Accra, Ghana – A delegation of Commonwealth Youth Council executives and national youth delegates led by Chairperson Joshua Opey participating in the 2nd Consultative Dialogue for African Youth, paid a courtesy call on the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, in Accra, Ghana.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the youth dialogue, underscored the commitment of African youth to advancing meaningful engagement within the Commonwealth framework. Delegates discussed key priorities, including youth leadership, innovation and sustainable development, emphasising the critical role young people play in shaping the future of the Region.

Hon. Botchwey expressed her gratitude for the visit and highlighted her vision for a more inclusive and youth-centred Commonwealth during her tenure. She reiterated her commitment to youth mainstreaming across the Commonwealth and her willingness to work with the young people of the Commonwealth to achieve resilience.

“We must work together to harness young people’s energy, talent and creativity across the Commonwealth. You are the heartbeat of our collective progress.” – Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Incoming Secretary General of The Commonwealth.

The delegates reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat to create platforms that amplify youth voices and promote solutions to shared challenges such as unemployment, climate change, and access to education.

The delegation also included Ms Neema Sheikh Abdikadir, the Vice Chairperson for Inclusion & Engagement, Ms Rosy Schaneck, the CYC Representative for Africa, and National Youth Delegates of African Commonwealth member states.