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A summit for young leaders in Asia has ended with strong recommendations to empower young people and promote their active participation in policymaking.
The Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance (CAYA) Summit and the Asia Regional Youth Ministers Meeting, which was held from 28 to 30 January 2025 in Pakistan, produced a strong statement, the Islamabad Declaration on Youth Development, which prioritises young people as key actors in leadership and decision-making across the Commonwealth.
The summit, organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat in partnership with the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, the Government of Pakistan, and the British Council, served as an essential platform for consensus-building and fostering partnerships in the region.
The three-day meeting converged youth ministers from Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, India, Kyrgyzstan, the Maldives, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. They shared their vision of a world where young people can lead on solutions to global challenges like climate change, education, and youth employment.
In his address to the young leaders during the inaugural session, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, said:
“While ensuring that youth remain central in the governance and decision-making process, we can lead this process by fostering partnerships, supporting entrepreneurship, and prioritising education and skills development, thereby ensuring that our future is in the hands of an empowered generation.
He continued:
“Let us embrace our youth not just as stakeholders but as partners in shaping a more resilient Commonwealth.”
United to support youth empowerment
Over 40 international delegates from government ministries, diplomats, students, academics, and 113 new members of the Prime Minister of Pakistan’s National Youth Council discussed young people’s pivotal role in advancing peace, democracy and development in the Commonwealth.
In her address, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said:
“This summit comes at a time of challenge and immense opportunity. In Asia, with its rich diversity and dynamic economies, young people are the driving force behind innovation and progress. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the architects of a brighter, more inclusive future.”
She continued:
“To youth ministers, I say this – your role is vital. The policies you champion can transform lives and build resilient societies. Prioritise inclusivity to ensure no young person is left behind regardless of gender, background or ability.”
As the meeting progressed, senior government officials and representatives from youth ministries across the Asia region evaluated progress on the mandates outlined in the outcome statement of the 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting, Marlborough House Commitments and the Commonwealth Asia Regional Youth Leadership Summit, which was held in Kuala Lumpur in 2024.
Actionable outcomes
The government ministers encouraged CAYA to explore establishing a fund to support their initiatives, which would be accessible to all member countries, especially in the areas of youth empowerment.
Other steps to realise commitments include:
- Endorse and launch the CAYA Strategic Plan, outlining country-specific, actionable priorities for 2025–2030 and taking into account each country’s relevant laws, regulations and policies;
- Advocate for increased investment in youth work, education and training at the national and regional levels; and
- Organise annual regional dialogues and capacity-building workshops to review progress, share best practices, and strengthen intergovernmental cooperation.
The Asia region is home to a significant portion of the Commonwealth’s youth population. With strong partnerships and support for entrepreneurship skills development, young people will be able to actively contribute to a resilient Commonwealth and a prosperous future.
