VIEW FROM THE CPA CHAIRPERSON
LOOKING TO THE COMMONWEALTH’S FUTURE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUTH ENGAGEMENT View from the CPA Chairperson Prior to the formation of the Commonwealth, there As we mark the 100th anniversary of the first have always been shared values, some of which publication of The Parliamentarian, the Journal of stem from the fabric of our societies and cultures Commonwealth Parliaments, we are reminded and others which were learned from our various of the role of the Commonwealth Parliamentary and continuous interactions across cultures. Association in furthering democratic governance, Today, those values include fairness, prosperity, accountability and parliamentary democracy unity, democracy, freedom of speech, the rule of through common values, the sharing of best law and good governance amongst others – all of practice and continued professional development. which are embodied by the Commonwealth and Our future leaders are one of the key strands remain the driving force behind the goals of the of work that the Commonwealth Parliamentary Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in its Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, Association continues to emphasise. Of the aim to strengthen our Parliaments and Legislatures. MP, Chairperson of the CPA Commonwealth’s combined population of more As we evolve as an organisation, so do the Executive Committee and than 2.4 billion, more than 60% are under 30 years different challenges we face. While we celebrate Deputy Speaker of the National of age. The Commonwealth sees young people our achievements, we should also recognise the Assembly of Cameroon as assets to a country’s development who should challenges that we face today as an Association. be empowered to realise their potential. For the The Commonwealth provides us with a platform to Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, as an unite in order to efficiently and effectively tackle these global issues. Association primarily for Parliamentarians, we recognise that young Our diversity is our strength and our shared values will ensure that we people have a proven capability to lead change and are a vital and are able to secure our long-term future. valuable investment for now and the future. Academic Stephen Covey said: "Strength lies in differences, On behalf of the CPA, I had the great pleasure to attend the recent not similarities." As an organisation, we are 54 nations, 2.4 billion 10th Commonwealth Youth Parliament, hosted by the Legislative inhabitants and over 2,000 cultures strong. That to me is what Assembly of Delhi and CPA Delhi Branch. continues to make the Commonwealth relevant. It is why we strive Being in India for the landmark 10th Commonwealth Youth to find common solutions to global issues like climate change, Parliament was particularly poignant, especially as India is the largest international trade negotiations and peace and security. In an ever democracy in the world. At the 2019 election in India, a breath-taking changing, growing and challenging world, it is imperative not to forget 600 million people voted. Furthermore, as we celebrated the 70th the relevance of the Commonwealth and the role of each and every anniversary of the London Declaration and the foundation of the nation in building and shaping a better world. ‘modern’ Commonwealth last year, it was important to consider the significant role that the newly founded state of India played in 1949. It was therefore appropriate that the 10th Commonwealth Youth “As we evolve as an organisation, so do Parliament was held in India. the different challenges we face. While we India, which has one of the fastest growing economies in the world today, is home to a fifth of the world's youth. Half of its population celebrate our achievements, we should also is under the age of 25, and a quarter is below the age of 14. India’s recognise the challenges that we face today young population is its most valuable asset. As such India has long recognised the importance of young people to the future of society. as an Association. The Commonwealth The decision to host the 10th Commonwealth Youth Parliament provides us with a platform to unite in order showed not only a commitment to empower its own young people, but also a wider commitment to the development of Commonwealth to efficiently and effectively tackle these youth beyond its own shores. To quote the words of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, India is a country that believes "[Youth] global issues. Our diversity is our strength are like buds in a garden and should be carefully and lovingly nurtured, and our shared values will ensure that we as they are the future of the nation and the citizens of tomorrow." Last year’s Commonwealth Youth Parliament was particularly are able to secure our long-term future.” important in that it was the milestone tenth event; it is the longest 6 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue One | 100th anniversary issue 1920-2020
