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 »

History books focus on wars and conflicts but give little space to peace, writes Mridul Upadhyay, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Delhi, who notes that peace is valued but is poorly defined and difficult to achieve. Our history books are filled with dates related to wars, raids, massacre and change in dynasties. In history, peace has a small …

“Consensus around the idea of peace” Read More »

Last month’s visit to Nigeria by the US Secretary of State was viewed by some as divisive, but Usman Muhammad, 29, a Correspondent from Nigeria now studying in the UK, says Kerry gave Nigerians a lesson in how to heal differences by embracing community. John Kerry, the US Secretary of State, recent made his third visit …

“Kerry gives prologue to community building” Read More »

Building and maintaining peace must include efforts to provide food security, writes Azinwi Ngum, 25, a Correspondent from Cameroon, who says there is need to solve the food insecurity problems that can be the cause – or the result – of conflict. With increasing conflicts within the African continent, development agencies and governments have begun to explore the linkages between …

“Peace and food security are linked in Africa” Read More »

Attempting to solve the complex issues in modern society can be a daunting task, but Navodinee Wickramanayake, 22, a Correspondent from Sri Lanka, describes one woman’s efforts to provide inspiration and support to those trying to make a difference.  Often times we look at the issues our society faces today and become overwhelmed by their complexity …

“A new social innovation for change makers” Read More »

Every day a multitude of resources is spent tackling poverty and standard of living in developing countries all over the globe, writes Andrew Larkins, 26, a Correspondent from Australia, who questions whether the billions spent by governments on grants, loans, technical expertise, and debt relief is the right answer. According to The Economist, this foreign aid is …

“Development aid is not developing solutions” Read More »