Debate about Pakistan and extremism rarely involves the country’s large youth population. But Faheem Bin Tariq, a Correspondent from Karachi, Pakistan, writes about a conference where youth made it clear that peace is the goal. Pakistan, one of the most populous countries in the world, has been in the global limelight since terrorist attacks of …

“Conference makes a youthful demand for peace” Read More »

No one is ever too young to start positive change, says Riddhima Yadav, 18, a Correspondent from Gurgaon in India, who argues that Asia’s young change-makers are ready to take up that challenge. After attending the Asia Youth Leader’s Summit 2013 at the British Council this month, here’s what I can say – Youth is …

“Youth must be seen and be heard as change-makers” Read More »

Commonwealth Youth Forum delegates today elected the executive for the largest and most diverse youth body in the world, the new Commonwealth Youth Council. Ahmed Adamu from Nigeria will chair the new body, which will be the recognised voice of the 1.2 billion young people of the Commonwealth and provide a framework for youth-led development initiatives. …

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In many countries like Nigeria, hawking and street trading are an age-old tradition. Most street vendors are between ten and 27 years old, writes Oluwafemi Ogunjobi, 21, a Correspondent from Gbongan in Nigeria, and beyond small financial gain have little control of their fate. In the good old days, shouts about products or a melodious tune …

"Street trading blues – legal or not in Nigeria?" Read More »

The Millennials are changing the way people around the world interact, argues Geetha Kanniah, 17, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Malaysia, who says the new a demographic cohort has driven massive change in the business world.  We’re here, we’re connected and we’ve come to dominate!  Millennials! The new Gen-Y, the demographic cohort that is rapidly taking …

“We’ve created a sense of community based on Wi-fi” Read More »

Corruption is all too evident in today’s world, writes Latoyaa Roberts, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Trinidad and Tobago. But she argues that young people can fight corruption by being involved and advocating for transparency and justice. Every day on various forms of mass media, I hear constant reports about alleged corruption, misappropriation of funds and …

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Africa needs fresh leadership to solve persistent problems, writes Abubakar Umar, 24, a Correspondent from Katsina in Nigeria, as he argues for youth to be given leadership opportunity. The youths are the leaders of tomorrow, they say. This saying I have known since infancy and I have been wondering if that’s true in its real …

"Are youths the leaders of tomorrow – or today?" Read More »

Unemployment and high prices face today’s young people, writes Laura Vincent, 23, a Correspondent from Stratford-upon-Avon in England, who describes the struggle to cope with student debt and start a career.  Is our generation doomed? I agree that that is rather morbid and pessimistic rhetoric to begin with, but what better? According to research by …

"Long-term unemployment discourages youth" Read More »

Youth are sometimes seen as too immature to take part in politics, writes Rizwan Anwar, 24, a Correspondent from Lahore in Pakistan. But he argues that democracy means including youth who want to shape the future. People between the ages of 15 and 29 constitute youth. Those in their teens among the youth are said …

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Homelessness is a reality for thousands of Australian youth, a situation that Francis Ventura, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Australia, describes as a ‘scourge’ that demands public awareness and political action. While considering society’s challenge to end youth homelessness, it is important to keep the words of late South African former President Nelson Mandela in …

"Why ending youth homelessness matters" Read More »