Independence day was a day of learning for Oghenekevwe Oghenechovwen, 18, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Warri in Nigeria, who marked the occasion by taking part in sessions with change-makers and keen students. Fifty-six years after independence from the British, Nigerians are way into the journey of being responsible for the progress of her people, and …

“Independence celebration for students” Read More »

Every day a multitude of resources is spent tackling poverty and standard of living in developing countries all over the globe, writes Andrew Larkins, 26, a Correspondent from Australia, who questions whether the billions spent by governments on grants, loans, technical expertise, and debt relief is the right answer. According to The Economist, this foreign aid is …

“Development aid is not developing solutions” Read More »

Disappointed with missed Millennium Declaration targets, Folmi Yohanna, 27, a Correspondent from Kano in Nigeria, examines whether uneven progress will be addressed through the implementation of recently-adopted Sustainable Development Goals. The MDGs came into existence in September 2000, where leaders of 189 countries gathered at the United Nations and signed the historic Millennium Declaration, in which …

“From MDGs to SDGs: What is the next step?” Read More »

Demonstrations in Cameroon over language tensions are getting little international attention, writes Kenneth Gyamerah, 26, a Correspondent from Kumasi in Ghana, who describes how the political situation has created hardship for students and young professionals. Cameroon is a country in West Africa with more than 240 ethnic groups. This makes the country very strong and rich …

“Entrepreneurs have become digital refugees” Read More »

The International Monetary Fund and World Bank have been touted as the pioneers in the field of poverty alleviation in developing countries, writes Swapnil Mishra, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from India currently studying in the U.S. However, he points out that some of their policies have been criticised by international development watchdogs. In Haiti’s case, the criticism arose …

“Development economics in Haiti and Ghana” Read More »

We are constantly changing the way we deal with the world, thanks to internet and communications technology. Badru Walusansa, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kampala in Uganda, argues for government support that will boost home-grown talent and help drive the innovation that provides new ideas and growth.  The unprecedented growth of innovation in the world today …

“Government should support ICT innovation” Read More »

Africa has brilliant individuals but too often experiences difficulty with teamwork, writes Kenneth Gyamerah, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kumasi in Ghana. He suggests the reason is tradition that creates preference for “it’s mine” instead of “its ours”, and tells a story about overcoming that view. Many brilliant young African leaders want to be at …

“Working together challenges young leaders” Read More »

The objectives and values between aid and business have reached a landmark intersection, writes Steph Carter, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Australia. In an era of Sustainable Development Goals, the development landscape is changing. Donor funding is becoming more targeted, with growing need to engage the private sector in lasting social impact. In the Asia …

“Shared Value transforms youth activism” Read More »

Commonwealth Correspondent Kenneth Gyamerah, 26, is the proud winner of Ghana’s 2017 Leadership in Education Award, given by the Education Community Awards in Ghana to recognise educators and young leaders striving to improve the country’s education sector in Ghana. Kenneth describes the origins and inspiring results of his commitment to ensuring education and mentorship for Ghana’s most vulnerable students.  …

“I found my voice: I champion a worthy cause” Read More »

Working as a development practitioner led Mridul Upadhyay, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Delhi in India, to learn how to ensure that development provides the best solutions to local problems. Most of us are familiar with sustainable development goals (SDGs). I have been a development practitioner for few years, but so many thoughts used …

“Finding a definition: What is development?” Read More »