as a group of young talented people who are willing to serve the Commonwealth’s 1.4 billion young people.
“It is important for young people to remain active in the political process through the council and the elected candidates will be the outlet to carry forward their mandate,” he said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that leadership matters. So, the election will allow young people to provide the innovative, inclusive and impactful leadership that will help us safeguard an inclusive and sustainable future for all.”
Head of the Commonwealth’s Social Policy Division, Layne Robinson, noted that the Commonwealth Youth Council provides an opportunity for young people to feel heard and to participate in the decision-making process, particularly in light of the disproportionate impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has had on this age group.
“The pandemic offers a window of opportunity to ensure the voices of young people inform the recovering and rebuilding efforts. The council offers one such avenue to ensure young people feel heard and supported in the decision-making process,” he said. “That is why, young people should pay attention to the candidates they want to lead the council, who will, on their behalf, work with governments and other stakeholders to realise their needs and aspirations.”
The forty-one nominees, who had been shortlisted by the Electoral Board of the Commonwealth Youth Council, have been required to submit a detailed application, including their personal profiles, manifestos, a letter of attestation from a government department and a letter of endorsement from a national youth-led body. The elected candidates will serve the council from 2021, to 2023.
