The Honorable Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, the Prime Minister of Samoa,
The Right Honorable Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary General,
Distinguished Heads of Government,
Ministers,
Youth Leaders, Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Assalam-o-Alaikum, Good Morning, Talofa,

It is a privilege to join you today at this Commonwealth Intergenerational Dialogue, especially as we mark the achievements of the Year of Youth and unite under the theme of CHOGM 2024: “Building a Resilient and Inclusive Commonwealth.” This dialogue underscores the Commonwealth’s enduring commitment to fostering youth engagement and leadership. It reflects our shared vision where today’s leaders and the emerging voices of tomorrow collaborate to create a more prosperous, inclusive future.

As the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan, a country where 70% of the population is under the age of 30, I understand the immense potential that young people bring to the table. Youth are not just leaders of the future-they are leaders today. It is critical that we, as Heads of Government, provide the platforms and opportunities that empower them to be active contributors to policymaking, ensuring their ideas and energy shape the path forward for our nations.

The Year of Youth has been a beacon of hope and action across the Commonwealth and shone a light on the transformative role of young leaders across the Commonwealth. From addressing climate change to driving digital innovation, they have been at the forefront of change, demonstrating that the future of the Commonwealth is in capable and resilient hands. This dialogue serves as an important continuation of that work, allowing for direct engagement between youth and government representatives. I am particularly eager to hear from the new Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) Executives and learn about their vision and initiatives.

As Chair of the Commonwealth Youth Ministers Task Force, Pakistan has made bold strides in supporting youth empowerment. Our efforts to revise the Commonwealth Youth Programme Memorandum of Understanding (CYP-MOU) reflect our shared goal of enhancing youth participation in decision-making. Additionally, with the launch of the Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance (CAYA), we are fostering a regional platform to unify youth voices on key issues such as education, employment, and sustainability. We are not stopping there rather actively working towards establishing a platform for young parliamentarians across the Commonwealth, ensuring that youth leaders have a direct role in shaping legislative processes. These initiatives demonstrate Pakistan’s dedication to fostering a robust, dynamic youth leadership framework within the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Youth Declaration, to be presented today, represents the collective aspirations of young people from across the Commonwealth. It is vital that we, as leaders, listen carefully, engage meaningfully, and respond with actionable support. I commend the youth leaders who have worked tirelessly to draft this Declaration, ensuring that it reflects the diversity and richness of experiences across the Commonwealth. 

In Pakistan, we have seen the power of youth-led initiative. Our Prime Minister’s Youth Programme has empowered millions through Education, Employment, Engagement, and Environment. This serves as a model for the kind of impactful, youth-centered policies that we can pursue together. It is this kind of actionable support that I hope we can commit to today.

As Heads of Government, let us embrace our youth not just as stakeholders, but as partners in shaping a more resilient Commonwealth. By fostering this intergenerational dialogue, we can bridge the gap between experience and innovation. I encourage us all to move beyond today’s discussions and commit to ongoing collaboration and tangible actions that prioritize youth development.

In conclusion, I extend my sincere thanks to the Commonwealth Secretariat for organizing this dialogue, and to our youth leaders for their inspiration and dedication. Together, we can build a Commonwealth where young people are empowered and equipped to lead us toward a brighter, more sustainable future.

Let today mark a deeper commitment to lasting intergenerational partnerships-essential for building a resilient and inclusive Commonwealth.

Thank you.