As refugee numbers swell amid ongoing conflicts, Nnadozie Onyekuru, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nigeria, now studying in the USA, envisions a model solution built on Commonwealth values. At around a fortnight of World Humanitarian Day, one of my friends visited a refugee camp in my country. He later reflected on the wheel of fortune and …

“Concerted effort will help refugees to thrive” Read More »

Learning from history helps to avoid repeating mistakes of the past, but Tiloma Chandrasekera, 27, a Correspondent from Colombo in Sri Lanka, argues the first step is accuracy in reporting history. “The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history.”― George Orwell As a young person in …

“Memories of history: she said, he said” Read More »

The value of truth has a central role in bringing peace to society, writes Ishan Agarwal, 20, a Correspondent from Kolkata in India, as he reflects on society’s emphasis on materialism and progress.  I am a simple boy. My world revolves around my loving parents, caring friends and motivating teachers. My upbringing has been in a culturally …

“Truth has value in a world of materialism” Read More »

Young people are active in the campaign for a nuclear weapons-free world, writes Faheem Bin Tariq, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Karachi, Pakistan, who describes a new youth institute’s goals. Nuclear arsenals do not make any country safer.  With their all power and unforgiving command, rather they are a massive threat to the security of mankind. …

“Pakistan youth work for nuke-free world” Read More »

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 »