Youth leaders from Fiji have expressed their dedication to collaborating with other Pacific youth leaders from Commonwealth nations to formulate policy recommendations. They emphasized the need for youth engagement in addressing significant social, economic, and environmental challenges.
This commitment was highlighted during the commencement of the Commonwealth Youth Forum in Apia, Samoa, on Monday.
Dr. Arjoon Sudhoo, Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth, commended the young people within the Commonwealth for “shaping the world through their various youth-led initiatives.”
“The 13th Commonwealth Youth Forum represents not just the next chapter in our story, but also a celebration of all that we have achieved this year,” Dr. Sudhoo remarked.
“From Rwanda to Samoa, we have worked together to create an environment where young voices are not only heard but also take the lead.”
He noted that resilience, innovation, dedication, and commitment have emerged strongly in the post-COVID era. “While we celebrate our achievements, we must also look forward to the future.”
Delegation heads will receive a new memorandum of understanding for the Commonwealth Youth Programme, which aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the secretariat’s efforts with youth over the next 50 years.