Commonwealth Youth Council | Youth Empowerment & Advocacy

The Commonwealth Youth Council

Advancing the youth development agenda by integrating young people into the development work of the Commonwealth at national, regional, and Pan-Commonwealth levels

Youth Representation & Advocacy

Ensuring the voices of the over 1.5 billion young people across the Commonwealth are heard and influencing policies at all levels.

Youth Empowerment & Development

Building the capacity of young people through leadership training, skills development, and providing opportunities for youth to be meaningfully engaged.

Global Collaboration & Impact

Connecting youth leaders and stakeholders to address global challenges and drive collective action towards a prosperous common future.

Established In 2013

The CYC works to mobilize the voices of young people and advocate for governments to engage young people meaningfully.

The official representative voice of the more than 1.5 billion youth

The Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) is the official representative voice of the more than 1.5 billion young people in the Commonwealth. The CYC was first established in 2013 with the support of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Commonwealth Youth Programme.

It was endorsed by Commonwealth Heads of Government at their biennial summit in Sri Lanka as an autonomous, youth-led organization

Impact Projects

IMPACT

The Climate Change Programme

The Climate Change Programme of the Commonwealth focuses on strengthening the resilience of Commonwealth countries to the negative impacts of climate change. It advocates for international policies, mechanisms and rules to be more responsive to the development needs of Small Islands Developing States and other vulnerable countries.

IMPACT

Promoting the Commonwealth Blue Charter in Ghana – CYC leads workshop series in Ghana

In February 2020, the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) took a bold step toward addressing climate change and promoting sustainable practices through an impactful project in Ghana. This initiative, led by Miss Abena Dugan, the CYC Vice Chair for Partnership and Resources, aligned with the Commonwealth Blue Charter's call for clean water, sanitation, and environmental conservation.

Countries

Executives

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Committees

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Billion Participants

News & Events

Commonwealth Leadership Series – Special Edition with President Kufuor of Ghana

The Commonwealth Leaders Academy is honoured to host a Special Edition of the Commonwealth Leadership Series (CLS) featuring H.E. John Agyekum Kufuor, former President of the Republic of

Young Beneficiaries of the Football for Socio-Economic Change initiative in Rwanda

CYC Marks World Oceans Day by Recognising Young Climate Champions

To mark World Oceans Day, the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) celebrated young climate champions across the Commonwealth. Observed on 8 June, this event emphasises the vital role of our oceans. One inspiring story is Byiringiro Mugiraneza Olivier from Rwanda, whose project, Football for Socio-Economic Change, uses football to discuss climate and community development. Discover how these young leaders drive positive change and contribute to environmental protection.

Picture of participants from Volunteer Programme Consultation in Ghana

CYC Advances the Commonwealth Volunteer Programme Through National Consultations

Unlocking the potential of young people requires structured opportunities to learn, lead, and serve. The Commonwealth Volunteer Programme (CVP) empowers youth aged 18 to 35 by providing practical experience and pathways to employment while addressing key sectors like education, health, and economic empowerment. Following its launch at the United Nations, national consultations in Nigeria and Ghana are shaping its implementation to reflect local priorities. Discover how this initiative is transforming youth engagement and creating sustainable community impact.