UK (Commonwealth Union)_ Eighteen young leaders have been carefully chosen to form an international task force charged with spearheading the organization and implementation of the 2024 Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) in Apia, Samoa. Hailing from diverse backgrounds, these dedicated youths, representing 56 Commonwealth nations, will collaborate with the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC), and the Government of Samoa to craft and execute a forum aimed at generating concrete outcomes on pressing issues such as climate change and conflict resolution.
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The Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) serves as a pivotal platform for ensuring that the voices and perspectives of young people are integrated into governmental considerations. Against the backdrop of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, the CYF assumes heightened significance, providing an avenue for young leaders to articulate their concerns directly to global decision-makers. Scheduled for October 21 to 22, 2024, the CYF precedes the CHOGM, underscoring its role as a precursor to high-level deliberations.
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Envisioned to attract over 300 youth leaders, the forthcoming forum embodies Samoa’s commitment to supporting youth-led initiatives. Accordingly, Minister for Women, Community and Social Development, Samoa, Hon Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo, expressed confidence in the Official Commonwealth Youth Forum Task Force, emphasizing the collective effort required to ensure the success of the event. She stated, “We are delighted to announce the Official Commonwealth Youth Forum Task Force, a team of excellence that will bring forth interest and draw out issues pertaining to youth. The Samoan proverb ‘ole tele o lima e mama ai le avega’ (Many hands make the load easier) perfectly applies to the role of the task force in making the Forum a success at the CHOGM in Samoa.”
Layne Robinson, Head of the Social Policy Division at the Commonwealth Secretariat, lauded the establishment of the task force as a significant milestone in amplifying the aspirations of the Commonwealth’s youthful population. He added that recognizing the imperative of youth-led action for sustainable development, the CYF assumes heightened importance in the context of the “Year of Youth” mandate declared at CHOGM 2022.
At the helm of the task force, co-chairs Nahjae Nunes and Leiataualesā Kevin Lucky underscored the transformative potential of youth engagement in shaping a more equitable and resilient Commonwealth. Their commitment reflects a determination to transcend mere dialogue, catalyzing tangible progress towards a shared vision of inclusivity and unity.
In addition to orchestrating the CYF, the task force is entrusted with crafting a strategic blueprint that will guide the endeavors of the Commonwealth Youth Council and its affiliated networks over the ensuing two years. Working with academics, activists, government representatives, and other relevant parties, the task force plays a crucial role in ensuring that the viewpoints of young people accurately reflect their objectives and ambitions. Through collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication, the task force endeavors to foster a dynamic and impactful youth-led agenda within the Commonwealth.
