Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC)

Application Deadline: 30^th April 2017.

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.

Reauirements

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.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the International Youth Task Force for Commonwealth Youth Forum 2018.

Application Deadline: August 31st 2015

Are you a youth leader aged between 18 and 29 years and have experience in youth advocacy or development?

Organised as part of CHOGM, this Forum aims to achieve cross-cultural connection and learning between participants and consensus on policies to address the challenges and opportunities facing young people.

The CYF is jointly organised by the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC), the Youth Affairs Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of Malta. A youth led international taskforce is made up of representatives of the CYC and the Government of Malta. Young people manage and set their own agenda. The themes for discussion are the product of vast consultations carried out with national youth bodies from countries across the Commonwealth.

The CYF programme also includes the election of the CYC Executive, the holding of a General Assembly, cross cultural interchange, a cultural programme and the opportunity for participants to do voluntary community work.

The Forum:

The Forum provides a platform for young people to have their say during the biennial CHOGM summit on what issues should be tackled by the Commonwealth.

The meeting:
• is an opportunity for young people to set and manage their own agenda, contributing to development and democracy work in the Commonwealth
• is a demonstration and celebration of the role and contribution of young people in promoting democracy and development
• aims to promote meaningful cultural exchange and cooperation among young people across the Commonwealth

The theme for the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Forum is “Adding Global Value…#WhatNext?”.

Following closely the main CHOGM theme, this Youth Forum will aim to challenge and promote the role of the Commonwealth in adding global value, and, importantly, the role that young people will have in achieving this vision.

Subthemes for the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Forum focus on

Education, youth employment, entrepreneurship, sustainable development, climate change, ICT, health, human rights, youth policy and youth work.
For the first time, the outcome document from the forum will feature concrete policy

Eligibility Requirements:

Successful applicants should:

Be a recognised member of a national youth-led body, or represent a youth organisation or special interest group (such as indigenous young people, young people with disabilities, rural youth, young people from diaspora communities, LGBTQI etc.)
Demonstrate an interest in global and Commonwealth issues and working with other young people towards the success of local, regional youth organisations, as well as the Commonwealth Youth Council and its continuation.
Be committed to working in their respective countries with youth leaders, young people, youth organisations and special interest group as part of the preparatory work prior to attending and after the forum. This includes disseminating learnings and engaging with the Commonwealth Youth Council and other stakeholders to assist implement outcomes from the forum.
Be dedicated to strengthening dialogue between young people of the Commonwealth.
Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.

Selected Participants

Successful applicants will be responsible for organising and paying for their own flights to Malta, but will be provided with accommodation, meals and on-ground travel for the duration of the Commonwealth Youth Forum.
Successful candidates must also hold a valid passport and obtain a visa for entry to the country. Visas must be obtained before departure.

Apply Now to attend the 10th Commonwealth Youth Forum, Malta

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the 10th Commonwealth Youth Forum, Malta

Call for Application: International Youth Task Force for Commonwealth Youth Forum 2018 – London.

Apply Now to attend the 10th Commonwealth Youth Forum, Malta (Partial Sponsorship Available)