Thousands of youth took part in Sri Lanka’s Human Rights Day, writes Madusha Erandi, 21, a Correspondent from Colombo in Sri Lanka, where they demonstrated the vital role young people can play in promoting basic human rights. It is a very basic fact as humans that all of us should know that human rights are …

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Sri Lanka will host the World Youth Conference in 2014, writes Madusha Erandi, 21, a Correspondent from Colombo in Sri Lanka, who says the Conference will focus on giving youth a stronger role in decisions and policy that create real change in society. We had no time for leisure after the Commonwealth Youth Forum. Since …

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As a lead speaker at the Commonwealth Youth Forum of November 2013, Salma Yusuf, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Sri Lanka, had a unique opportunity to reflect on youth’s role in reconciliation and policy-making. It was indeed an honour to address emerging leaders of Commonwealth nations hailing from four of the world’s inhabited continents. What was …

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New voters have the opportunity to deeply influence India’s general election, argues Priyashree Andley, 30, a Correspondent from Delhi in India, as they use social media and debate to make leaders accountable for policy.  As India goes through its crucial General Elections 2014, quite a few unique developments are very evident. This year 150 million …

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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 …

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International Youth Day is a favourite event for Harnoor Gill, 16, a Correspondent from Georgetown, Canada. This year’s IYD includes the theme “Mental Health Matters”, and Harnoor offers readers some ideas for marking the day and celebrating youth. My favourite day of the year is today. I honestly have been waiting in excitement for it …

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 World peace is an elusive target, but a day has been designated to reflect on that goal writes Harnoor Gill, 16, a Correspondent from Georgetown, Canada, as he offers suggestions about how to promote peace and tolerance. The International Day of Peace is all about commemorating peace that has been achieved by nations around the world. …

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Timi Olagunju, 28, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria, was among the guest speakers at a one-day summit celebrating International Youth Day. Academics and decision-makers talked with students about post-2015 goals and the role for Nigeria’s youth.  International Youth Day in Nigeria had as its theme ‘The Role of Youths in Advancing Development Goals and the Post …

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Young people in Africa have many ideas for community development, but Joshua Orawo, 24, a Correspondent from Kenya, argues that consolidating those ideas is an important step in turning plans to action. A fortnight ago, I received a phone call from a young Kenyan with a passion to impact his community through certain developmental initiatives. He is lost …

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International sporting events showcase athletes, but they can also promote youth engagement and physical activity at the local level writes Carl Konadu, coordinator of the Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace working group, a network supported by the Commonwealth Youth Programme. Sport in itself has become a major facet of modern society; almost everyone …

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