Young people are at the heart of the Commonwealth Charter – Ratu Wiliame

Young people are at the heart of the Commonwealth Charter and are disproportionately impacted by interlinked global crises.

This was stated President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere while delivering his address at the Commonwealth Leaders Event on the margins of the Coronation of King Charles III in London.

He says however, despite the numerous challenges they face, young people contribute to every aspect of social, economic, political and cultural life.

Ratu Wiliame says at the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2022), leaders declared 2023 as a year dedicated to youth-led action for sustainable and inclusive development.

He says at the CHOGM 2022, leaders pledged their continued commitment to mainstreaming youth priorities into national development policies and plans, especially in the post-COVID-19 recovery context, with an emphasis on youth participation and youth employment.

He further says Fiji has a predominantly young population and 70% of them are below the age of 40 years while 32% are below the age of 15- 35 years.

Ratu Wiliame says the Fiji Government recognises the potential of its youth and is committed to providing and supporting an environment that supports youth engagement and empowerment, through policies and initiatives such as the International Youth Exchange Programme, National Youth Conference and Youth Parliament initiative.

After their meeting with the His Majesty the King, leaders from the Commonwealth's 56 member states then met privately to discuss issues of mutual interest, including initiatives to support the empowerment of young people, as this year has been designated the Commonwealth Year of Youth.