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 …

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Young people are deeply affected by politics, but too often are not engaged in the process, writes Tiloma Chandrasekera, 27, a Correspondent from Colombo in Sri Lanka, as she argues for more youth involvement. Date: 17th August 2015 – Time:14:16 hrs – Place: somewhere in Colombo In less than two hours, voting will conclude for the general election in …

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Young people play an integral role in advancing development, democracy and peace. At the 10th Commonwealth Youth Forum in Malta, 21-25 November, over 400 youth leaders will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing young people, and devise policy through four main agendas – economic, environmental, social and political.  The theme of the Forum is ‘Adding Global Value… #Whatnext?’ …

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The Commonwealth Youth Forum in Malta examined youth policy successes and shortfalls of the past decade, writes Brian Dan Migowe, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kenya. He calls for more engagement to support the positive progress that has emerged. 2015 It is! A century into the celebration of one of the world’s greatest and dynamic Youth Forum. The …

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Peace and development are two sides of the same coin, writes Omang Agarwal, 19, a Correspondent from India, as he reflects on how peace affects both individuals and nations. Peace has become a very important issue with reference to the current sufferings being witnessed by fellow “earth-ians” from different countries. The civil wars in Iraq …

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A climate change rally that heard from Indigenous people as well as from youth voices caught the camera of Hsin-Yi Lo, a Correspondent from Melbourne, Australia, who gave participants an extra opportunity to speak out. Passionate demonstrators gathered in Melbourne on 27 November 2015 to kick off Australia’s march for Climate Change just ahead of …

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Jobs, security, and inclusive policy are on the minds of Cameroon’s youth, writes Alphonse Akouyu, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Cameroon, who says a milestone celebration is an opportunity for youth and society to engage and shape the country’s future. It’s February 2016 and once again the winds of the National Youth Week have begun …

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Disappointment in one’s plans does not mean defeat, writes Lyn-Marie Blackman, 29, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, but should be seen as an opportunity to reassess and use initiative. As a young individual living in the Caribbean, you sit and often times reflect on your past, present and future. You make a critical review of what has touched your …

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Youth unemployment won’t be solved by higher education or government policy alone, writes Lyn-Marie Blackman, 29, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, who urges youth to use a do-it-yourself attitude to solve problems and create jobs. As a Commonwealth Correspondent, I have always made the attempt to not only highlight the issues of the day but …

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Barbados has made significant gains since attaining independence in 1966, writes Lyn-Marie Blackman, 29, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados. But with several societal, institutional and governance issues facing the island, where can it go from here? Being a Commonwealth Correspondent has been an enriching and rewarding experience that I would not trade for anything. My …

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