The Accra International Conference Center hosted the inaugural Model Commonwealth Summit from August 1 to 3, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the Year of Youth’s official activities.
The event, endorsed by the Commonwealth Secretariat, gathered around 250 young individuals, including 150 delegates representing the 56 Commonwealth member states.
The summit aimed to deepen young people’s understanding of the Commonwealth’s work and integrate their perspectives on critical issues affecting the organization.
This initiative supports the Year of Youth, which will be extended into 2024, focusing on youth-led efforts for sustainable and inclusive development.
The event commenced with sessions featuring prominent speakers such as Ms. Christabel Derby, Chairperson of the Commonwealth Year of Youth Advisory Board, and Mr. Nelson Owusu Ansah, Deputy CEO of the National Youth Authority (NYA).
They emphasized youth engagement and outlined how young leaders can contribute to a resilient future.
A vital component of the summit was the mentorship on diplomacy and networking, equipping participants with skills for leadership and future contributions to the Commonwealth.
Delegates were organized into three committees: Governance, Security, and Internationalisation (C.GSI), Education, Social, and Environment (C.ESE), and Cooperation, Inclusivity, and Development (C.CID).
Each committee tackled critical issues within its domain and crafted resolutions to be submitted to the Commonwealth Secretariat and other stakeholders for policy-making.
The summit provided a platform for young leaders to exchange ideas and develop actionable resolutions, underscoring their potential to drive positive change.
Martinson, Executive Director of the Model Commonwealth Summit, reflected on the event’s success, stating, “The Model Commonwealth Summit has established a solid foundation for ongoing youth engagement, ensuring that young people are integral to the Commonwealth’s vision for a more inclusive and prosperous future.”
