More than 300 young leaders have presented recommendations to Commonwealth Heads of Government, calling for greater investment in employment, education, digital access and youth participation in decision-making.
Young people across the Commonwealth are calling for a greater role in government decision-making, improved access to employment and sustained investment in youth-led initiatives.
The demands are contained in the 14th Commonwealth Youth Forum Policy Document adopted at the close of the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Forum in Antigua and Barbuda on 4 November.
The forum brought together more than 300 young leaders from the Commonwealth’s five regions to discuss challenges affecting young people and develop recommendations for consideration by Heads of Government.
The document calls on governments to give young people meaningful roles in policy development, protect civic freedoms and establish mechanisms through which institutions can account for how they respond to youth proposals.
Employment and economic opportunities feature prominently in the recommendations, with delegates urging governments to strengthen the connection between education and decent work, improve access to business financing and support sustainable livelihoods.
The young leaders also want greater participation in climate policy, particularly in decisions affecting communities facing the consequences of climate change.
Other priorities include improved access to mental health services, digital technology, skills development and stronger protections for privacy and online safety.
The recommendations were developed through consultations, plenary discussions and workshops involving delegates from across the Commonwealth.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Tania Baumann said the proposals would inform discussions at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
“Together, you have developed a powerful set of recommendations that speak directly to the Commonwealth’s future. And be in no doubt: we have heard you. Your outcome document will inform CHOGM discussions and ensure that Heads of Government know what young people across the Commonwealth want,” Baumann said.
She added that the Commonwealth Secretariat would incorporate the recommendations into its own work.
A major concern raised during the forum was the limited influence young people have over decisions that directly affect their lives.
Delegates argued that youth participation should begin at the policy development stage and continue through implementation and evaluation.
They called for a shift from occasional consultations to arrangements that give young people responsibilities, resources and opportunities to influence decisions.
Youth-led organisations also appealed for reliable and long-term financing to support their activities.
They said short-term project grants were insufficient for organisations seeking to expand their operations, strengthen management structures and develop sustainable programmes.
Education was another major subject of discussion, with delegates raising concerns about the financial and geographical barriers preventing young people from accessing learning opportunities.
Professor Colin Riordan, Secretary-General and Chief Executive of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, said universities had an important responsibility to improve access to education and equip young people with practical skills.
“Too many young people are still held back from education by cost, distance or circumstance. The ambition shown at this Forum is a reminder of what is possible when that potential is unlocked,” Riordan said.
He called on universities to create opportunities that would enable young people to develop their ideas into practical solutions.
The closing ceremony also recognised young innovators who participated in the Innovation Skills Challenge.
Awards were presented across six categories covering technology, finance, advocacy, entrepreneurship, the creative economy, and education and power.
Winners received environmentally friendly trophies designed by Stanley Anigbogu, the 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year.
The ceremony featured cultural performances, including a guitar performance by Antiguan musician Annia Mathews.
The Commonwealth Youth Forum was organised by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat, Commonwealth Youth Council and an international taskforce of young leaders.
The discussions also come as the Commonwealth advances its Youth Programme Strategic Framework for 2026–2030, which seeks to strengthen youth development, leadership and participation across member countries.
The policy document will serve as a reference for youth advocacy and a measure against which governments and Commonwealth institutions can assess progress in addressing the concerns raised by young people.
