By Layne Robinson, Head of Social Policy Division
Last year at their summit, Heads of Governments declared 2023 the Commonwealth Year of Youth, dedicating the year to youth-led action for sustainable and inclusive development. Since its launch in January, development organisations, government ministries, and community groups have lit the Year of Youth torch. Their activities and programmes have included entrepreneurship initiatives and other skill-building opportunities for young people, youth policy reviews, and climate action programmes, to name a few of many.
Some are working in partnership with the Commonwealth to create life-changing opportunities for young people through international ventures such as our scholarship programme with Simplilearn, the Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Conference on Youth Work and our upcoming Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting and special Year of Youth awards, which will be held in St James Palace. Behind the scenes of this incredible burst of youth-led and youth-focused action is our Year of Youth Advisory Committee and Communications Taskforce. As we celebrate International Youth Day, they tell us, in their own words, why the Year of Youth is important and what inspired them to support the initiative.
Christabel Derby
“The Year of Youth, launched in January 2023 by the Commonwealth Secretariat, is devoted to celebrating and empowering the 1.5 billion people under 30s living in the Commonwealth Countries. It is so dear to my heart because of the opportunity it affords the youth to affect change in their communities and how it highlights the various roles they play. Spending time enriching my community is a great way to broaden the perceptions and promote inclusivity. By immersing myself in the Year of Youth and surrounding myself with people who are dedicated to bettering the world by supporting young people, the Year of Youth has given me a unique sense of purpose.”
Kendell Vincent
"The Year of Youth is important to me because it provides an opportunity to further amplify the voice of our Commonwealth Youth. It serves as a call to action for all stakeholders to recognise and actively co-create with youth. I am humbled and eternally grateful for the opportunity to serve as part of the Commonwealth Year of Youth Advisory Committee. As a youth champion, I have dedicated my time to service as I believe the voices of our youth are integral in decision-making spaces. I see this as an opportunity to continue to ensure that all youth, regardless of their circumstances, are represented."
Divya Goyal
“As a disabled young woman from the Global South and the Co-Chair of the Commonwealth Children and Youth Disability Network, the Year of Youth is an opportunity and platform to strengthen the voice, participation, and empowerment of young people with disabilities and celebrate their contributions to society. As an Advisory Committee Member, I have worked to ensure that the Year of Youth activities are accessible, inclusive and account for the diverse needs and experiences of young people with disabilities across the Commonwealth.”
Muberuka Amon
"The Year of Youth is very important because it affirms the commitment of Heads of state and government toward championing the meaningful participation of young people as co-creators in the development of Commonwealth member states. To serve as a voice of marginalised, vulnerable youth, and grassroots youth-led organisation, I dedicated my time to the Year of Youth Advisory Committee as representative of the Youth Taskforce to share my experiences, skills, and abilities acquired from the past six years working in areas of Youth leadership and development, PeaceBuilding, and children empowerment at local, national and international levels."
Dr. Muhammad Ali Malik
"Young people are the agent of change and hope. Empowering them is the investment we are making in our future and present. The Commonwealth Year of Youth is a testament to our faith in them and the resolve to aim higher and amplify our actions towards their inclusive development. Working as a member of the Year of Youth Advisory Committee is an honour and an opportunity for me to work with distinguished and passionate people and to learn and make a collective effort for meaningful and inclusive youth development."
Husna Naleer
“The Year of Youth holds importance as it provides a dedicated period to focus on young people's needs, aspirations, and contributions. It's a time for governments, organisations, and communities to create initiatives that empower youth, address their challenges, and involve them in decision-making. Recognising the potential of young individuals and supporting their development during this year can lead to positive social, economic, and cultural impacts on society.”
Robin Lockhart
“The Year of Youth is important to me because the world is at a dangerous time, where we need new thinking to generate new solutions to a whole host of challenges we face, including the environment, well-being, and health to conflict, unemployment, addiction, and more. We cannot expect those who generated these challenges to also generate real and practical solutions. Year Of Youth is an opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of 'handing the rains over' to our young people. We need young people to step up and guide us all forward towards a peaceful, productive, and pollution-free planet!”
Chimaobi Omeye
“For me, this Year of Youth remains the best time and opportunity to re-energise and re-ignite the drive of over 60% of the population in our Commonwealth. I am confident it will remain a turning point, giving voice to many voiceless young people and setting a standard going forward. Being part of the advisory group is an honour and a fulfilment of that passion to serve and contribute to the greatest year set aside for young people.”
Shamla Naleer
“The 'Year of Youth' is important to me because it amplifies the voices of the younger generation, acknowledges their challenges, and empowers them to create a meaningful impact on the world around them. This initiative recognises the potential of youth to drive positive change and encourages their active participation in shaping the future. It offers a platform to amplify their perspectives, address their concerns, and enable them to contribute to decision-making processes that affect their lives. By participating in this committee, I aim to help create an environment where youth are valued, empowered, and actively engaged in shaping a better future.”
Mbuyoti Chola
"The year of the youth is important as it gives young people from all walks of life across the Commonwealth an opportunity to be heard and empowered. I have dedicated my time to the year of the youth because I am passionate about young people, and I want to amplify their voices and boost their engagement in different social, economic and political matters affecting them."
Media contact
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Charmaine Wright Head of Media Relations, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
- +44 20 7747 6242 | E-mail
