Being an immigrant means making a sometimes difficult transition, but Harnoor Gill, 17, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Georgetown in Canada, writes that giving back to the community helped to establish a sense of belonging. My journey begins when I was born in Kowloon, Hong Kong. As a young boy, I would constantly become sick due …

“Volunteering eases the immigrant journey” Read More »

Peace and development are two sides of the same coin, writes Omang Agarwal, 19, a Correspondent from India, as he reflects on how peace affects both individuals and nations. Peace has become a very important issue with reference to the current sufferings being witnessed by fellow “earth-ians” from different countries. The civil wars in Iraq …

“Peace and development” Read More »

Ishan Agarwal, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kolkata in India, uses science fiction to reflect on the dangers of failing to use our better instincts as individuals and as a society. Raghu was considered a child prodigy, and was a graduate of the Intergalactic University. On completing his masters in Mind Modulation, with a minor …

“And they call the planet Earth” Read More »

Violence in Burundi is creating refugees and poses a risk to neighbouring countries, writes Joshua Orawo, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kenya, who argues for new leadership in the mediation process. Burundi is killing her own, and the continent and the world seem to be watching from a safe distance. Even the countries immediately neighbouring Burundi …

“Burundi crisis needs solution, not inaction” Read More »

Young peacebuilders from Commonwealth countries in Africa are set to establish a regional youth peacebuilding network, following a connection and capacity building event held by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Institute of Strategic Dialogue (ISD) in Kigali, Rwanda from 11-13 February. The Kigali event, a partnership between the Commonwealth and ISD, is part of an …

Young peacebuilders form activism network in Commonwealth Africa Read More »

Felix Byaruhanga of Uganda speaks about his experience at the Commonwealth YouthCAN Innovation Lab, held in Rwanda in February 2016. On 10 February I made my way to the Commonwealth YouthCAN Innovation Lab in Kigali. Immediately, the enthusiasm with which everyone introduced themselves was more welcoming and affirming that everyone was here to share and …

‘One of my most exhilarating experiences’ – YouthCan Read More »

Security and diplomacy are global concerns, especially when conflict or disaster strikes. But Christine Shahbenderian, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nicosia in Cyprus, argues that humanitarian diplomacy has a strong role in global problem-solving. A defining feature of 21st century globalization is the increasing complexity of global relations and the rapidity with which information ricochets around …

“Humanitarian diplomacy provides vital action” Read More »

Mirrors reflect the surface image, writes Lyn-Marie Blackman, 29, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, but a valuable life reflects a deeper attitude. Mirror, mirror on the wall, who possesses the most genuine attitude of them all? Everyday billions of people all over the world embrace or reject the imagery in their mirror. A mirror is meant …

“Mirror, mirror on the wall….” Read More »

Overcoming the effects of colonisation and building equality means creating peace and justice for all members of society, writes Bonolo Madibe, 20, a Correspondent from South Africa now living in the UK. Donald Trump’s uneducated, divisive and, quite frankly, fascist views have been accompanied by those of Oxford scholar Ntokozo Qwabe. Recently, Qwabe made headline …

“Disturbing whiteness and land claims” Read More »

Technology that was hoped to bring relief from tedious work seems to have brought unrelenting bad news instead, but Bryan Obaji, 25, a Correspondent from Calabar in Nigeria, argues the solution is to maintain a focus on empathy and peace. When I listen to the news on radio and on television, there are too many bad issues …

“Faith in humanity will overcome trying era” Read More »