The first Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) Dialogue aimed at tackling youth matters convened in Windhoek today.
The four-day dialogue is attended by youth delegates, policymakers, and leaders from across 56 Commonwealth member states.
The event is co-hosted by the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture and the Commonwealth.
Young people will deliberate on education, digital innovation, mental health, and climate leadership, recognising that youth are the leaders of today.
The solutions-oriented dialogue presents an opportunity for coverage, youth engagement and continental storytelling.
"We are here to speak boldly. We are here to disagree loudly. And we are here to dream dangerously. I mean, look at this room. It's full of international guests. And it's us, us, the youth, supported by senior government officials, at the forefront of it. They are encouraging us to realise our dreams and turn them into reality, because together we can achieve that," explained Rosy Schaneck, CYC Africa Representative.
Layne Robinson, the Head of Social Development, Youth and Gender at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said, "It's time to harness the knowledge and the skills you have and the platforms you have and rise up. You must act in the best interest of young people. You must do that because it is your duty. Executive members of CYCNYD, you have a duty. And my call is for you to remain faithful to the duty you have."
Also speaking at the event was the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Youth Council, Joshua Opey. He said, "In the face of growing concern for the future of young people globally. From rising unemployment rates, mental health issues, and the climate crisis, among others, you will agree with me that this should instead be a time where we increase resource allocation to youth-led organisations like the CYS to put at the fore young people who are driving change."
The Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, said young people are the nation's greatest asset; hence, there is a need for greater investment in their success.
She urged accountability among youth-led organisations with regard to finances.
"We don't have space or time for egos in our institutions, for personal interests and power trips, and the deep sense of entitlement. If you want to be radical and revolutionary, step up. Step up. Be responsible, be accountable, be prepared, be ready. Then we talk about accountability and the governance – what it takes to govern institutions. And we encourage you because we know you have it within you."
The participating youth mean to craft a road map that will drive sustainable impact across youth-related sectors.