Opening Remarks by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon Shirley Botchwey at the Commonwealth Youth Ministers Task Force Meeting on 28th July 2026
It is a pleasure to join you for this meeting of the Commonwealth Youth Ministers Task Force. I extend my sincere appreciation to our Co-Chairs, Pakistan and Samoa, for their leadership and continued commitment to advancing the Commonwealth youth agenda.
When I addressed the Task Force in Kuala Lumpur last year, I reaffirmed that the Commonwealth Youth Programme is central to the work of the Commonwealth Secretariat and to our vision of a more resilient Commonwealth. That commitment remains unwavering. As we implement the Secretariat's Strategic Plan 2025–2030, we must ensure that the Programme is equipped to respond to the evolving needs and aspirations of young people across all 56 Commonwealth member countries.
Today's meeting is an important step in that journey. The draft Commonwealth Youth Programme Strategic Framework 2026–2030 provides a clear strategic direction for the future of the Programme. It strengthens our focus on youth leadership, skills development, entrepreneurship, participation and partnerships, while aligning the Programme with the Secretariat's broader strategic priorities and the mandate entrusted to us by Member States.
I would like to thank all member states for their thoughtful and constructive feedback during the consultation process. The strong level of support for the Framework reflects our shared commitment to strengthening Commonwealth cooperation on youth development. Equally valuable are the recommendations received on implementation, financing, technical assistance and support for Small States and Small Island Developing States.
These contributions have enriched the Framework and will help ensure that it is practical, responsive and deliverable.
I also welcome updates on preparations for the Commonwealth Youth Forum, the Commonwealth Youth Council elections and the 11th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting. Each is an important milestone in strengthening youth participation, representation and leadership across the Commonwealth.
As we look ahead to CHOGM in St John's, Antigua and Barbuda, from 1 to 4 November, we have a unique opportunity to show that the Commonwealth youth agenda delivers tangible outcomes for young people. The success of that agenda must be measured by how central their outcomes are for the Commonwealth’s transformation agenda for resilience- building and shared prosperity.
As we pursue that collective agenda, the Commonwealth Secretariat is committed to supporting youth development, with a strong focus on equipping young people with the skills, leadership, financing and opportunities they need to thrive in an increasingly digital, interconnected and rapidly changing world.
We are therefore working towards several significant announcements at CHOGM, including new partnerships and investments to expand opportunities in skills development, digital capabilities and youth entrepreneurship across the Commonwealth. These initiatives will help translate our shared commitments into practical action and create pathways for young people to contribute to resilient economies, stronger democracies and sustainable communities.
The Commonwealth's greatest strength is the shared commitment of its member countries and the energy, creativity and leadership of its young people. By working together and by listening to and partnering with young people we can ensure that the Commonwealth Youth Programme remains a dynamic platform that ensures coherence on the youth mandates from leaders, empowers young people, responds to their evolving needs, and delivers lasting impact across our 56 member countries.
I wish you productive deliberations and every success in your meeting. I look forward to receiving your guidance as we take the next important steps towards finalising the Strategic Framework and advancing our shared vision for the young people of the Commonwealth.
