The Accra International Conference Center hosted the first-ever Model Commonwealth Summit from August 1-3, 2024.
This landmark event, endorsed by the Commonwealth Secretariat, was a pivotal part of the Year of Youth’s official programme activities.
The summit convened about 250 young individuals, including 150 delegates who represented the interests of the 56 Commonwealth member states.
The primary objective of the summit was to facilitate a deeper understanding of the Commonwealth’s work among young people and to mainstream youth perspectives on significant issues affecting the Commonwealth.
This initiative aligns with the overarching goal of the Year of Youth, which was declared by leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2022. The Year of Youth, initially planned for 2023 and extended to 2024, emphasises youth-led action for sustainable and inclusive development.
The summit kicked off with an enlightening session featuring distinguished speakers such as Ms. Christabel Derby, Chairperson of the Commonwealth Year of Youth Advisory Board, and Mr Nelson Owusu Ansah, Deputy CEO of the National Youth Authority (NYA). The speakers underscored various initiatives aimed at engaging young people meaningfully and offered valuable insights into how young people can contribute to achieving a resilient common future.
A highlight of the summit was the mentorship provided to delegates on diplomacy and networking. These sessions were designed to enhance the participants’ skills, preparing them to become responsible leaders capable of contributing to the Commonwealth’s development.
Delegates were divided into three central committees: the Committee on Governance, Security, and Internationalisation (C.GSI), the Committee on Education, Social, and Environment (C.ESE), and the Committee on Cooperation, Inclusivity, and Development (C.CID). Each committee engaged in thorough discussions, addressing critical issues relevant to their respective domains.
The resolutions formulated by these committees will be forwarded to the Commonwealth Secretariat and other relevant stakeholders. These resolutions are intended to be integrated into policies, ensuring that the voices and ideas of the youth are represented in the decision-making processes that shape the future of the Commonwealth.
The summit served as a platform for young leaders to assemble, share ideas, and develop actionable resolutions. It highlighted the immense potential of youth to drive positive change and instilled a sense of pride and optimism in all those involved.
Reflecting on the summit’s accomplishments, Martinson, Executive Director of the Model Commonwealth Summit, stated, “As we reflect on this summit’s accomplishments, it is evident that the Commonwealth’s future lies in the hands of its youth. The Model Commonwealth Summit has laid a strong foundation for ongoing engagement and development, ensuring that young people remain at the forefront of the Commonwealth’s vision for a more inclusive, cooperative, and prosperous future.”
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