First model commonwealth summit held in Accra makes huge impact

The Organization for Policy and Leadership Development (OPLD) hosted the inaugural Model Commonwealth Summit at the Accra International Conference Center from August 1-3, 2024. This significant event, endorsed by the Commonwealth Secretariat, was a key component of the 2023/24 Year of Youth activities. It brought together about 200 young people, including 150 delegates representing the interests of the 56 Commonwealth member states.

The summit aimed to empower young people by providing them with a platform to understand the work of the Commonwealth and contribute their perspectives on key issues impacting the region. This aligned with the broader goals of the Commonwealth Year of Youth in increasing the visibility of youth work, highlighting their talents and the positive contributions of young people to democracy, sustainable development and peace.

The Commonwealth Year of Youth initiative, declared at the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Rwanda, emphasizes the critical role of youth in shaping the future of the Commonwealth. This initiative, which initially spanned 2023 and was extended to 2024, promotes youth-led action for sustainable and inclusive development. It commemorates significant milestones, including the 50th Anniversary of the Commonwealth Youth Programme, the 10th Anniversary of the Commonwealth Charter, and the establishment of the Commonwealth Youth Council. With over 60% of the Commonwealth’s 2.5 billion population aged 29 or younger, the summit highlighted the critical role of engaging this demographic – a population of 1.5 billion young people – in shaping the future of the Commonwealth.

The summit’s opening ceremony featured insightful speeches by prominent figures, including H.E. Ms. Christabel Derby, Chairperson of the Commonwealth Year of Youth Advisory Board and Vice Chairperson of the CYC, and Mr. Nelson Owusu Ansah, Deputy CEO of the NYA. Mrs. Freda Bediako-Puni, Director for the Commonwealth Back Office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, representing the Foreign Affairs Minister, commended the summit’s alignment with the Minister’s campaign priorities for the role of the Commonwealth Secretary-General, particularly youth, education, skills, innovation, and start-ups.

Furthermore, Mr. Richard Sandall, Development Director at the British High Commission, emphasized the importance of young people embracing Commonwealth values in building a more resilient future and the opportunities it holds for them. The summit also welcomed Ms Silvia Tizzi, Programme Officer from the European Union Delegation to Ghana, and Mr. Daniel Aryee, Policy Advocacy Lead from the Office of the African Union Chairperson’s Youth Envoy, who expressed their solidarity and support for the summit’s efforts in amplifying youth voices and contributions.

“The Model Commonwealth summit is more than just a simulation; it is a platform for real change. I am confident that the discussions, lobbying, debates, collaborations and networking that will take place here will inspire you to take bold steps towards creating a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Commonwealth” – H.E. Christabel Derby added.

One of the summit’s highlights was the mentorship provided to delegates on diplomacy and networking. These sessions aimed to enhance the participants’ skills, preparing them to become responsible leaders capable of contributing to the Commonwealth’s development. This part of the summit was particularly significant as it covered youth empowerment activities, fostering stakeholder discussions on developing the potential of the youth in utilising opportunities and initiating sustainable initiatives relevant within the Commonwealth member states and the Commonwealth Community at large.

The summit’s core activities centered around three committees: the Committee on Governance, Security, and Internationalization (C.GSI), the Committee on Education, Social, and Environment (C.ESE), and the Committee on Cooperation, Inclusivity, and Development (C.CID). Each committee engaged in comprehensive discussions, tackling critical issues within their respective domains. The resolutions formulated by these committees will be presented to the Commonwealth Secretariat and other key stakeholders, aiming to integrate youth voices and perspectives into policy decisions shaping the future of the Commonwealth. A Mentorship and Diplomacy Dialogue, designed to bridge the gap between experienced professionals and the delegates provided them with valuable insights and facilitated meaningful connections that can shape their future careers in diplomacy and global affairs.

Another significant event in the summit was the Diplomatic Cocktail Reception and Awards Night which recognized outstanding contributions from delegates and officials. Dr. John Apea, Head of Mission for the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), and Ms. Christabel Derby, Vice Chairperson of the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC), graced the occasion. Awards were presented to Outstanding Official: Mr. Baidoo Nana Lartey, Best Delegates: Sowah Celestina Naa Ayorkor, Hannah Boakye Ofori, Emmanuel Frimpong, Honourable Mentions: Mavis Narh, Lydia Brempomaa Adonteng-Appiah, Yaa Oguabi Osei-Mensah, and Position Papers: Prince Frimpong Amoah, Mariyam Yussif, Richlove Sarah Benson.

Special recognition was also awarded to Mr. Joseph Opey, Ghana Representative for the Commonwealth Student Association, and Ms. Bridget Naa Yaa Wilson for their exceptional contributions to youth development in the Commonwealth.

The summit concluded with a visit to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and the Blackstar Square where the delegates were inspired the charismatic and visionary leader who played a pivotal role in Ghana’s independence movement and became a leading figure in Pan-Africanism.

The summit provided a platform for young leaders to assemble, share ideas, and develop actionable resolutions. It highlighted the immense potential of youth to drive positive change and instilled a sense of pride and optimism in all those involved. “As we reflect on this summit’s accomplishments, it is evident that the Commonwealth’s future lies in the hands of its youth. The Model Commonwealth Summit has laid a strong foundation for ongoing engagement and development, ensuring that young people remain at the forefront of the Commonwealth’s vision for a more inclusive, cooperative, and prosperous future.” – Mr. Martinson Yeboah, Executive Director of the Model Commonwealth Summit.