COMMITTEES

Overview

The 13th Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) took place on October 21-22, 2024, in Apia, Samoa, where young participants reiterated their commitment to the values and principles enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter and the Constitution of the Commonwealth Youth Council. The Forum Declaration underscores the determination of Commonwealth youth, structured around four guiding pillars: Resilient Democracies, Resilient Economies, Resilient Environment and Sustainability, and Resilient People and Societies. These pillars provide a strategic framework for young people to tackle contemporary challenges and strive for a resilient and sustainable future.

At the Model Commonwealth Summit 2025, delegates will explore the prospects of the four key pillars of the CYF Declaration by forming dedicated committees for deliberation and resolution. The committees—Resilient Democracies, Resilient Economies, Resilient Environment and Sustainability, and Resilient People and Societies—aim to deepen delegates’ commitment to sustaining proposed solutions, championing advocacy efforts, and fostering innovative ideas. Through this structure, delegates will collaborate to drive meaningful discourse and contribute to a prosperous future for youth across the Commonwealth.

  1. Committee on Resilient Democracies 
  2. Committee on Resilient Economies 
  3. Committee on Resilient Environment and Sustainability

4. Committee on Resilient People and Societies

The youth of the Commonwealth stress the importance of democratic practices and values as essential for the Commonwealth’s success, advocating for frameworks that enhance their participation in governance, protect human rights, and combat corruption. They align their goals with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16, which emphasizes peace, justice, and strong institutions. 

At the Model Commonwealth Summit 2025, key priority areas for discussion will include enhancing youth political engagement through civic education, promoting digital democracy, addressing the voting age to ensure inclusivity, implementing mandatory transparency and good governance processes, countering political polarization, and advancing gender equality by reviewing discriminatory legislation. These initiatives should be designed to cultivate a more inclusive, responsive, and resilient democratic environment across all Commonwealth member states.

The youth of the Commonwealth emphasize the urgent need to build resilient economies capable of withstanding global uncertainties while fostering sustainable and inclusive growth. They require initiatives that empower them to actively participate in economic life, driving innovation and ensuring equitable prosperity. The significance of this approach lies in its potential to create a workforce prepared for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, aligning economic activities with environmental stewardship and climate resilience. 

At the Model Commonwealth Summit 2025, key priority areas for discussion will include the expectation that governments, international organizations, and the private sector commit to actions such as increasing investments in youth entrepreneurship, enacting inclusive economic policies, and enhancing digital access and skills. These areas offer the opportunity for development of green economies, financial inclusion, and stronger labor protections for young workers. 

The youth of the Commonwealth are dedicated to building a resilient environment and promoting sustainability, recognizing their critical importance for the future of societies and the planet. They envision a Commonwealth characterized by clean air and water, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and protected ecosystems. To achieve this, they urge governments to prioritize investments in low-carbon development and ensure meaningful youth participation in climate decision-making processes.

Key priority areas for discussion at the Model Commonwealth Summit 2025 include strengthening climate education, embracing nature-based solutions, condemning violence against environmental defenders, and mobilizing public and private funding for youth-led sustainability initiatives. These discussions will highlight the importance of developing comprehensive adaptation strategies for vulnerable communities and fostering regional cooperation to tackle climate challenges. Through these efforts, the summit aims to galvanize a shared commitment to sustainability and environmental resilience across all Commonwealth member states.

The youth of the Commonwealth emphasize the urgent need to build resilient and equitable societies that empower all individuals, particularly young people, to thrive amidst global challenges such as public health crises and social inequalities. The youth expect collaborative efforts from governments, civil society, and international organizations to take decisive action in these areas, fostering societies that are responsive to the needs and aspirations of future generations.

At the Model Commonwealth Summit 2025, key priority areas for discussion include recognizing healthcare as a fundamental human right, developing comprehensive mental health policies, closing gaps in social protection systems, promoting youth engagement in community development, ensuring inclusive education that reflects diversity, protecting young people’s rights in digital spaces, and implementing strategies for gender equality. This focus on inclusivity and social justice is significant for ensuring access to essential resources, including quality healthcare and social protection.

The Commonwealth of Nations spans five distinct regions: Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Americas, Europe, and the Pacific. Collectively, these regions represent a population of 2.7 billion people across 56 countries, with over 60 percent of citizens aged 29 or younger.

Of the 56 independent Commonwealth nations, 33 are classified as small states, each with a population of 1.5 million or fewer. This includes 21 countries in Africa, 8 in Asia, 13 in the Caribbean and Americas, 3 in Europe, and 11 in the Pacific. Notably, Nauru, with approximately 10,000 residents, is the smallest member, while India, with over 1.4 billion people, is the most populous. This diversity creates a rich cultural tapestry that shapes the values and unique identity of Commonwealth citizens.

At the Model Commonwealth Summit 2025, delegates representing countries in these five regions will focus on key priorities, including exploring the socio-cultural diversity and perspectives of each region, understanding their political, cultural and social identities, addressing persistent challenges, and strengthening networking and social interactions among participants. These efforts aim to foster collaboration and unity while celebrating the vibrant diversity of the regions that defines the Commonwealth.

The Press Corps at the Model Commonwealth Summit is responsible for documenting, interviewing, reporting, and scrutinizing the summit’s discussions and outcomes. The Press Corps acts as a bridge between delegates and the global community, ensuring diverse perspectives are highlighted and diplomacy is epitomized. Through interviews, articles, and multimedia content, the Press Corps effectively communicates the summit’s goals of resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity. Additionally, the Press Corps promotes diplomacy, encourages critical thinking and public speaking, and inspires meaningful engagement and dialogue. It will ensure the summit’s impact extends beyond the event, leaving a lasting legacy of rich Commonwealth diplomacy, informed dialogue, and nurturing delegate experiences and networking throughout the summit schedule. Interest in journalism, probity, photograph, videography, graphic design, reporting and interviewing can be an added advantage.