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“Small Island Developing States' challenges are serious, but together we are more than equal to them,” says Commonwealth Secretary-General at SIDS4

Commonwealth-Secretary-General the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, delivered a compelling plenary speech today at the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) held in Antigua and Barbuda. Addressing the critical challenges faced by small states, she underscored the Commonwealth's unwavering commitment to championing their causes on the global stage.
Read news - “Small Island Developing States' challenges are serious, but together we are more than equal to them,” says Commonwealth Secretary-General at SIDS4

Commonwealth Champions Youth-Led Solutions at SIDS4 Summit

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.
Read news - Commonwealth Champions Youth-Led Solutions at SIDS4 Summit

Global Children and Youth Action Summit and SIDS4 Conference

24 May 2024 to 26 May 2024
(Antigua and Barbuda Time)
Conference
The SIDS Global Children and Youth Action Summit (GCYAS) will be held from 24 – 26 May 2024, ahead of the Fourth UN SIDS Conference (SIDS4), which is set to take place in Antigua and Barbuda from 27 – 30 May 2024. The Commonwealth Secretariat is partnering with UNICEF, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and Ashley Lashley Foundation to support this Summit.

Addressing the Rising Burden of Non-communicable Diseases in the Commonwealth: Full Report

The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is not equitable in the world or across the Commonwealth. NCDs are collectively responsible for the deaths of 41 million people per year, accounting for 74 per cent of deaths worldwide. Each year, 17 million people die from an NCD before the age of 70 – and almost 50 per cent of these deaths occur in Commonwealth countries. The Commonwealth is disproportionately affected by premature, preventable deaths due to NCDs, which in turn have a profound impact on economic prosperity and are a major threat to sustainable development.
Read publication - Addressing the Rising Burden of Non-communicable Diseases in the Commonwealth: Full Report

Higher education to play an urgent role in tackling global challenges

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.
Read news - Higher education to play an urgent role in tackling global challenges

Commonwealth ministers urged to harness digital tools for accelerated and inclusive education 

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.
Read news - Commonwealth ministers urged to harness digital tools for accelerated and inclusive education 

Launch of the Global Youth Development Index Update Report 2023

26 April 2024 to 26 April 2024
(BST)
Event
The Commonwealth Secretariat, in partnership with the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), will launch the Global Youth Development Index (YDI) Update Report 2023 on Friday, 26 April 2024. The report will be launched at Marlborough House, with an online audience from the 56 member states, as part of activities to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth.