The summit emerged from a growing recognition of the need to increase the visibility of youth work, highlight youth talent, and build greater interest in youth engagement with the Commonwealth.

The Model Commonwealth Summit aims to sensitize and engage young people and citizens of the Commonwealth on the necessity of developing solidarity and common fronts through the promotion of Commonwealth values and aspirations, as well as fostering cooperation among member states.

The summit is designed based on the intergovernmental Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM) and its ministerial meetings. The Commonwealth of Nations comprises 56 member countries with a combined population of 2.5 billion people, of which more than 60% are aged 29 or younger.

Through the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP), the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) has been established to advance youth affairs and serve as the official voice of the Commonwealth on youth interests and advocacy.