Fiji’s youth leaders have expressed their commitment to collaborating with other youth leaders from across the Commonwealth states to develop policy recommendations. They emphasize the importance of youth participation in addressing significant social, economic, and environmental challenges.
This commitment was highlighted during the opening of the Commonwealth Youth Forum on Monday in Apia, Samoa. Dr. Arjoon Sudhoo, Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, commended the young people of the Commonwealth for their significant contributions through various youth-led initiatives.
Dr. Sudhoo remarked, “The 13th Commonwealth Youth Forum is not merely a continuation of our journey; it is a celebration of all that has been achieved over the past year. From Rwanda to Samoa, we have collaborated to create a platform where young voices not only resonate but also guide the way.”
He noted the resilience, innovation, commitment, and dedication exhibited by the youth in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic while acknowledging the importance of focusing on future endeavors.
Delegation leaders will also receive a new memorandum of understanding for the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP), which aims to ensure the sustainability of the secretariat’s efforts with young people for the next 50 years.