Young people are often recognised for their potential, but unlocking that potential requires more than recognition; it requires structured opportunities to learn, lead, and serve. The Commonwealth Volunteer Programme (CVP) is being rolled out as a strategic intervention to provide pathways for young people to contribute to national development while gaining the experience needed to transition into sustainable livelihoods.
The Commonwealth Volunteer Programme leverages meaningful volunteerism to equip young people aged 18 to 35 with practical experience, professional training, leadership exposure, and pathways into employment and public service. At the same time, the programme addresses service gaps across key development sectors, including education, climate action, health, peace and security, and economic empowerment.
Following its launch during the Commonwealth Youth Council’s side event, “From Promise to Progress: Youth-Led Action for the SDGs,” at the ECOSOC Youth Forum held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the CYC began translating the programme into action through a series of national consultations aimed at shaping its implementation.
The consultations brought together representatives from government, the private sector, youth organisations, and other stakeholders to co-design national implementation frameworks that reflect local priorities while advancing the programme’s overall objectives.
Nigeria
The first national consultation was held on 15th May 2026 at the Event Hall, Work and Connect, Abuja. The meeting convened representatives from government, private organisations, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, and youth leaders to design an initial framework for implementing the Commonwealth Volunteer Programme in Nigeria.
Participants explored how the programme could reflect Nigeria’s realities, respond to national priorities, and create sustainable impact across key development sectors. The strategic consultation generated valuable ideas, recommendations, and partnerships that will significantly shape an effective and inclusive implementation framework. The outcomes are expected to inform a national roadmap that will guide the programme’s next steps in Nigeria.
Ghana
The second consultation took place on 25th May 2026 at the British Council in Accra, hosted jointly with the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment. Similar to the Nigeria consultation, the session brought together stakeholders from government, private organisations, and youth leaders to develop an initial framework for implementing the programme in Ghana. The consultation outcomes will also feed into a national roadmap to guide future implementation.
During the consultation, CYC Chairperson Joshua Opey noted that the Commonwealth Volunteer Programme is being developed to address two pressing challenges in Ghana: youth unemployment and service delivery gaps.
“The programme seeks to recruit, train, and deploy young people to contribute meaningfully in health, education, climate and environment, peace and security, and economic empowerment.”
Participants welcomed the programme’s practical approach to youth development.
“What stood out to me was the emphasis on verifiable credentials and clear career pathways. This is not just about volunteering for the sake of it; it is about equipping young people with skills, exposure, and networks that can translate into jobs, leadership, and long-term opportunities,” one participant shared.
The national consultations marked an important step in translating the Commonwealth Volunteer Programme from concept to implementation, ensuring that its design is informed by national priorities and stakeholder collaboration. Reaffirming the Council’s commitment to delivering the programme successfully, CYC Chairperson Joshua Opey emphasised:
“CYC remains committed to working with stakeholders to deliver in the best interests of young people.”
Written by:
Thierry TUYIZERE
Former CYC Communications & Marketing Intern
Certified Social Media Manager – Rwanda
