Unleashing young people’s potential

Government officials, civil society and young people from across the Commonwealth will be given an opportunity to share information and exchange ideas at the 6th Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF).

Organised by the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council in partnership with the Youth Affairs Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat, this forum gives representatives from member countries the opportunity to discuss current concerns of young people.

The CYF will be hosted by the Uganda Government at the Botanical Beach Hotel in Entebbe from 14 to 21 November 2007. The strategies and plans of action that emerge from the forum will be presented to leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which also takes place in Uganda immediately after the CYF.

Fair and ethical employment and young people’s businesses are among the topics that will be discussed. This year’s CYF – Breaking Barriers: Unleashing Young People's Potential for Development – will also assess projects which were initiated at the previous meeting in 2005.

“Increasing young people’s contribution to development and democracy and enhancing their understanding of the Commonwealth’s values are important aims of this forum. Emphasising the significance of effective partnerships between young people, governments and civil society will also be addressed,” said Rajkumar Bidla, a Youth Affairs Programme Officer at the Secretariat.

“We are really pleased that Uganda, our host country, is equally enthusiastic about providing young people with an opportunity to promote issues that concern them,” he added.

An international planning delegation headed by Helen Jones, Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council, recently visited Uganda.

She said: “We are excited about the arrangements made for the Commonwealth Youth Forum. All aspects have been attended to and Uganda is ready to host CYF meticulously.”

Secretariat Links:

• Commonwealth Youth Forum 2007
• Country Profile: Uganda

Related Websites:

• Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council