The Commonwealth will observe International Youth Day (IYD) on 12 August 2026, a day when the world acknowledges the vital role that young people play as agents of change, leaders, and mobilisers in promoting development. This year’s global theme is “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations”. It recognises that while young people’s lives are shaped by very …

Commonwealth to Mark International Youth Day 2026 Read More »

by Imran Bacchus National Youth Councils (NYCs) are civic, non-governmental, youth-led bodies that represent the voices of young people in countries across the Caribbean. These entities promote youth leadership and advocacy at the community and national levels. They rely on the support of host governments and various stakeholders to function effectively. Across the Caribbean region …

The Struggle of National Youth Councils (NYCs) Read More »

by Imran Bacchus As the world progresses into the future, one of the most significant changes is the evolution of demographics within the global community. While the “youth” is traditionally defined as individuals aged between 15 and 35, it is the demographic group that contributes the most to the innovations and development of the contemporary …

Youth and National Youth Policies Read More »

by Katerina Panagi When Cyprus assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026 under the motto “An Autonomous Union. Open to the World,” it projected resilience outward. Yet at home, one chair in its democracy remains conspicuously empty: the one reserved for its youth. Taking office during a time of severe …

The Empty Chair: Reclaiming Democratic Space for Cypriot Youth Read More »

by Anamta Afsar, Youth Officer The Commonwealth Secretariat’s Youth Team, in partnership with the Ghana National Youth Authority (NYA), and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, successfully delivered a two-day hybrid technical training workshop for youth development officers on 8-9 October 2025 in Accra. The workshop, themed around the implementation of Ghana’s National Youth Policy …

Commonwealth delivers a technical training for Youth Development Officers in Ghana Read More »

by Imran Bacchus Young people are often told this isn’t for you or you shouldn’t do that. Despite these voices, some continue to press through the noises and challenges that they face. The harsh reality is some societies and environments are so bureaucratic that they stifle young and vibrant professionals and dreamers. There are many …

Are We Heard and Seen? Youth at the Forefront of Leadership Read More »

by Keerthana Anand, CAYA Advocacy Fellow Youth work is more important than ever as our world rapidly evolves.  The 5th Global Youth Work Conference from 17-19 November in Malaysia will bring together youth workers, practitioners, academics and policymakers to explore how local wisdom can shape globally connected, future-ready youth work. In this piece, Keerthana Anand, …

The Space In-Between: How Youth Work Changes People and Communities Read More »

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to support promoting the use of sport as a tool for achieving development objectives in the Commonwealth?  The Commonwealth Secretariat is seeking to recruit someone to support the Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace (CYSDP), which is a platform for young people to advocate and engage on CYSDP with …

Call for Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace Coordinator Read More »

by Joyce Wachau Chege Yes, I am a journalist by profession. No, I am not affiliated with any popular TV or radio station and yes, I can feel that your perspective about me is already changing. I remember having a talk with my fellow Correspondent and good friend, Evans Ijakaa at their workplace café. We …

We Forget Things If We Have No One To Tell Them To Read More »

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