Youth Forum opens in Tobago

Young people from across the world gathered today on the small Caribbean island of Tobago for the opening of the 7^th Commonwealth Youth Forum which runs prior to the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Trinidad, next week.

The stunningly choreographed ceremony, which sought to represent all regions of the Commonwealth through dance, music and drama, drew strongly on the theme: Invest in Youth, Sustain the World.

Delegates were addressed by Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Hon Dr Gary Hunt, who reminded them to make full use of the opportunities afforded to them over the next few days.

This meeting will be the largest ever Commonwealth Youth Forum with over 600 delegates expected to participate.

Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Mrs Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba echoed Dr Hunt’s remarks, telling young people that the present and future of the prospects of the Commonwealth rest with its young people: “You have the opportunity to begin to shape that future during the next few days of this Forum. Use this opportunity wisely. It’s a big opportunity.”

“This Forum is happening at a time when our world is faced with many tremendous challenges: wars, an economic and financial crisis, climate change, growing poverty, social and political unrest.” The Youth Forum must determine how you will respond to these challenges, she said. “Challenging times require equally courageous and bold young people.”

“This is a great opportunity to network with each other, to share ideas, to come together under common advocacy banners, to work together for a better, stronger Commonwealth.” She urged delegates to take what they had learned and to share it with other youth in their communities, networks and youth groups.

Matthew Albert, the Pan Commonwealth Youth Caucus Chair described the Forum as a “once in a lifetime opportunity”, and reminded participants that they were each representing about 4,4 million young people in the Commonwealth. “This is our time and this is our turn,” he said.

The Hon Orville London, Chief Secretary, Tobago House of Assembly welcomed everyone to Tobago, describing the island as “the capital of Paradise”.

He said he was “intrigued” by the interplay between delegates, something that went beyond diplomacy. They have travelled from all countries, have different backgrounds, yet they share a common bond of the Commonwealth. “This is really unique among organisations today,” he added.

The ceremony ended with a dance performance during which the national flags of Commonwealth member countries were unfurled in the order in which they joined the Association. The dancers then raised a large Youth Forum banner.

Secretariat Links:

• Youth
• Country Profile: Trinidad and Tobago