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Youth CHOGM held at Marlborough House

22 October 2007

Young people from across the UK journey to participate at Youth CHOGM

Sixty young people, from Newcastle, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Manchester, Essex and London, swapped their schoolbooks for statesmanship, as they came together to simulate Commonwealth Heads of Governments in the majestic surroundings of Marlborough House.

Youth delegates met on 19 October 2007, debating crucial global issues, including democracy, development and inter-faith relations. The Young people also brainstormed ways in which to bring the practical work of the Commonwealth closer to their local communities.

The outcomes of the debates will be presented to the Heads of Government at the next, actual CHOGM to be held in Kampala, Uganda, from 23-25 November 2007. They will also be reported back to regional schools, colleges, youth groups, politicians, Commonwealth and local NGOs.

The Marlborough House summit followed a day of training at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO). Team leaders from the FCO brought authenticity to the proceedings by assisting the delegates with skills such as lobbying, debating and media relations. Desk officers with wide experience of different international regions helped the young people learn more about the countries they were to represent and how they fitted into wider world politics.

Part of the programme also saw the young leaders meet award winning Paralympic basket-ball player Ade Adepitan MBE, on 18 October at London City Hall. Adepitan, an inspirational athlete and speaker, spoke on London’s prospects for the 2012 Olympics.

Mr Stuart Mole, Director-General of the Royal Commonwealth Society, co-organisers of the event with the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, believes that: "Youth CHOGMs allow young people to enter into political debate from viewpoints different to their own. This gives them the courage and skill to make change possible in their own lives and in the life of their communities."

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