two days of deliberations on the pivotal role of youth in steering the Commonwealth towards a resilient and sustainable future.
The closing ceremony was as vibrant as the voices of the youth who shared, debated and opined throughout the forum. A stirring rendition from a 70-piece orchestra, spirited speeches expressing gratitude and awards for contribution to youth were highlights of the closing ceremony. Government ministers, senior officials and other stakeholders were there to encourage and listen to the young people share their perspectives.
The Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF), held from October 21-22, 2024, just days ahead of the bi-annual Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), produced a strong declaration which prioritises young people as key actors in decision-making and will serve as a blueprint for countries in the Commonwealth to make significant progress in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
This year’s forum marked some other significant milestones:
- Over 50 years of the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) that funds youth empowerment programmes and initiatives;
- The 10th anniversary of the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) – the official voice of youth in the Commonwealth; and
- The culmination of the Commonwealth Year of Youth – a focused period dedicated to youth-led action for sustainable and inclusive development.
The Transformative Power of Youth Leadership
The forum was convened by the Government of Samoa, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the CYC and the CYF International Taskforce under the theme “Navigating Our Course: Building Resilience for a Common Future, Matimatiga for a Stronger Future”.
The closing ceremony featured the installation ceremony of the newly elected executive members of the CYC. Head of Social Policy Development at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Layne Robinson, noted that, for the first time, men outnumbered women on the executive, a testament to the efforts to close the gender gap.
Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, KC lauded the new CYC in recognition and challenged them to the huge burden they have now taken on. “You are worthy”, she assured the past and future CYC executive. She also said:
“The world is looking to you, the youth of the Commonwealth, to be the change-makers, the champions of a more sustainable, just, and equitable world. You have the power to push boundaries, challenge norms, and lead in ways that previous generations could not.”
The Chair, Samoa National Youth Council Leiataualesā Kevin Lucky, said:
“It has been a challenging yet humbling journey being the Co-Chair of the International Task Force for the Commonwealth Youth Forum. Moreover, it has enabled me to work with different amazing young talents and leaders locally, particularly our Task Force and across the Commonwealth. I am truly honoured.”
Speaking on the vital role of youth as co-creators in sustainable development, the newly-elected Chairperson of the Commonwealth Youth Council Joshua Opey, said:
“I look forward to working with all stakeholders to bring a renewed commitment to meaningful youth engagement and deliver tangible solutions for 1.5 billion young people across the Commonwealth. We need immediate action on youth involvement at all levels to guarantee prosperity. The CYC will work relentlessly to ensure young people are engaged and involved as we strive for a resilient common future.”
During the forum, delegates and speakers from across the Commonwealth highlighted the need to create platforms for youth participation in governance. They advocated for legal provisions that include youth representatives in national initiatives and discussed youth-led solutions to challenges facing the global community, including climate change, mental health and the digital divide.
Outcomes: Leveraging Youth-led Solutions
The 13th CYF Declaration was presented to the Commonwealth Secretary-General by the new CYC executive and Nahjae Nunes, Co-Chair of the Commonwealth Youth Taskforce for CHOGM2024. The document articulates the following recommendations across pillars to build equitable, sustainable, and prosperous societies for all:
- Resilient democracies: Develop youth-led digital democracy platforms to promote real-time civic engagement and integrate marginalised voices
- Resilient economies: Bridge the digital divide and skills gap by providing affordable digital access for all youth
- Resilient environments: Explore the establishment of a Commonwealth Youth Climate Innovation Fund that empowers young innovators to lead solutions on combating climate change
- Resilient societies and people: Make mental health services accessible to all young people by 2030
With this statement, young people seek to make their mark on future Commonwealth policies and offer a hopeful vision.
