Social entrepreneurship provides ‘out of the box’ ideas for helping to uplift disadvantaged communities, writes Summaya Afaq, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Karachi, Pakistan. When you ask a school-going kid about his future aspirations, the most expected reply is  either to be a doctor or an engineer. I, too, always aspired to pursue a career …

“Because every problem is an opportunity!” Read More »

The world of marketing shapes our consumer choices, writes Abdullah Al Hasan, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh, as he looks behind the scenes at how marketing works. Suppose you’re going to buy a product and you opt for a specific brand. Now the question is – why do you choose that brand? Maybe you …

“Marketing: it is challenging, creative and fun” Read More »

Abdur Rafay Usmani, 21, a Correspondent from Karachi in Pakistan, argues that gender empowerment will not only allow the marginalised to overcome their sense of powerlessness, but will also  have a profound impact on a nation’s economy. There is a widespread misconception that gender and sex are two interchangeable terms. Sex refers to the biological characteristics …

“Gender empowerment and the economy” Read More »

Floods and landslides brought enormous destruction to Sri Lanka, but they also brought community spirit and generosity that define the small nation, writes Navodinee Wickramanayake, 22, a Correspondent from Sri Lanka who urges continued positive response to the disaster. I guess the drought was not the very worst. After weeks of wishing for rains, rains we …

“The floods that healed a nation” Read More »

A changing world economy means workers must become lifelong learners, writes Kevin Tan, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Singapore, as he looks at a unique approach to helping people cope with the shifting job market. “None of our men are ‘experts.’ We have most unfortunately found it necessary to get rid of a man as soon as he thinks …

“A future that will be shaped by changing skills” Read More »

Infrastructure is regarded as a prerequisite for sustainable and balanced economic growth in any economy, writes Naim Ebna Rahman, 20, a Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh, who looks at how Bangladesh is facing that issue. Bangladesh is approaching healthy economic growth, estimated at more than seven per cent within the next five years, and the transport …

“Going forward: transport and communication” Read More »

Pristine wilderness and a rich cultural mosaic gives northeast India remarkable potential for tourism, writes Abhilash Borah, 22, a Correspondent from Assam, India, who says improving the infrastructure will benefit tourists and the area itself. Tawang is home to the largest Buddhist monastery, and to the ancient tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. A visitor can take …

“Northeast India has great tourism potential” Read More »

With leaders across the globe under scrutiny on the public stage  Ishan Agarwal, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kolkata in India, takes a look at the qualities that define inspired and effective leadership. “A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we …

“Leadership is different from management” 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 »

Feminism is for everyone, says Ashley Tan Yu Yi, 16, a Correspondent from Singapore. Men and women have a critical role to play in eliminating gender disparities. As a typical teenager struggling with a borderline unhealthy case of internet addiction, I have come across several articles and videos of women proudly calling themselves “feminists.” However, …

“Men are important in promoting equality” Read More »