Youth Forum: Empowering Youth to Strengthen Inclusive and Resilient Democracies

The Commonwealth Youth Forum commenced on Monday, 21st October 2024 at the EFKS Hall, Sogi. The Commonwealth Secretariat together with the national youth delegates, country leaders and representatives as well as the Samoa National Youth Council gathered to discuss and speak about the ongoing challenges and rising impediments affecting the young people of the Commonwealth today, along with possible solutions to tackle these obstacles.

In one of the plenaries titled “Empowering Youth to Strengthen Inclusive and Resilient Democracies”, four of the panelists from various Commonwealth countries all emphasized the importance of youth inclusion in politics. As one panelist mentioned, one issue that is evident within the Commonwealth is the lack of recognition of youth advocates by the governments because of the notion that human rights are considered a westernized concept. It is thus a concern when our young people are not taken seriously.

Solutions to address this issue as provided by the panelists included emphasizing the significance of having the Pacific youths and ministers or decision makers sit together at the table to look through plans, ensure progression and most importantly, for leaders to listen to the voice of young people. Also, leaders should look into having effective and meaningful consultation processes with the youth. National delegates who have put this into practice stressed how beneficial youth consultations were, not only in engaging the young people in these processes but also in terms of decision making, facilitation and supporting governments.

Furthermore, panelists continuously stressed the need for “meeting the youth where they are”; recognising the similarities and differences between diversities and how they should be addressed with regards to our young people. It was noted that we must uplift the youth to where they should be, which is at the decision making table and in decision making processes, along with the guidance of leaders in support of youth representation.

In addition, the panel was asked if Youth Parliament is nothing more than just debating competitions and if steps have been taken to ensure that youth representatives are part of the process in terms of legislative agenda. In response, the panelist from the Bahamas stated that they now have legislation to create a Youth Parliament and from their debates, their recommendations are submitted to cabinet and parliament for consideration and implementation.

All four panelists concluded that our young people should “remain focused and be open to dialogue”. As one panel member put it, “Be wise and be guided by wisdom”.

ATA: CHOGM 2024 – Commonwealth Youth Forum