Young leaders discuss COVID-19 and unemployment at first Virtual Commonwealth Youth Parliament

Young citizens from across the Commonwealth have participated in a week-long Virtual Commonwealth Youth Parliament, giving them the opportunity to experience parliamentary democracy, meet other young leaders and discuss urgent global issues.

Organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), the Commonwealth Youth Parliament took place from 14-18 December 2020 and was held virtually for the first time. The virtual format allowed young people from all 9 CPA regions to connect across a remarkable 17 time zones. In total, 59 delegates representing 32 different Commonwealth Parliaments participated in a range of parliamentary activities. Delegates, aged 18-29, were nominated to attend the event by their national or subnational Parliament. 

Some of the youngest current Parliamentarians in the Commonwealth acted as Speakers for the Commonwealth Youth Parliament, ruling over the House and moderating debates. The three Speakers for the week were Lord Fakafanua, the youngest ever Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga; Senator Jordon Steele-John, the youngest current Member of the Senate of Australia; and Hon. Sharie De Castro, a Member of the House of Assembly of the British Virgin Islands and a prominent youth activist.

The CPA also partnered with leading international and Commonwealth organisations to provide expert witnesses for the Committee sessions of the Parliament. These sessions were an opportunity for the young Parliamentarians to scrutinise a Bill in detail and receive evidence from external specialists. Drew Gardiner, from the International Labour Organisation; Taofeekat Adigun, from the Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Network; and Dr David Strain, from the Commonwealth Medical Association, fielded questions from delegates on issues relating to social affairs, employment and health.

At the opening session of the week, Dr Arjoon Suddhoo, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General, and Lord Fakafanua spoke alongside CPA Secretary-General Stephen Twigg. Dr Suddhoo challenged delegates to “be bold and be different” and to “create the kind of parliament you would like to see in the future”, whilst Lord Fakafanua urged participants to “seize opportunities to represent your community.”

The CPA Secretary-General encouraged everyone to enjoy their week, telling attendees that, 

“Young people’s voices must be heard, particularly during challenging periods such as a global pandemic. As we look to rebuild from the COVID-19 crisis, we must do so inclusively and sustainably, harnessing the power of technology and innovation. The Commonwealth Youth Parliament brings together a diverse group of young people to learn from one another and find common, cross-party solutions to global challenges.”

Lātū Bloomfield, who represented the Parliament of Tonga at the Commonwealth Youth Parliament and was chosen by her fellow delegates to act as Prime Minister of ‘Commonwealthland’, thanked the CPA and praised the attitude of her peers throughout the week, saying, 

“I have gained many new friendships and it has been great to see the harmony and unity of delegates, regardless of the political party they represented.”

A highlight of the week was the return of Hon. Juan Watterson, Speaker of the House of Keys, Isle of Man, to the Commonwealth Youth Parliament. Twenty-three years after attending the first ever Commonwealth Youth Parliament as a delegate, Speaker Watterson gave the ceremonial Speech from the Throne, showcasing the power of the programme to create future leaders.

The CPA is committed to promoting and facilitating youth engagement in democracy through programmes such as the Commonwealth Youth Parliament. By bringing together young citizens from the Commonwealth to experience democracy in action and to share their ideas and perspectives, this programme fosters youth leadership and creates a more connected approach to development. 

For more information about the Commonwealth Youth Parliament, please contact Clive Barker, Programmes Officer at clive.barker@cpahq.org.