Nominations are now open for nominations of young leaders for Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) executive positions 2024-2026.
The nomination period closes on 12 August 2024 to allow approved candidates to start campaigning in time for the virtual election to be held on 16-17 September ahead of the 2024 Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) on Commonwealth Heads of Government. Meeting in Samoa.
Established in 2013 with the endorsement of Commonwealth Heads of Government, CYC represents more than 1.5 billion young people from 56 Commonwealth Member States. The Council coordinates the work of national youth-led organizations at the national and regional levels, advises government officials, implements programs and works on impactful policies aimed at transforming lives, improving communities and shaping the future.
The CYC Executive also plays a key role in advising stakeholders, including the Secretariat that delivers the Commonwealth Youth Program (CYP). They benefit from training opportunities, participate in international events and contribute to development efforts.
The 2024 CYC elections are particularly important as new leaders will help define youth development priorities in the Commonwealth after the annual Youth Summit in October this year.
The Commonwealth’s leading youth voice
The Commonwealth Secretary General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, highlighted the importance of the CYC, noting that they should be central to decision-making and policy decisions. She noted:
“Young people are at the heart of the Commonwealth Charter. The future success of the Commonwealth depends on them, and we need their voices now. We have integrated the perspectives of youth leaders in our meetings with Commonwealth Heads of Government and Government Ministers, whose energy, creativity and innovative ideas inspire us to deliver more.
“The Commonwealth Youth Council brings together talent from all our regions and provides a forum to focus and strengthen youth voices. Your ideas and active participation will help us ensure inclusive growth and development. I strongly encourage you to consider serving.
The election results will lead to the creation of a ten-member executive drawn from national youth councils, other youth-led civil society groups and private sector organizations from across the Commonwealth.
Layne Robinson, head of community policy development, urged talented young leaders to get involved.
“We recognize the immense talent and determination among our youth. Being a youth leader at this critical time is a huge responsibility that requires hard work and dedication. At the Commonwealth Secretariat, we reward that commitment by investing in young people working in CYC at pan-Commonwealth, regional and national levels. Their perspectives inform the work we do, we amplify their voices, and we see opportunities for their leadership on the world stage.
„This year, the chairperson role will be from the African region, as it rotates every two years to regions within the Commonwealth. However, all other roles are open to leaders from across the regions we serve. We are looking for nominations from our next generation of CYC leaders.
The current CYC Chair is Kim Allen of Papua New Guinea, who leads an eight-person team that provides the Commonwealth Secretariat with solutions to pressing social, economic and political issues, as well as monitoring emerging global trends.
What do you need?
Guided by the CYC’s constitution and electoral norms and guidelines, the following positions are open for a two-year term between 2024-2026:
- Chair (Open to applicants from the African region only)
- Vice President – Inclusion and Engagement (open to all Commonwealth citizens)
- Vice President – Partnerships and Resources (open to all Commonwealth citizens)
- Vice President – Policy and Advocacy (open to all Commonwealth citizens)
- Regional Representative – Africa
- Regional Representative – Asia
- Regional Representative – Caribbean
- Regional Representative – Europe and Canada
- Regional Representative – Pacific
- Representative – Special Interest Groups (open to all Commonwealth citizens with marginalized or vulnerable groups, e.g. Aboriginal people, people with disabilities)
Eligibility and Appointment
To be considered, candidates must be nominated by a National Youth Council or youth-led organization and you must:
- Must be at least 15 years of age at the time of appointment and 30 years of age for the entire tenure (October 2024 – October 2026);
- A minimum of three years experience as a national and/or regional/international youth leader;
- Demonstrate advocacy experience; And
- Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country (you don’t have to live in that country).
Apply now to join the Commonwealth Youth Council
If you have any questions about CYC elections, please contact CYC by email [email protected].