Latest content: Society and young people

Blog by the Commonwealth Youth Health Network (CYHN)

This week, the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Human Rights Unit (HRU) is in Antigua and Barbuda to assess the needs of persons with disabilities and mental health conditions and to help ensure their inclusion in public policy and society and the fulfilment of their rights.

With 60% of the Commonwealth’s combined population under the age of 30, the Commonwealth sees young people aged 15 to 29 as assets to a country’s development who should be empowered to realise their potential.

Two inspiring young Sports Ministers, who were previously Commonwealth Youth Network (CYC) representatives, met with Secretary-General Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC while at the Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting (10CSMM) last month.

Op-ed by Kim Allen, Chair of the Commonwealth Youth Council

The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Awards, which recognise exceptional young people from across the Commonwealth, has been extended until the 31st October.

Blog by Dainalyn Swaby, Ocean Youth Outreach Assistant

Young people from across the Commonwealth were invited to discuss policy issues at The People’s Global Summit on Co-building a New Eco-Social World: Leaving No One Behind last Thursday.

Leaders of the 56 Commonwealth countries have demonstrated their commitment to tackling the endemic challenges facing children and young people.

The Commonwealth People’s Forum — the largest gathering of civil society in the Commonwealth — convened leading climate negotiators and experts from India, Saint Lucia, and Rwanda to discuss how the Commonwealth can deliver climate justice where other mechanisms have failed.

This week, young people in Mauritius are joining a 3-day workshop on ‘Human Rights and Youth Engagement’ to help build local young people’s confidence and knowledge of human rights and empower them to deliver human rights training sessions to youth in their communities.

Out of the Commonwealth’s 2.5 billion population, more than 60% are under 30 years of age – making young people vital to securing, bright, and prosperous future for all Commonwealth citizens.

Last month, Kenya hosted the 21st Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers for the first time since 1987. The meeting was an opportunity for our family of nations to discuss some of the most pressing challenges, including the severe impacts of Covid-19.

Education ministers at the 21st Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) in Nairobi, Kenya, have issued a joint statement in which they recognised the urgent need to increase investment in education and skills at all ages, with particular focus on ensuring foundational skills for all.

The Commonwealth Secretariat is delighted to announce that six finalists have been selected from a record number of entries for the 2022 Commonwealth Education Awards for their positive impact on education across the Commonwealth.

The 21st Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers is now underway in Nairobi, Kenya. Delegates are set to address educational priority issues towards the 2030 Agenda, at a time when the world is recovering from the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Muhammed Badamasi and Chimaobi Omeye, Commonwealth Correspondents

Twenty educators and projects have made the 2022 Commonwealth Education Awards shortlist for their positive impact on students, teachers, and education systems across the Commonwealth. Six finalists will be announced at the CCEM in Nairobi.

Top policymakers are set to meet in Kenya for the 21st Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers to discuss pressing education challenges at a time the world is recovering from the negative impacts of the pandemic.

By Idongesit Amba and Chukwuebuka Nnabugwu, Commonwealth Correspondents

Speaking at the launch of a new ground-breaking report on boys’ disengagement from education, Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, reaffirms the Secretariat’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda of advancing education for all