9TH COMMONWEALTH YOUTH PARLIAMENT
9TH COMMONWEALTH YOUTH PARLIAMENT INSPIRES FUTURE YOUNG LEADERS FROM ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH 9th Commonwealth Youth Parliament took place from 25 February to 1 March 2018, hosted by the Jersey States Assembly in St Helier. Commonwealth youth delegates aged 18 to 29 met for the 9th Commonwealth Youth Parliament (9th CYP) from 25 February to 1 March 2018, hosted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the Jersey States Assembly in St Helier, Jersey. The 49 delegates at the 9th CYP came from fifteen countries, ranging from the largest (India) to the smallest (Niue), and from 35 CPA Branches* across eight out of nine CPA Regions. The five days of the Commonwealth Youth Parliament provided a key development opportunity for young people from the Commonwealth with ambitions of public office and introduced these potential young Parliamentarians to the fundamentals behind the processes of Parliament. Youth delegate, Elsie Harry (St Kitts and Nevis) said: “From taking part in this Commonwealth Youth Parliament, I’ve learnt that the challenges that different regions face are specifically related to their geographical situation and historical context and within the Commonwealth we always have to bear this in mind when making decisions.” Talha Haroon (Pakistan) said: “The biggest thing that we can take from this Commonwealth Youth Parliament is what we have learnt from each other. We all come from diverse places across the Commonwealth yet we can each take home new experiences
and a shared understanding of tolerance, acceptance and working with each other that will help us in our future lives.” Pierre de Garis (Guernsey) said: “You can’t ignore the fact that this Commonwealth Youth Parliament which brings together such a diverse group of people with different cultures and histories had challenges. However it is testament to the Commonwealth that the demonstrable values we all share have allowed us to come together and find consensus and common ground.” At the closing of the 9th CYP, the Chief Minister of Jersey, Senator Ian Gorst said: “To be a leader is an honour and to lead is to serve. The Commonwealth brings together people for global and local benefit. I am extremely proud of our young people at the Commonwealth Youth Parliament and I have an overwhelming
136 | The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue Two
sense that our future is bright and can be successful.” In addressing the 9th CYP delegates at the start of their programme, the SecretaryGeneral of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Mr Akbar Khan, said: “Together, this week we are a fantastically diverse group serving as a microcosm of Commonwealth youth. Please learn from each other, network and seize the opportunity to forge lasting friendships. I encourage you to pursue your ambitions, political or otherwise.” At the end of the 9th CYP, he observed,
“Mission accomplished.” Mr Mark Egan, Greffier of the States Assembly added: “We were delighted to welcome so many young people from across the Commonwealth to Jersey for this exciting and unique opportunity. The Commonwealth Youth Parliament gives young people the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and experience