Commonwealth Youth Council: A Chance To Become Part Of One Of World’s Most Diverse Youth-Led Body
The Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) is the official representative voice of the more than 1.4 billion young people belonging to the Commonwealth nations – making it one of the world’s most diverse youth-led bodies.
CYC was established in 2013 with support from Commonwealth Secretariat’s Commonwealth Youth Programme. The autonomous, youth-led organization is led by a nine-member executive and acts as a coalition of national youth councils and other youth-led civil society and private sector bodies from across all member countries of the Commonwealth. It aims to further advance the youth development agenda by integrating young people into the development work of the Commonwealth at national, regional, and Pan-Commonwealth levels. The CYC also provides a sustainable platform for unified engagement with decision-makers and youth-led development initiatives.
It was announced earlier that the CYC, is seeking candidates for its nine executive positions to serve from 2021 to 2023. In this regard, nominations are open for young leaders to apply to stand for the following positions;
1. Chairperson (open only to applicants from the Pacific region, as per the rotation policy);
2. Vice-Chairperson – Inclusion and Engagement;
3. Vice-Chairperson – Partnerships and Resources;
4. Vice-Chairperson – Policy and Advocacy;
5. Regional Representative – Africa and Europe;
6. Regional Representative – Asia Regional;
7. Representative – Caribbean and Americas;
8. Regional Representative – Pacific; and
9. Representative Special Interest Groups (any region)
Youth between the ages 15 and 27 can apply for the positions until 21st February 2021. Candidates must have at least three years of experience working with a national youth council or a youth-led organization. Interested youth can complete their nominations through this link.
As the call for nominations was initially announced last year in which the entire process was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, those who applied last year are also required to resubmit their nominations.
Following nominations and clearance, shortlisted candidates will be provided the chance to campaign online from 20th March 2021 to 5th May 2021. Candidates are encouraged to limit campaign expenses, and should not spend more than £200. The election is set to take place online as well, on the 7th & 8th May 2021. Results will be announced on 10th May 2021.
The elected executives will run and develop the council, organize workshops and advisory panels, give recommendations for youth development, and attend high-level, policy-shaping forums across the world.
(Photo: Commonwealth)