Youth leaders chart path forward at Commonwealth Forum
More than 350 young leaders from 56 Commonwealth nations concluded a landmark two-day forum in Samoa today, presenting a bold vision for youth engagement in building a sustainable future for the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF), held October 21-22 ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), culminated in a declaration focusing on youth participation in decision-making and achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The forum marked several milestones, including 50 years of the Commonwealth Youth Programme, the Commonwealth Youth Council’s 10th anniversary, and the end of the Commonwealth Year of Youth.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, emphasized the crucial role of young leaders during the closing ceremony. “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,” she said. “You have the power to push boundaries, challenge norms, and lead in ways that previous generations could not.”
The event saw the installation of new executive members to the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC), with men outnumbering women for the first time, according to Layne Robinson, Head of Social Policy Development at the Commonwealth Secretariat.
“It has been a challenging yet humbling journey being the Co-Chair of the International Task Force for the Commonwealth Youth Forum,” said Leiataualesā Kevin Lucky, Chair of the Samoa National Youth Council. “Moreover, it has enabled me to work with different amazing young talents and leaders locally, particularly our Task Force and across the Commonwealth.”
Joshua Opey, the newly-elected CYC Chairperson, pledged to advance youth engagement across the Commonwealth. “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,” he said. “We need immediate action on youth involvement at all levels to guarantee prosperity.”
The forum’s declaration outlined key recommendations, including developing youth-led digital democracy platforms, bridging the digital divide, establishing a Commonwealth Youth Climate Innovation Fund, and ensuring universal access to mental health services by 2030.
The two-day event concluded with a vibrant closing ceremony featuring a 70-piece orchestra and awards for youth contribution, attended by government ministers and senior officials.
