Commonwealth Youth Leaders Conference 2010

On May 9, 1977 the first Conference of the Commonwealth Youth leaders was held in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.  Youth Leaders from 31 Commonwealth Countries attended the Conference.  The conference produced the Ocho Rios Declaration which called for increased youth participation in Government structures. Out of that declaration and that first conference emerged a relationship between Governments the Commonwealth and Youth established a vibrant youth engagement process in the early days of the Commonwealth youth programme. After 33 years of youth engagement, many lessons have been learnt. These lessons must now be considered and implemented so as to meet the challenges of a new generation of youth.  It is against this historic background that the Conference is set.  The Commonwealth Secretariat is being reviewed by the EPG and the youth represent a significant part of the Commonwealth. The youth leaders have a role to place in shaping the new Commonwealth and this process will begin with this Conference which occurs within the International Year of Youth. 

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