The Hon. Mario K. Bowleg, Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture is leading a Youth Delegation in London, United Kingdom for the 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting (CYMM). The overall objective of the meeting is to gather Youth Ministers, Senior Government Officials, Youth Practitioners and Youth Delegates from the 56 Commonwealth countries, to develop action plans for addressing issues affecting young people. The theme for this meeting is “Aim Higher: Delivering More for Young People in the Commonwealth.” The Subthemes seek to address the 4 Es, Education, Engagement, Employment and Environment. The 10th CYMM is taking place from September 11th to 15th.
Minister Bowleg, who serves as a member of the Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Task Force and is considered a champion for youth inclusion and engagement, was selected from among his Ministerial Counterparts to Chair a Roundtable Discussion on the topic “Empowering Young Professionals: Promoting Youth Engagement with Accredited and Professional Bodies”. The session was co-chaired by Bahamian National Youth Delegates Ms. Palincia Hunter and Dr. Trevor Johnson, Jr. Minister Bowleg highlighted the importance of youth inclusion and participation within Commonwealth Accredited Bodies and all aspects of economic, social and political life.
Minister Bowleg stated “We must all recognize that young people are the greatest resource in our countries. However, they face many challenges in being meaningfully engaged in decision-making processes. This is indeed problematic as young people will guide our development, spur our growth, and enhance our ability to adapt to a changing climate.”
Minister Bowleg ended the Roundtable discussion with a clarion call to do more than merely talk about the change that is needed but be the change and make the necessary adaptations in their respective organizations so that young people can be meaningfully engaged.
Accompanying Minister Bowleg as part of The Bahamas’ delegation include: Permanent Secretary Cora Colebroke; Head of the Division of Youth, Sandena Neely; Youth Officer Chanda Roberts and National Youth Delegates Ms. Palincia Hunter and Dr. Trevor Johnson, Jr.
From: Bahamas Information Services
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