(Commonwealth_ The Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance (CAYA) Summit, held in Pakistan from January 28 to 30, 2025, concluded with strong commitments to empower young people and promote their active participation in policymaking across the Commonwealth. This gathering, alongside the Asia Regional Youth Ministers Meeting, underscored the critical role of youth in shaping the future of their nations and the region.
Organized by the Commonwealth Secretariat in partnership with the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, the Government of Pakistan, and the British Council, the summit served as a vital platform for fostering regional consensus and partnerships. It brought together youth ministers from 13 countries in Asia, including Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, India, Kyrgyzstan, the Maldives, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Over three days, these leaders shared their visions for a world where young people are empowered to lead solutions to global challenges such as climate change, education, and youth employment.
The summit’s outcome was captured in the Islamabad Declaration on Youth Development, a strong statement emphasizing youth as key actors in leadership and decision-making within the Commonwealth. The declaration prioritizes the active inclusion of young people in governance processes and acknowledges their potential to drive progress in tackling pressing issues.
In his address during the inaugural session, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif stressed the importance of empowering youth through partnerships, entrepreneurship support, and education. He said, “While ensuring that youth remain central in the governance and decision-making process, we can lead this process by fostering partnerships, supporting entrepreneurship, and prioritizing education and skills development, thereby ensuring that our future is in the hands of an empowered generation.” He further emphasized the need to view youth not merely as stakeholders but as partners in shaping a more resilient Commonwealth.
The summit gathered over 40 international delegates, including government representatives, diplomats, academics, students, and 113 new members of the Prime Minister of Pakistan’s National Youth Council. These participants engaged in discussions about the pivotal role of young people in advancing peace, democracy, and sustainable development within the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, echoed this sentiment, noting that Asia’s diverse and dynamic economies are powered by the innovation and energy of young people. “They are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the architects of a brighter, more inclusive future,” she stated. She also urged youth ministers to prioritize inclusivity in their policies, ensuring that no young person is left behind, regardless of their gender, background, or ability.
Throughout the meeting, senior government officials and youth ministry representatives evaluated the progress made on the mandates outlined in previous Commonwealth youth meetings, including the Marlborough House Commitments and the outcomes from the 2024 Commonwealth Asia Regional Youth Leadership Summit in Kuala Lumpur. This reflection allowed for the identification of actionable outcomes and reinforced the commitment to youth empowerment.
One of the key outcomes of the summit was a recommendation to explore the establishment of a fund to support youth empowerment initiatives across Commonwealth member countries. The proposed fund would be accessible to all member nations, with a particular focus on addressing youth empowerment, education, and training needs. Ministers also emphasized the need to increase investment in youth work, ensuring that young people receive the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.
To ensure progress and accountability, the summit participants endorsed the CAYA Strategic Plan for 2025–2030. This plan will outline country-specific priorities while considering each nation’s laws, regulations, and policies. Additionally, there were calls for continued regional dialogues and capacity-building workshops, which will serve as a platform to share best practices, review progress, and strengthen intergovernmental cooperation across Asia.
The Asia region, home to a significant portion of the Commonwealth’s youth population, is poised to be a central player in the Commonwealth’s vision for a more inclusive and resilient future. By providing strong support for youth entrepreneurship, skills development, and education, young people can take on leadership roles in addressing key regional and global challenges. The partnerships formed at the summit represent a critical step toward achieving these goals, ensuring that youth will be actively engaged in building a prosperous future for the Commonwealth.
