Governments
and youth leaders from Commonwealth countries in the Caribbean will
address regional and global youth development challenges and
opportunities when they gather in Antigua for a three-day meeting this
week.
The
Caribbean Region Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting (CR-CYMM) is
convened by the Commonwealth Secretariat and hosted by the Government of
Antigua and Barbuda, in St John’s, between
28 and 30 April 2015.
The theme of the meeting is:
Youth participation at the heart of national development.
Ministers,
senior officials from Ministries responsible for youth development and
youth leaders will discuss policy responses to issues such as youth
employment and entrepreneurship, participation in civic and political
processes, the role of young people in peace building, and the
professionalisation of the youth work sector.
Commenting
ahead of the meeting, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Deodat
Maharaj said: “The Caribbean has one of the youngest populations in the
Commonwealth, with more than 60 per cent of people aged 29 years or
under. This makes this generation an enormous asset to the region’s
development – not just
tomorrow, but today.
“We
recognise that young people are playing a vital role in strengthening
communities and championing democratic processes, leading and delivering
change. But many also face challenges related to unemployment, climate
change, health issues or conflict. Young people are feeling the squeeze
in the labour market, may lack the capital to start a business, or can
be shut out of democratic decision-making.
“Commonwealth
member governments are using this meeting, hosted and led by the
Government of Antigua and Barbuda, to signal their commitment to young
people and ensure that policy priorities are aligned to young people’s
ambitions and needs.”
During
the meeting, Ministers, senior officials and youth leaders will review
current trends in youth development and identify areas where action is
needed to advance youth empowerment in the Caribbean. Delegates will
focus on challenges and opportunities for the region, as well as new
global development goals which are to be agreed at the United Nations
later in 2015.
On
28 April,
Caribbean youth leaders will participate in a Youth Leaders’ Forum. The
forum is managed by the Commonwealth Youth Council and Caribbean
Regional Youth Council and supported by the youth leaders of Antigua and
Barbuda. Ministers will meet between
29 and 30 April.
Antigua
and Barbuda’s Minister of Social Transformation and Human Resource
Development, the Honorable Samantha Marshall,stated: “It is my hope
that this summit will inspire young men and women to grasp
the opportunity presented to speak of the issues that confront them and
get involved in youth mainstreaming."
The
Minister added: “The meeting holds great importance relative to Antigua
and Barbuda Commonwealth ties, signalling a very high water mark as the
attendees will take stock of current trends in youth development."
Timothy
Ferdinand, Chairperson of the Caribbean Regional Youth Council, a
member of the Commonwealth Youth Council, said: “This meeting will help
to strengthen relationships between Youth Ministries and youth
organisations and will enhance youth participation in decisions about
issues that affect young people in the Caribbean.”
Commonwealth Youth Programme
The
Commonwealth Secretariat’s youth development work is delivered through
the Commonwealth Youth Programme, which has been supporting member
countries for over 40 years.
The
Commonwealth Secretariat engages and empowers young people, provides
thought leadership on youth development, and encourages governments,
youth practitioners and young leaders to create environments that enable
young people’s social, economic and political potential.
Learn more:
thecommonwealth.org/our-work/youth