International Youth Task Force for Commonwealth Youth Forum in London

The Commonwealth is a unique global family of 52 member countries encompassing a multitude of cultures, religions and institutions. Its 2.3+ billion people make up a quarter of the world’s population and have become a vibrant and growing association of states in tune with the modern world. In 1991, the Harare Commonwealth Declaration set the association firmly on a new course, promoting democracy, good governance, human rights, the rule of law, and sustainable economic and social development. Today, the Commonwealth continues to be an active contributor in global affairs and building consensus around the world. The Commonwealth is a modern international association proud of its diversity and ready to meet future challenges.

Young people under 30 make up over half of the Commonwealth’s population of two billion and the youth population is still growing. The Commonwealth is committed to address the challenge of the “youth bulge” and the associated need to create enabling opportunities for young people. The organisation is working to ensure sustainable development through a youth lens where young people are given a strong voice in development strategies across all member countries.

It is in this framework that the Government of the United Kingdom will be hosting the 11th Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) as one of four parallel forums as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2018. The CYF will tentatively take place from 16^th to 18^th April 2018 in London. The forum is organised jointly by Government of the United Kingdom, Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) & Youth Division Commonwealth Secretariat and its regional partners the Caribbean Regional Youth Council, the Pan-African Youth Union, and Pacific Youth Council. This year’s theme will be confirmed shortly.

About 450 representatives of national youth councils, youth bodies, youth organisations as well as youth leaders, youth workers, young professionals and experts from across the Commonwealth are expected to attend the forum.

The CYC is making a call for the composition of the International Youth Taskforce who will be responsible for the organisation of CYF 2018. The IYTF will be divided into four committees: Programmes Committee, Media and Communications Committee, Policy, Drafting and Reporting Committee and Logistics Committee.

Official Link

Deadline: 30th April 2017