The Commonwealth and Young People
Young people are the greatest resource for the future of Commonwealth countries. The Commonwealth believes strongly that young people should be empowered and given a voice.
The Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP)
The CYP is recognised as one of the world's leading agencies working with young people. It has regional centres in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the South Pacific, and a pan- Commonwealth office in the Commonwealth Secretariat in London. Through the CYP young people can participate in the discussions and decision-making of the association.
The Commonwealth Youth Caucus
Youth Caucus leads a network of young people which spreads across all 53 countries of the Commonwealth. There are five members of this caucus - the Pan-Commonwealth Youth Representative and representatives from the regions of Africa, the Caribbean, Asia and the South Pacific.
The Pan-Commonwealth Youth Representative has full speaking rights at Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meetings, and also at planning meetings of the CYP.
What does the Youth Caucus do? These are the words of Mulako Mwanamwalye, ex-Pan Commonwealth Youth Representative:
- "we represent the views/opinion of young people on issues that directly or indirectly affect them
- we 'youth proof' CYP programmes
- we engage in advocacy aimed at placing youth issues on the national agenda in Commonwealth countries
- we promote Commonwealth values among young people (who form more than 50 percent of the population in many developing member countries)
- we serve as a link between the Commonwealth Youth Programme and grass roots youth organisations
- we keep young people informed of CYP programmes"
The Commonwealth Youth Forum
Youth forums are held every two years. They are intended to encourage the young people of the Commonwealth:
- to identify their vision for the Commonwealth in the 21st century
- to address issues of concern to young people
- to increase their knowledge and understanding of the Commonwealth
- to promote the outcomes of the forum on their return home
' It's not always the big guys who get the work done. It's those little people with a genuine interest in what they do ... with a domino effect we can reach many.' (Representative at CitizenYou)
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