Abdur Rafay Usmani, 21, a Correspondent from Karachi in Pakistan, argues that gender empowerment will not only allow the marginalised to overcome their sense of powerlessness, but will also  have a profound impact on a nation’s economy. There is a widespread misconception that gender and sex are two interchangeable terms. Sex refers to the biological characteristics …

“Gender empowerment and the economy” Read More »

Pristine wilderness and a rich cultural mosaic gives northeast India remarkable potential for tourism, writes Abhilash Borah, 22, a Correspondent from Assam, India, who says improving the infrastructure will benefit tourists and the area itself. Tawang is home to the largest Buddhist monastery, and to the ancient tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. A visitor can take …

“Northeast India has great tourism potential” Read More »

Sustainable Development Goals that came into force after the phase-out of MDGs that drove global development for 15 years are relatively comprehensive in terms of scope and seek to address issues of poverty, hunger, education, and climate, writes Badru Walusansa, 25, a Correspondent from Kampala in Uganda, who says beneficiaries have to be involved in the planning. …

“Putting people first to promote quality of life” Read More »

Nigeria depends on natural gas for 70 per cent of its power generation, yet many depend on generators for their electricity needs, write Rebecca Olorunisola, 24, a Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria, as she makes the case for investing in renewable energy sources. In February 2016, it was reported for the first time in the history of …

“Time for Nigeria to look beyond fossil fuel” Read More »

Women’s shelters are an aspect of services designed to empower vulnerable women, but Sugandha Parmar, 22, a Correspondent in Kanpur, India, examines whether these safe havens have the infrastructure required to fulfil their intended role. Before we start, it is important to discuss a few terms in detail. Economic empowerment is the individual’s ability to …

“Gaps in women’s economic empowerment” Read More »

Pure science is nothing but an extension of the age old and continuing efforts of intellectuals to understand the mysteries of nature, writes Ishan Agarwal, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kolkata in India, who says scientists experience agony while endlessly searching for that elusive solution and sheer ecstasy when they find it. Two incidents from …

“The agony and ecstasy of studying science” Read More »

By Faith Manthi The Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) is a a youth-led organisation that aims to advance the youth development agenda, to ensure a relevant, vibrant, effective, and prosperous Commonwealth in the 21st century and beyond. This can only be achieved through mainstreaming young people into the work of the Commonwealth. The CYC partners with Commonwealth …

Do young people have a role in trade & development? Read More »

The global digital landscape means technology is becoming more affordable and Internet access increasingly ubiquitous, but Steph Carter, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Australia, asks whether every country is reaping the benefits. While today’s generation is likely to take up jobs that aren’t yet invented, communities and youth without Internet access face disenfranchisement from a future of economic …

“Unlikely heroes in bridging the digital divide” Read More »

Finding directions has been no easy matter in Ghana, writes Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu, 20, a Correspondent from Ghana, but that is changing as standard street signs are adopted. The new signs open the door to vital services. Those who have been out of Ghana for some time will notice something fundamentally different about the country …

“Ghana’s streets are getting names and signs” Read More »

African agriculture is poised for development as business and government pledge to invest, writes Commonwealth Correspondent Michael Gyekye, 23, from Ghana. The result could be less hunger, more jobs, and stronger economies. African leaders across business and politics and the continent’s development partners are poised to elevate agriculture on the continent to an enviable pedestal through …

“Africa plots golden era of agriculture” Read More »