“It all boils down to collaboration”

A recent conference gave Pacific youth a chance to symbolise the potential in the Commonwealth, writes Fale Lesa, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Zealand.  He says the atmosphere was filled with optimism as participants moulded networks and shared experiences.

The Solomon Islands was no doubt the place to be for energetic young people who emerged from over fourteen different countries scattered across the Pacific Ocean for the Commonwealth Pacific Youth Leadership and Integrity Conference.

We were united by the ties to our Commonwealth Association, and more importantly by our overwhelming excitement about the Royal Visit. It was no secret that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge would open our conference with a keynote address, then linger afterwards for a light game of soccer; or if you’re European, football.

The streets of Honiara were bustling with Royal fever. People were dressed in their finest attire and waving British Union Jacks as they strode along. The stage was set to go off without a hitch, and in the end there wasn’t a hitch to be found. The keynote address was nothing short of superb, and the Royals even stopped afterwards to pose for photos with us. I wasted no time, and managed to take at least five photos that are now prominent among our household furniture.

Although it was a brief occasion, meeting the Royals was memorable. We admired the genuine nature of our esteemed Commonwealth ambassadors. They are a credit to the network, and a symbol of service that we can all appreciate.

Once the Royal party was gone, it was time to get down to the nitty-gritty. The Royal visit brought participants together but it was up to us to carry that momentum to the finish line.

We entertained lengthy discussions on democracy, parliaments, leadership models, conflict resolution and effective communication. We also enjoyed hearing from the Oceania Football Federation who spoke passionately about sports and how they can be utilised for community and youth development.

All these themes tied back to young people and the role that we can play in shaping frameworks and moving forward. The atmosphere was filled with optimism as we moulded networks and shared experiences by the poolside.

I was encouraged by our young leaders and excited for the future of both our region and the world. Like many other global initiatives of this nature, we symbolise the potential in the Commonwealth, and the continued relevance that comes through transformation.

The conference lent us a platform to engage with like-minded young people who are active in similar ventures and sectors. In the end it all boils down to collaboration, which reflects the purpose of the Commonwealth Association and how it must continue.

As the Melanesian sun set on Saturday 22nd September 2012, our Commonwealth Pacific Youth Leadership and Integrity Conference rolled to a complete stop, for another year at least.

And though the conference is over now, the sun should never set on the Spirit of our Commonwealth Cooperation.

In Solidarity,

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About me:

I am an international diplomat having represented the New Zealand youth sector in a host of international initiatives. The completion of my tertiary education at the University of Auckland (BA/LLB) will usher in a professional dedication to diplomacy and foreign affairs.

My interests include community development, foreign affairs, globalisation, youth empowerment, reading (non-fiction/fiction as well as current affairs), creative/critical writing, chess, debating, history, linguistics and social interaction. My passion for writing has led me to this forum.

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Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. Articles are published in a spirit of dialogue, respect and understanding. If you disagree, why not submit a response?

To learn more about becoming a Commonwealth Correspondent please visit: http://www.yourcommonwealth.org/submit-articles/commonwealthcorrespondents/

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