Hosted by the Government of Malaysia, GYWC2025 will be held under the theme:
Youth Work in a Changing World: Sustaining Local Wisdom for Global Connectivity
The summit is organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Workers Associations (CAYWA), and Universiti Putra Malaysia.
With around 60 per cent of the Commonwealth’s population under 30—and many living in Asia—the conference is vital. It aims to highlight the importance of youth workers in equipping young people—especially with 34% of Southeast Asia’s population being youth—with the skills and values necessary for success.
This will be the first time the Global Youth Work Conference will be held in Malaysia. It coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Community and Malaysia's assumption of the Chairmanship of ASEAN.
The conference will bring together over 250 young professionals to:
- Highlight innovative youth work that connects traditions with contemporary challenges
- Support collaboration to professionalise youth work, respecting grassroots and community-led approaches
- Build lasting partnerships among regional, global, and Commonwealth organisations investing in youth work
- Provide an inclusive platform that increases engagement for young people, especially those from marginalised groups
Senior officials from youth ministries
In addition, the 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Task Force Meeting will bring together senior officials from youth ministries on 16 November, ahead of the conference.
The November meeting will discuss:
- Commonwealth Secretariat’s new Strategic Plan 2025–2030, launched by the Commonwealth Secretary-General in September 2025, which continues to have youth development as a key cross-cutting pillar.
- Progress on the 10th CYMM Ministerial Statement and the Marlborough House Commitments 2023.
Commonwealth Youth Worker Awards 2025
The conference will also feature the Commonwealth Youth Worker Awards 2025, honouring the outstanding contributions of those who supprt the development of young people.
This year, a special award will commemorate the life and work of Dr Henry Charles, former head of the Commonwealth Youth Programme and, until his death, a co-chair of the Commonwealth Year of Youth advisory committee.
Dates and venue
The following events are scheduled during the conference:
10th Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Task Force Meeting (CYMTF)
- Sunday, 16 November 2025 | 0900 – 1700
5th Global Youth Work Conference (GYWC)
Opening Ceremony, Plenary and Workshops
- Monday,17 November 2025 | 0900 – 1700
Gala Dinner and Commonwealth Youth Worker Awards Ceremony 2025
- Wednesday, 18 November 2025 |2000 – 2300
Visits to the Ministry/Govt Agency/Youth Hub and Cultural Visits
- Thursday, 19 November 2025 | 0900 – 1500
All meetings will be held at the International Youth Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Jalan Yaacob Latif
Bandar Tun Razak
56000 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Delegates registration
For general enquiries, please contact: [email protected]
Media Accreditation
Accredited journalists are invited to report on all events at GYWC 2025, including capturing photographs and video, during the opening session, which features remarks from the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon Shirley Botchwey, and Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Dato' Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi.
Journalists from media organisations are invited to apply for media accreditation by 23:00 GMT on Friday, 14 November 2025.
Apply for media accreditation
Please note: The 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Task Force Meeting is closed to the media.
Media contact
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Ijeoma Onyeator Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
