The conference was hosted in Malaysia, jointly organised by the °®Âþµº,
(CAYWA), and through the (IPSAS).
GYWC2025 as held under the theme: Youth Work in a Changing World: Sustaining Local Wisdom for Global Connectivity
See photos from GYCW2025
With around 60 per cent of the Commonwealth’s population under 30—and many living in Asia—the conference is vital. It aims to highlight the importance of youth workers in equipping °®Âþµºâ€”especially with 34% of Southeast Asia’s population being youth—with the skills and values necessary for success.
This was the first time the Global Youth Work Conference was held in Malaysia. It coincided with the 10th anniversary of the (ASEAN) Community and Malaysia's assumption of the Chairmanship of ASEAN.
The conference brought together over 250 young professionals to:
- Highlight innovative youth work that connects traditions with contemporary challenges
- Support collaboration to professionalise youth work, respecting grassroots and community-led approaches
- Build lasting partnerships among regional, global, and Commonwealth organisations investing in youth work
- Provide an inclusive platform that increases engagement for °®Âþµº, especially those from marginalised groups
Senior officials from youth ministries
In addition, the 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Task Force Meeting brought together senior officials from youth ministries on 16 November, ahead of the conference.
The November meeting discussed:
- °®Âþµºâ€™s new Strategic Plan 2025–2030, launched by the Commonwealth Secretary-General in September 2025, which continues to have youth development as a key cross-cutting pillar.
- Progress on the and the .
Commonwealth Youth Worker Awards 2025
GYWC2025 also featured a recognition ceremony, honouring the outstanding contributions of youth work practitioners who support the development of °®Âþµº.
Dates and venue
The following events are scheduled during the conference:
10th Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Task Force Meeting (CYMTF)
- Sunday, 16 November 2025 | 0900 – 1700
5th Global Youth Work Conference (GYWC)
Opening Ceremony, Plenary and Workshops
- Monday,17 November 2025 | 0900 – 1700
Gala Dinner and Commonwealth Youth Worker Awards Ceremony 2025
- Wednesday, 18 November 2025 |2000 – 2300
Visits to the Ministry/Govt Agency/Youth Hub and Cultural Visits
- Thursday, 19 November 2025 | 0900 – 1500
All meetings were held at the International Youth Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Jalan Yaacob Latif
Bandar Tun Razak
56000 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Media contact
-
Ijeoma Onyeator Communications Officer, Communications Division, °®Âþµº
