Future of Commonwealth lies with the youth, says Martinson Yeboah
Young leaders from across the Commonwealth gather in Accra to shape the organisation’s future
The future of the Commonwealth lies firmly in the hands of its young people, according to the leader of a major youth summit held in Accra.
Martinson Yeboah, the executive director of the Model Commonwealth Summit and founder of the Organisation for Policy and Leadership Development (OPLD), said the inaugural event, which brought together 200 young leaders from across the Commonwealth on Monday (12 August), had shown the “vital role” of the youth in shaping the organisation’s future.
Endorsed by the Commonwealth Secretariat, the summit was a cornerstone of the 2023/24 Year of Youth initiative.
It provided a platform for young people to discuss key issues facing the Commonwealth, including governance, security, education and sustainable development.
Delegates were split into three committees to debate these topics in depth. Their resolutions will be forwarded to the Commonwealth Secretariat for consideration.
The summit also featured mentorship sessions designed to equip young leaders with the skills needed to make a difference.
Platform for change
Christabel Derby, chair of the Commonwealth Year of Youth Advisory Board, described the event as more than just a simulation but a genuine platform for change.
“The discussions, lobbying, debates, collaborations and networking that will take place here will inspire you to take bold steps towards creating a more inclusive, equitable and prosperous Commonwealth,” Derby said.
Richard Sandall, the development director at the British High Commission in Accra, emphasised the importance of young people embracing Commonwealth values. His sentiments were echoed by representatives from the European Union and the African Union.
Yeboah said the summit had laid “a strong foundation for ongoing engagement and development, ensuring young people remain at the forefront of the Commonwealth’s vision for a more inclusive, co-operative and prosperous future”.
Reporting by Caleb Ahinakwah
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