Youth representatives to address Commonwealth leaders

No subject should be taboo when eight young Commonwealth Youth representatives will meet Commonwealth Heads of Government on Saturday.

Whether it is climate change, enterprise, democracy or health, the Commonwealth Secretary-General urged them to relay the findings and concerns which emerged from the week-long Commonwealth Youth Forum. This is the seventh and largest ever such Forum, with over 600 delegates participating.

“I urge you to talk to [leaders] about the way in which your debates have mirrored what will be their own – on the special topic, chosen by Prime Minister Patrick Manning, of partnership, equity and sustainability.”

Mr Sharma reminded the youth delegates that in this 60th anniversary year, the Commonwealth has committed to ‘serving a new generation.’

He spoke of high hopes that government will give their backing to a major new Commonwealth thrust on promoting youth enterprise.

“To the young men and women of the Commonwealth, I say that this association is committed to serving you – and, in turn, I ask you to serve it, to embrace its values, its networks, its striving for collective approaches to collective challenges.

“I see you as partners on the journey to our twin goals of democracy and development, and not as mere recipients of passive bystanders."

Secretariat Links:

• Country Profile: Trinidad and Tobago
• Youth
• Secretary-General