Join global youth council and influence the world
ALEXANDRA – Alex youth's opportunity to tackle coronavirus and other pandemics on world stage.
Alex youth who are proactive on youth matters can be global ambassadors through the Commonwealth Youth Council.
This is provided, as members of the commonwealth, they have three years of national youth council experience or with a youth-led organisation, are between 15 to 27 years of age and submit their nominations by 5 April.
In a statement the council said, “In addition to maximising your own talents, contacts and prospects, it’s an opportunity to represent the perspectives of the Commonwealth’s 1.4 billion young people on pressing global issues like climate change, pandemics, peace, entrepreneurship, gender equality, democracy and education.”
Also, the platform will advance young people’s ideas, innovations and cutting-edge solutions at high level and global policy-shaping forums including at the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda from 20 to 23 June.
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The head of Social Policy Division at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Layne Robinson said, “The council is critical for the empowerment of young people particularly in light of the current global crisis from the coronavirus pandemic.”
Robinson added that applicants who faced difficulties in obtaining documents from ministries affected by the global pandemic would be assisted and applications would be accepted on the basis that documentation would be provided at a later date.
“Being a youth leader at this pivotal time is a great responsibility that requires hard work and commitment,” said Robinson. “And, we know that there is an abundance of talent and unstoppable determination within our youth population and look forward to hearing from you.”
The positions on offer are:
- Chairperson, open to those in Pacific region
- Deputy chairperson for Inclusion and Engagement
- Deputy chairperson for Partnerships and Resources
- Deputy chairperson for Policy and Advocacy
- Regional representatives for Africa and Europe, Asia, Caribbean and Americas, and the Pacific
- Representative for Special Interest Groups.
Shortlisted candidates will campaign from 17 April and attend the Kigali meeting where elections will be conducted. Candidates will serve the 2020 to 2022 term, manage and develop the council, and organise workshops, forums and advisory panels that will make policy recommendations.
The Secretariat’s secretary-general Patricia Scotland said of the council’s role: “It draws together talent from all our regions who will focus and amplify the voices of young people. Its representatives combine ambition with action, and enable youth needs and expectations to be heard on pressing social, economic and political issues.”
This she said, is in addition to alerting members and citizens to be alert to emerging global trends to enable collective preparedness and delivery of a commonly shared, fairer and safer future for all.
Details: Commonwealth Secretary, t.kalejaiye@commonwealth.int www. thecommonwealth.org
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