Latest content: Society and young people

As we bring out our new report, “The price of inaction: The global private, fiscal and social costs of children and youth not learning,” we are alarmed over the looming financial costs of children not attending or leaving school early and not acquiring basic skills, such as literacy and numeracy. At the same time, we can see the massive benefits of investing in education across the globe and the huge gains from achieving the education Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4) of inclusive and equitable education for all.

Commonwealth educational ministers come together to build a brighter future for Commonwealth youth.

The Global Children and Youth Action Summit (GCYAS) has concluded with a powerful call to action from young people from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), urging world leaders to address critical issues such as education, climate change, healthcare, and poverty. The Summit, held at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus in Antigua from May 24-26, is followed by the Fourth UN Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) Conference from May 27-30.

As climate change continues to cast a long shadow over the world, a silent crisis is unfolding in classrooms worldwide.

Blog by Fariba Soetan, Head of Policy and Research at the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU).

As 13 nations across the Commonwealth head to the ballot box this year, and families, parents and citizens consider their priorities for the ensuing decade, attention turns towards the global effort to tackle world challenges, outlined in the UN sustainable development goals and slated for achievement by 2030 and beyond.

Education ministers and senior officials will converge in London for the 22nd Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (22CCEM) meeting from May 16-17, 2024. The meeting will discuss ways to further empower 2.6 billion Commonwealth citizens, with inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all skill levels and life stages.

Blog by Samara Ali, Commonwealth Youth Correspondent

Sixty Commonwealth young leaders have concluded a landmark Summit in Malaysia with the inauguration of the Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance (CAYA), which an interim steering committee of the young leaders will drive.

Stakeholders across the Commonwealth have called for increased multisectoral collaboration to implement the Commonwealth Youth-led NCD Guiding Framework – a blueprint that addresses the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in Commonwealth countries.

The Commonwealth Secretariat and the Institute for Economics and Peace today launched the 2023 Global Youth Development Index Report.

A landmark summit for youth leaders in Asia aims to rejuvenate and improve youth engagement, participation, and collaboration among youth leaders in the region, its organisers say.

18 young people have been selected to form an international task force that will lead the planning and delivery of the 2024 Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) in Apia, Samoa.

A Commonwealth association representing health professionals and activists is encouraging health ministers to seriously consider their six-point plan to improve healthcare systems as they meet at the upcoming Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting (CHMM).

Youth empowerment, growth opportunities and a supportive alliance primed for powerful and positive youth development transformations.