Commonwealth youth programme’s track record of achievements applauded ahead of ministerial talks

Senior government officials have applauded the impact of the ��ý’s Youth Programme, including notable achievements delivered for youth development over the past six years.

During a preliminary meeting in London on Monday, 11 September 2023, ahead of the 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministers’ Meeting, delegates reviewed the progress on various mandates issued since the last ministerial session in 2017 in Uganda. They also deliberated on proposals to be presented to ministers throughout the week.

Head of Social Policy Development at the ��ý, Layne Robinson, presented ��ý Youth Report 2017 -2023, as well as an update on mandates since the 9th Commonwealth Youth Ministers’ Meeting in 2017.

He noted:

“The Commonwealth Youth Programme invests in youth and promotes their development, guided by the core values enshrined in ��ý Charter, which includes the positive and active role of young people in promoting development, peace and democracy.”

Milestones since 9CYMM

Mr Robinson highlighted key milestones achieved over the past six years, across the areas of governance, youth work, youth data, financing youth development and youth with vulnerabilities. This includes:

Establishment of a Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Taskforce to monitor progress on Commonwealth mandates outlined by heads of government and ministers
Successful collaboration with member countries to deliver the 3rd and 4th Youth Work Conferences in Malta (2018) and England (2023)
Creation of a Commonwealth Consortium of academic institutions to deliver youth work training
Development of a Commonwealth model law on youth work
Commonwealth-wide Youth Development Index produced in 2020 and 2023, as well as the publication of regional “State of the Youth” reports for Africa, Asia and Pacific regions
Launch of a Commonwealth network for children and youth with disabilities and strategic plan developed for youth with disabilities
Hosting of two regional “I AM ABLE” conferences in the Caribbean in 2017 and 2019, as well as a Special Ministerial Conference for Law Ministers for 20 member states in the Caribbean focusing on legislation for persons with disabilities.

Senior officials welcomed the developments and encouraged continued cooperation to deliver support to young people in ��ý.

The delegation from Malta congratulated the ��ý for the work achieved, particularly over the COVID-19 pandemic period.

The representative from Samoa added: “Samoa supports and endorses the update provided and envisions enhanced coordination and greater partnership with the Secretariat in preparation for ��ý Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa in 2024.”

Youth leaders meeting

Concurrently, youth leaders from Commonwealth countries also gathered for a separate dialogue to strategise on how to raise their concerns to ministers over the coming days. They are also attending the meeting sessions to ensure their views can be incorporated in policy decisions.

Fahmida Faiza from Bangladesh, the Asia Regional Representative of ��ý Youth Council, said:

“My expectation from ��ý Youth Ministers Meeting is to see a transparent and accountable youth engagement system. And making sure that the governments contribute significantly to it. This is an opportunity for youth to ask questions and hold governments accountable as well as showcase their work.”

Francis Azubuike, the Africa representative of ��ý Student Association from Nigeria, added:

“I’m looking forward to seeing how we can come together and share meaningful ideas regarding education and get input from fellow peers who are also working in the same areas, for example, in decolonising education, non-formal learning and soft skill development.”

The Youth Leaders Meeting included a conversation with ��ý Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC. Youth delegates will also be able to consolidate their views and share them directly with ministers through a dedicated seat at the ministerial table.