The use of torture is despicable, writes Francis Ventura, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Australia, who challenges the Australian Prime Minister to show leadership in ending mass human suffering. She’s probably no more than about eighteen years of age. She’s lying peacefully on the ground. No, it’s not a teenager sitting outside watching planes fly …

"Difficult circumstances or not PM, torture is never acceptable" Read More »

Post-war Sri Lanka presents a unique backdrop for the development of the county’s youth, writes Salma Yusuf, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Sri Lanka. She examines the relationship between youth, peace and conflict and suggests avenues for youth to join the drive for peace in a post-war environment.  Can youth play a central role in securing …

“Can youth play a central role in securing peace?” Read More »

Countries in the Caribbean Community have agreement on paper that allows free movement of people across borders, but as Khadija Holder, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Trinidad and Tobogo writes, there are still hurdles to overcome. Integration within CARICOM has come under heavy criticism in the past decade. Early concerns of insular nationalism and recent …

“The reality of free movement in the Caribbean” Read More »

An unlikely revolutionary in women’s struggle for equality stood her ground nearly 200 years ago, writes Naaz Fahmida, 27, a Correspondent living in Dhaka, Bangladesh, who says revolution comes through great sacrifice. When I hear women today being extremely vocal about the power struggle with their male counterparts or simply speaking about a revolution, it …

"She achieved nothing short of a revolution" Read More »

CHOGM 2013 faced controversy, writes Fale Lesa, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Zealand, but it also provided an opportunity to reflect on the positive attributes that set the Commonwealth apart. CHOGM 2013 has been and gone by now, and analysts are busy evaluating its performance. There can be no denying that Sri Lanka pulled …

"Shared history makes the Commonwealth great" Read More »

In many countries like Nigeria, hawking and street trading are an age-old tradition. Most street vendors are between ten and 27 years old, writes Oluwafemi Ogunjobi, 21, a Correspondent from Gbongan in Nigeria, and beyond small financial gain have little control of their fate. In the good old days, shouts about products or a melodious tune …

"Street trading blues – legal or not in Nigeria?" Read More »

History was made at the 3rd Caribbean Youth Leaders Summit held from December 4-6, 2013, in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia as the first ever executive of the newly constituted Caribbean Regional Youth Council (CRYC) was elected.  Continuing the work that began at the previous summits in Barbados (2011) and Jamaica (2012), youth leaders took concerted …

Launch of the Caribbean Regional Youth Council Read More »

The Millennials are changing the way people around the world interact, argues Geetha Kanniah, 17, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Malaysia, who says the new a demographic cohort has driven massive change in the business world.  We’re here, we’re connected and we’ve come to dominate!  Millennials! The new Gen-Y, the demographic cohort that is rapidly taking …

“We’ve created a sense of community based on Wi-fi” Read More »

A government plan to encourage youth entrepreneurship will fail unless the energy crisis is solved, writes Naseema Perveen, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Islamabad in Pakistan, who says policy makers and politicians need to coordinate their efforts. I want to put forward a few of my thoughts about the youth loan scheme just launched by …

"Economic prosperity requires planned policies" Read More »

The first class has graduated from the Catholic University of Cameroon Bamenda, writes  Alphonse Akouyu, 19, a Correspondent from Bamenda, Cameroon. It’s a time of celebration for the university and students alike, but both groups face challenges as they strive for continued success.  The sights and sounds of the Catholic University of Cameroon Bamenda (CATUC) …

“What next after the euphoria of graduation?” Read More »