Commonwealth youth leaders, representing the 1.5 billion young people that live in Commonwealth countries, met with heads of government at a high-level Intergenerational Dialogue Breakfast Meeting in Samoa.
The event, organised on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, was opened by the Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon. Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, also host of the 13th Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC). She reconfirmed Samoa’s commitment to youth development and the new Pacific Youth Development Framework.
She added:
“The 13th CYF provided a powerful platform for young leaders to voice their ideas, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions. We are grateful to all participants and organisers for their dedication to empowering our young people. We have received the 13th CYC Youth Forum Declaration as part of the policy input for CHOGM.”
The Commonwealth Year of Youth
The young leaders had the opportunity to highlight their work, captured in the Year of Youth report. It showcases achievements through two years of dedicated youth-led action for sustainable and inclusive development, recognising the vital role young people have in shaping the future of the Commonwealth.
Christabel Derby, co-chair of the Year of Youth Advisory Committee, said that the Commonwealth youth, government youth ministers and all stakeholders are proud to have fulfilled on Heads of Governments’ mandate to empower young people across the Commonwealth.
She said:
“Hundreds of national, regional, and pan-Commonwealth events, youth voices have been central in policymaking, advocacy, and leadership development. However, as we conclude this year, it’s essential to ask, ‘How do we sustain this momentum?’”
Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, gave some direction and said in his remarks:
“Pakistan has been proud to serve as Co-Chair of the Commonwealth Youth Ministers Task Force (CYMTF), where we have championed youth empowerment within the Commonwealth. Our efforts to revise the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reflect our shared commitment to enhancing youth participation in governance and decision-making.
“Pakistan is honoured to host the Secretariat of the newly established Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance (CAYA). This alliance aims to unify and amplify youth voices across Asia, creating a platform for collaboration on key issues such as education, employment, and environmental sustainability.”
A call to action
Reflecting on a year of landmark achievements, Commonwealth Secretary-General Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC reiterated her firm belief that young people, who make up more than 60 per cent of the Commonwealth's population, deserve a brighter and more inclusive future.
She said:
“I call all heads here present to overwhelmingly support the approval of the new Commonwealth Youth Programme Memorandum of Understanding. Your approval will secure the medium-to-long-term sustainability of the Commonwealth Youth Programme for the next 50 years. It builds on our proud legacy but casts a bold vision for the future - a future where young people are not just participants but are leading at every level.”
The Intergenerational Breakfast Dialogue concluded four exciting days of youth-led activities, setting the stage for the leaders’ meeting at CHOGM.
