Post-war Sri Lanka presents a unique backdrop for the development of the county’s youth, writes Salma Yusuf, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Sri Lanka. She examines the relationship between youth, peace and conflict and suggests avenues for youth to join the drive for peace in a post-war environment.  Can youth play a central role in securing …

“Can youth play a central role in securing peace?” Read More »

Children in developing countries are unable to live their best lives due to inadequate healthcare facilities, writes Musa Temidayo, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nigeria. Drawing attention to the problems faced in his country with infant health and mortality, he calls for increased resources as a matter of urgency. Disease has been one of humanity’s greatest enemies. …

"Reach them now or rescue them later?" Read More »

Many think of Africa as a poor and backward continent, writes Denise Juvane, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Mozambique now living in England, who argues those narrow perceptions are based on one-sided media messages.  A couple of days ago I was listening to one of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s influential speeches and it got me thinking …

“Exploring the world's perception of Africa” Read More »

Large international organisations tackle tough issues of development and piece, and increasingly give a voice to youth in that process. While commending the positive, Mridul Upadhyay, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Delhi in India wonders about the efficiency of large conferences that seem to yield more talk than action. Sri Lanka was a remarkable host …

"International conferences: inspiration needs action" Read More »

On 21 July 2014, Sports Ministers from across the 53-nation Commonwealth community meet in Glasgow, immediately prior to the Commonwealth Games. We, the Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace Working Group (CYSDP) will be presenting to the Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting on the powerful role that youth leadership plays in Sport for Development and …

Get your voice heard at the Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting Read More »

The tireless work of Canadian humanitarian and doctor James Orbinski shows what is possible to make the world a better place, writes Eric Omwanda, 23, a Correspondent from Nairobi in Kenya. With more of this spirit in Africa, Eric contends, the continent can reach its true potential. James Orbinski is a living example of a …

"Beyond humanitarianism – Africa’s potential" Read More »

Commonwealth Sports Ministers should consider how to encourage young people to become more involved in sport to improve their self-worth and confidence, while also enhancing their health and academic success, writes Olivia Hart, 16, a Correspondent from London, United Kingdom. Sports Ministers across the Commonwealth will come together for a meeting on the 21st July two days before …

"This is what I believe Sports Ministers should be tackling" Read More »

To take Africa out of the doldrums through developmental policies, youths from various parts of Africa gathered to discuss the continent’s age-long problems: Why is Africa poor? Why is it a backward continent? Oluwafemi Ogunjobi, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Gbongan in Nigeria reports on the first African Students For Liberty Conference. Students were already …

"For their continent they are new Soldiers of Liberty" Read More »

A shift in the cost of renewable energy has Khadija Holder, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Trinidad and Tobago, taking a new look at the viability of electric vehicles. She argues the innovative vehicles now making gains in developed countries can be equally beneficial in developing nations. Years ago, a debate with me on the winning energy strategy …

"Electric vehicles: for developed and developing nations" Read More »

The value of major sporting events should be measured in the sense of togetherness and inclusion they create, writes Carl Konadu, coordinator of the Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace working group, a network supported by the Commonwealth Youth Programme. The XX Commonwealth Games 2014 took place in Glasgow, Scotland from July 23rd through …

"Sport can be harnessed to bring people together" Read More »