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).
The initiatives aim to offer spaces for young leaders to progress ongoing dialogues on health, and innovation, and forge partnerships to improve the well-being of Commonwealth’s 1.6 billion young people.
The event, held from 13 to 15 June 2024 at St George’s House, Windsor Castle, was hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat, in partnership with the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, the College of Medicine and Integrated Health, Swansea University, the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, the Dragon’s Heart Institute, the All-Wales Intensive Learning Academy, and the Oxford Value and Stewardship Programme.
Delivering a keynote address at the summit, the Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General, Dr Arjoon Suddhoo, said:
“The Commonwealth is deeply committed to promoting health and well-being for all in its member countries. We have made significant strides in this regard, but we know there is much more to be done as health is the foundation upon which thriving communities are built and sustained.
Our Commonwealth Young Health Leaders Fellowship which has just been launched is more than just a programme; it is a beacon of hope for our young health leaders, offering them the opportunity to develop their skills, gain invaluable experiences, and drive impactful health initiatives in their communities.
Our young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the change-makers of today. By investing in their potential, we are ensuring a healthier and more equitable future for all.”
Mainstreaming youth health
The summit offered a platform for participants to support young leaders in tackling health-related challenges, including access to quality healthcare, the rising burden of mental health conditions and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and the severe impact of climate change on health and well-being. Commenting on the importance of supporting young people, Professor of Innovation and Leadership at Swansea University, Jonathon Gray, said:
“It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of challenges facing health systems around the world. But the creativity and ambition of young health leaders at Windsor over the last few days is a source of hope. There is nothing more important than nurturing this leadership talent together.”
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The Leadership Institute will serve as a hub for convening leaders from across the Commonwealth, strengthening their expertise to address the challenges they face in promoting better health and well-being in their communities.
To learn more about the Commonwealth Young Health Leaders Fellowship and the Commonwealth Leadership Institute (Health), kindly contact the health team at: [email protected]
Media contact
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Ijeoma Onyeator Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
