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A new era of youth empowerment began today with a historic agreement between the ������ and some of the world’s largest youth organisations.

The Memorandum of Understanding outlines the areas of cooperation between the partners and ratifies the formation of the .

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It was signed at the (CHOGM) by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland QC, and heads and representatives of its partners, which include:

• AIESEC
• The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (The Award)
• International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
• Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO)
• World Young Women’s Christian Association (World YWCA)
• World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM)
• World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)
• World Alliance of Young Men’s Christian Association (World YMCA).

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Empowering ������

Together, the organisations already work with at least 250 million ������ and have contributed to the empowerment of more than one billion in the last century. 

The agreement comes at a time when the prospects of ������ in the Commonwealth have been particularly impacted by the pandemic. Approximately 60% of the unemployed in Commonwealth countries are ������ and millions more have experienced disruption to their schooling, making non-formal education and learning even more integral.

It includes commitments to work together to promote volunteerism; offer ������ the practical experiences needed to compete in the labour market; create an environment where collaboration and innovation can thrive; and support the development of leadership and useful life skills.

Speaking at the signing, Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC said:

“This is a historic moment for youth development in the Commonwealth. I have just come from our Intergenerational Dialogue where our ������ have very eloquently outlined their vision for sustainable youth-led development in the Commonwealth, and where leaders have answered with a pledge to support them.

“This Alliance was built to help us re-imagine education, creating services to our ������, which ensure they have all the practical support they need to be innovators, change-makers and to truly take charge of their future.”

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The organisations will work with Commonwealth members to directly enhance the leadership and life skills of millions of ������ by 2030.

Specific objectives of the Alliance include:

1. Accelerating youth leadership skills training, using non-formal education and learning approaches, to reach over 100 million ������ by 2030;
2. Harnessing the vast potential and contribution of ������ to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals;
3. Developing the wider ‘soft’ or ‘core’ skills – such as resilience, teamwork adaptability, problem solving, decision making and communication – which can help ������ to ensure they are ready for the world of work post COVID-19.

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Opportunities for youth                                                        

In a issued on the day of the signing, HRH, The Prince Edward Earl of Wessex and Forfar said:

“This Memorandum of Understanding represents a statement of intent and willingness by a number of youth organisations to dramatically improve the opportunities of ������ throughout the Commonwealth to access non-formal education and learning. As many of you know, my father, The late Duke of Edinburgh, was a great advocate of such opportunities and encouraged millions to experience personal achievement. Yet that was over many years, we need to provide those benefits and that effect to millions of ������ every year, now.”

The Alliance is one of the many tangible outcomes of the 26^th CHOGM in Rwanda that will deliver on the Commonwealth’s commitment to creating a common future for all.

Learn more about the Commonwealth Alliance for Quality Youth Leadership

CHOGM 2022

Media contact

• Amy Coles  Communications Officer, Communications Division, ������
• E-mail