Sharp focus on Commonwealth youth development during task force meeting in Malaysia

The 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Task Force Meeting took place in Malaysia on 16 November 2025, ahead of the 5th Global Youth Work Conference. Led by Commonwealth Assistant Secretary-General Prof Luis Franceschi, government ministers and leaders discussed the Commonwealth Secretariat’s new Strategic Plan 2025–2030, underpinned by core values of youth empowerment.

In her video message to delegates, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon Shirley Botchwey, urged greater collaboration and inclusion. She said:

“Young people cannot be reduced to beneficiaries of our policies; they are architects of the present and the future — innovators, peacebuilders, and drivers of sustainable development.

“That is why I ask for your partnership. Because together we can ensure that every Commonwealth policy, programme, and investment empowers young people — not only to adapt to change, but to lead it. We can build systems that are effective, equitable, and ready for the world our youth are already shaping.”

In his remarks to the government ministers and senior officials gathered for the Task Force meeting, Prof Franceschi said:

“Your presence here is a testament to your dedication, not only to the young people in your own nation, but to the collective effort to ensure youth voices are heard and their rights protected.

“I am grateful for your continued support of the Secretariat’s mission to mainstream youth in all our programmes and policies and your unwavering commitment to advancing youth development across our Commonwealth family.”

The Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Task Force comprises Commonwealth ministers, senior officials, youth leaders and youth worker representatives, who are joined by designated observers. The Task Force was established as an outcome of the 9th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting hosted by the Government of Uganda in 2017.

The aim of the Task Force is to monitor progress on youth-related Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) mandates and commitments made at ministerial meetings, and to provide advice and strategic direction on implementation.

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Advancing the Commonwealth’s youth agenda

Government ministers and officials called for continued support for youth development, recognising the unique challenges young people face today. They reported progress on the Marlborough House Commitments and efforts to advance the Commonwealth’s youth agenda across regions, including integrating youth participation into national and regional decision-making processes and expanding digital skills, innovation, and access to technology.

The Bahamas announced the completion of its National Youth Policy 2025-2035 – a process developed collaboratively with young people for young people. The Gambia is drafting new legislation to address challenges to young people's rights and responsibilities. Also, Samoa has incorporated youth representatives into all 51 of its district councils.

The High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Kingdom, HE Karen-Mae Hill, updated ministers on the progress of planning for CHOGM 2026. She said there will be a strong focus on youth at CHOGM Antigua and Barbuda 2026, with the Commonwealth Youth Forum in pride of place. 

She encouraged strong participation by young people to leverage the partnerships and networking opportunities that CHOGM would provide, in line with the theme: Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.

Regional organisations from the Commonwealth also shared updates. Miles Young, Director of Human Rights and Social Development at the Pacific Community, presented the Pacific Youth Development Framework (2026-2035). This is a 10-year strategy to address the key challenges affecting the region’s youth.

Michelle Small-Bartley of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) shared strategies to assess youth development and plans to create a CARICOM Youth Development Index — a tool to measure youth wellbeing across education, employment, equality, health, and security.

The GYWC 2025 conference brings together enthusiastic young practitioners and innovative researchers who will take centre stage with compelling presentations and engaging workshops to explore important economic, social, and environmental issues. Crucial issues shaping the youth work sector, including political shifts and technological advancements, will also be tackled.

More on the Global Youth Work Conference 2025

Media contact

• Ijeoma Onyeator  Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat

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