Nominations are now open for young leaders to be nominated for executive positions for the 2024-2026 Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC).
The nomination period will close on 12 August 2024, allowing for approved candidates to start campaigning in time for the virtual election, which will take place from 16-17 September, ahead of the 2024 Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa.
Established in 2013, with the endorsement of the Commonwealth Heads of Government, the CYC represents more than 1.5 billion young people from the 56 Commonwealth member countries. The council coordinates the work of national youth-led bodies at national and regional levels, advises government officials, implements projects and works on impactful policies that aim to transform lives, empower communities, and shape the future.
The CYC executive also plays a critical role in advising the stakeholders, including the Secretariat, who deliver the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP). They benefit from training opportunities, attend international events and contribute to development initiatives.
The 2024 CYC elections are particularly significant, as the new cohort of leaders will help to define the youth development priorities in the Commonwealth after the culmination of the Year of Youth in October this year.
The leading youth voice of the Commonwealth
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, highlighted the CYC as critically important, noting that they should be at the centre of decision-making and policy decisions. She noted:
“Young people are at the heart of the Commonwealth Charter. The Commonwealth’s future success rests with them, and we need their voices now. We have integrated the perspectives of youth leaders into our meetings with Commonwealth Leaders and government ministers, their energy, creativity and innovative ideas motivate us to deliver more.”
“The Commonwealth Youth Council draws together talent from all our regions and provides a forum to focus and amplify the voices of young people. Your ideas and active participation will help us to ensure inclusive growth and development. I strongly encourage you to consider serving.”
The results from the election will lead to the formation of a ten-member executive from across the Commonwealth, drawn from national youth councils, other youth-led civil society groups and private sector bodies.
Head of Social Policy Development, Layne Robinson, urged competent young leaders to get involved, he said:
“We recognise the immense talent and determination within our youth population. Being a youth leader at this pivotal time is a great responsibility that requires hard work and commitment. At the Commonwealth Secretariat, we reward that commitment by investing in the young people who serve on the CYC at Pan-Commonwealth, regional and national levels. Their perspectives inform the work we do, we amplify their voices and find opportunities for them to leadership to be seen on global stages.”
“This year, the Chairperson role will be from the African region, as it is rotated among the regions in the Commonwealth every two years. However, all other roles are open to leaders throughout the regions that we serve. We look forward to seeing nominations from our next generation of CYC leaders.”
The current CYC Chairperson is Kim Allen from Papua New Guinea, who leads an eight-person team who has provided the Commonwealth Secretariat with solutions to pressing social, economic and political issues, as well as spotlighting emerging global trends.
Have you got what it takes?
Guided by the CYC's constitution and the election regulations and guidelines, the following positions are open for a two-year term between 2024-2026:
- Chairperson (open to applicants from the African region only)
- Vice Chairperson - Inclusion and Engagement (open to all Commonwealth citizens)
- Vice Chairperson - Partnerships and Resources (open to all Commonwealth citizens)
- Vice Chairperson – Policy and Advocacy (open to all Commonwealth citizens)
- Regional Representative - Africa
- Regional Representative - Asia
- Regional Representative - Caribbean
- Regional Representative - Europe and Canada
- Regional Representative - Pacific
- Representative - Special Interest Groups (open to all Commonwealth citizens from marginalised or vulnerable groups, e.g. Indigenous people, people with disabilities)
Eligibility and nomination
To be considered, candidates should be nominated by a national youth council or a youth-led organisation, and you must:
- be at least 15 years old at nomination, and be under 30 years for the entire term of office (October 2024 – October 2026);
- have a minimum of three years of experience as a national and/or regional/international youth leader;
- demonstrate advocacy experience; and
- be a national of a Commonwealth country (you do not need to be resident in that country).
Apply now to join the Commonwealth Youth Council
If you have any questions about the CYC elections, please contact the CYC by emailing [email protected].
