The Commonwealth Youth Forum

The Commonwealth Youth Forum took place in London from 16th to 18th April. The event comprised of around 500 young people from 53 Commonwealth Nations and took place alongside the Commonwealth Business Women’s and People’s Forum. The objective of the forum was to discuss issues facing citizens of the 53 Nations, the results of which have set the agenda for the Commonwealth Heads of Governments meeting which took place immediately afterwards.

Nick Andrews, a previous member of Warwickshire's Youth Parliament attended the event. Nick attended sessions covering the four pillars of the forum, which support the overriding theme 'Towards a Common Future':
1. Security
2. Sustainability
3. Fairness
4. Prosperity

Speeches were made to the forum by: Theresa May, Jamaican PM Andrew Holness, Bill Gates, Baroness Scotland and Princes William and Harry.

One session looked at the youth-led accountability mechanism run by Restless Development’s Youth Power, which gave examples and tips of how to ensure young people can play a crucial role in holding their leaders to account on the issues that mean most to them.

Aside from the forum work, Nick also attended a joint forum reception to celebrate Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as well as meeting several inspirational young people who have gained recognition as the Commonwealth’s young people of the year.

Nick has been involved in Warwickshire Youth Parliament for 5 years; he has held the office of both VOX (Warwickshire's Youth Council) and MYP (Member of Youth Parliament). He was nominated for the Commonwealth forum by Cheryl Jones in recognition of his tireless work and commitment on behalf of young people in Warwickshire and the region.

For more information about Warwickshire's Youth Parliament please contact: cheryljones@warwickshire.gov.uk