The Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller ON, MP, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, takes the opportunity to throw the spotlight on young people’s organisations in the Commonwealth, and their growing list of achievements.
It is heartening to note the importance that the Commonwealth attaches to young people. By virtue of Article XIII of the Charter, it is recognised that “The future success of the Commonwealth rests with the continued commitment and contributions of young peoplein promoting and sustaining the Commonwealth and its values and principles …”. The Commonwealth must be commended for providing myriad opportunities for young people to realise their potential and fulfil their dreams. This investment will reap rich dividends as the youth oftoday will be leaders of the Commonwealth of tomorrow.
The Commonwealth Youth Council, which has the singular distinction of being the largest and most democratically elected youth-led organisation in the world, representing the voice of more than 1.2 billion young people in the Commonwealth, aims to further advance the youth development agenda by integrating young people into the development work of the Commonwealth at national, regional, and Pan-Commonwealth levels. It provides a sustainable platform for unified engagement with decision-makers and youth-led development initiatives. This mechanism will undoubtedly prove to be an effective tool in the empowerment of youth…
*Statistics within article correct at original publication date of CHOGM 2015 Report.
The Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller ON, MP
Former Prime Minister of Jamaica
