Namibia has welcomed young leaders from across the globe for a major Commonwealth youth dialogue, described as a historic event that puts the voices of young people at the Centre of international development. The programme, launched on Wednesday in Windhoek, has brought together representatives from the 56 Commonwealth countries—home to over 1.5 billion young people.
Speaking at the launch, Namibia’s minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture, Sanet Steenkamp, described the event as more than just another international meeting. “This dialogue is not just another event, but a proud moment for Namibia and a platform to rethink, reimagine and rebuild a future that listens to and works for young people,” she said.
The event is being held under the theme ‘Reimagining Youth Leadership: Strengthening Systems for Sustainable Impact’. According to Minister Steenkamp, the goal is to create real change by focusing on the authentic experiences of young people around the world.
“This dialogue is about real people, authentic voices and stories,” she said. “It’s about the young woman innovating from a rural village in Lesotho. It’s about the young man in Guyana leading climate protests. It’s about the 19-year-old coder in Malaysia, and the Namibian youth who built a phone and TV from scrap material. It’s about the kind of world we’re building with them, not just for them.”
The Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC), which is the largest youth-led organisation in the world, is spearheading the event. This marks the first time such a high-level continental consultation is being hosted in Namibia. The dialogue provides a space for young people to engage in policy discussions, share innovative ideas, and work together on common goals for sustainable development.
Steenkamp used the opportunity to highlight the Namibian government’s strong focus on youth. She said the dialogue aligns with the current administration’s commitment to putting youth at the heart of national development.
“From policy reforms and skills development initiatives, to entrepreneurship, sport, innovation and civic engagement, the Namibian government is committed to building a society where young people are not only supported, but empowered to lead, influence and transform,” she said.
A major outcome of the event is expected to be the Windhoek Declaration, a youth-informed policy statement that will provide guidance for Commonwealth-wide youth action. This declaration is expected to anchor future programmes and partnerships in justice, equity and inclusion, while promoting stronger youth participation in decision-making.
Steenkamp also called on her fellow youth ministers across the Commonwealth to take the dialogue seriously and act on the issues raised by young people. “To my fellow ministers of youth across the Commonwealth: Your leadership is critical. Your voices, policies and commitments have the power to shape the legacy of this dialogue,” she said.
Young people in attendance are expected to deliberate on a range of issues, including digital innovation, climate change, skills training, entrepreneurship, and political participation. Many of the delegates are themselves active in youth-led organisations and are involved in social and economic projects in their home countries.
With youth unemployment and underdevelopment being key issues in many Commonwealth nations, participants say this dialogue is a chance to influence real change. Some young delegates have already shared stories of how they are using technology and community leadership to bring solutions to their local challenges.
Namibia, which has positioned itself as a champion of youth involvement, is using the event to further its image as a country where young people can thrive. The hosting of the event is expected to boost the country’s visibility in global youth development efforts.
As the dialogue continues, many observers are watching to see what commitments emerge from the gathering and how governments across the Commonwealth respond to the voices of the young people they represent.
