Windhoek: The Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC), representing 1.6 billion young people from the 56 member states in the Commonwealth, has called for increased investment in youth-led organisations to empower young leaders to address global challenges.

According to Namibia Press Agency, this call was made in a joint statement by the Government of Namibia, the CYC, and the Commonwealth Secretariat at the end of a weeklong Youth Leadership Consultative Dialogue. In the statement, CYC Chairperson Joshua Opey emphasized the need for increased investment in youth-led organisations to enable young people to take the lead in driving solutions to global challenges. He stated, "This should be a time where we increase resource allocation to youth-led organisations like the CYC to put them at the forefront of driving change."

Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, highlighted the importance of the dialogue for its potential to build networks and inspire policy shifts. She remarked, "Let this dialogue be remembered for the meaningful relationships it ignites, the policy shifts it inspires, and the belief it affirms that young people across the Commonwealth are not just ready to lead - they are already doing so."

The dialogue was part of the activities leading up to International Youth Day (IYD) on August 12, which marks the 10th anniversary of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Planned events include a Model Commonwealth Summit in Ghana, a digital broadcast highlighting past Commonwealth Youth Award winners, and youth participation at the UN's official IYD observance in Nairobi, Kenya.

Layne Robinson, Head of Social Policy Development at the Commonwealth Secretariat, reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to supporting youth as innovators, advocates, and leaders. The event gathered over 200 youth leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss issues such as unemployment, climate change, mental health, and sustainable development.

The statement concluded with a pledge from participants and organisers to ensure that youth priorities remain central to policymaking across the Commonwealth.