Latest content: Society and young people

By Amina Osman, Education Advisor, Commonwealth Secretariat

Education has long been a cornerstone of individual and societal growth. Beyond imparting knowledge, it empowers individuals to break the cycle of poverty, promote equality, and tackle global challenges. However, millions remain deprived of this potential, especially as new challenges like technological advancements and global crises arise.

By the Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, on International Day of Education 2025

Throughout the two weeks of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Commonwealth Secretariat provided a platform and meeting place for young people. Several side events included young people from across the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries, and they took the opportunity to raise concerns, discuss ideas and share successes.  

Children aged from four to 14 have made history by becoming the youngest ever official delegates to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa.

A new report, Ageing Well in the Commonwealth: A Roadmap for Healthy Ageing Across the Life Course, launched at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, indicates the urgent need to promote holistic wellness at all stages of life.

In Samoa, an energised and committed group of over 350 young leaders from 56 Commonwealth countries today concluded two days of deliberations on the pivotal role of youth in steering the Commonwealth towards a resilient and sustainable future.

The vibrant colours and rich Samoan culture filled the room as the 13th Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) opened in Apia, Samoa. Hundreds of dynamic leaders from the 56 Commonwealth countries gathered for the two-day event.

The Commonwealth Secretariat and the Khalili Foundation have launched the Commonwealth Peace Prize, which aims to reward excellence in peacebuilding and celebrate long-serving standard-bearers who are also role models for young people.

The election process concluded on 18 September 2024 with keen participation from youth delegates across the 56 Commonwealth member countries.

As the race for the keenly contested Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) executive elections intensifies, the CYC electoral board has shortlisted 48 candidates to compete for ten seats on the council.

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Youth Work. The awards recognise the invaluable contribution of young people aged 15-29 and acknowledge their achievements towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

On 12 August 2024, the Commonwealth Secretariat celebrated youth achievements and contributions to a peaceful society at a time when conflict, climate change and digital exclusion have exacerbated inequalities among 1.2 billion young people aged 15-24 years globally.

On 12 August, youth leaders across the Commonwealth converged for the 10th anniversary of the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC). Celebrated on International Youth Day, the event featured addresses from representatives of the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP), which has empowered and supported young people for the last 50 years. 

Today, the Commonwealth Secretariat and Cambridge University’s Centre for Resilience and Sustainable Development (CRSD) unveiled the final report for "Their Future, Our Action and the COMPASS Model: A New Approach to Finance in Commonwealth Small Island Developing States," introducing the innovative Common Pool Asset Structuring Strategy (COMPASS).

On 12 August 2024, representatives from youth, peace-building, community, civil society, faith, and advocacy organisations will participate in a series of events and an online broadcast featuring young people doing extraordinary projects, sharing inspiring stories and opportunities for young people to get involved with transformational initiatives.

Nominations are now open for young leaders to be nominated for executive positions for the 2024-2026 Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC).

As part of efforts to advance global health targets, Commonwealth young leaders have concluded a critical three-day summit in London with the launch of two key initiatives: the Commonwealth Young Health Leaders Fellowship and the Commonwealth Leadership Institute (Health).

Young people who play leading roles throughout society in Eswatini, have been learning how values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter can empower them to become ambassadors for democracy, peace, and sustainable development in their communities.

As we bring out our new report, “The price of inaction: The global private, fiscal and social costs of children and youth not learning,” we are alarmed over the looming financial costs of children not attending or leaving school early and not acquiring basic skills, such as literacy and numeracy. At the same time, we can see the massive benefits of investing in education across the globe and the huge gains from achieving the education Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4) of inclusive and equitable education for all.

Commonwealth educational ministers come together to build a brighter future for Commonwealth youth.