1. Commonwealth Perspectives on Partnerships that Promote Youth Development James D. Odit Regional Director for Africa

2. The presentation for your consideration will focus on: 1.General nature of partnerships that promote youth development 2.Commonwealth dynamic cycle of youth empowerment through partnerships 3.Conclusions

3. Nature of partnerships that promote youth development Partnership for youth development is critical: – Youth will be driving force behind development and economic prosperity in future – Member governments have committed themselves to investing in youth – at AU, COMSEC, UN etc.

4. From intergovernmental perspective, partnerships that work are known. Partnerships can be seen in collaboration between: – Governments – Development agencies – Youth themselves

5. Some of the successful partnership elements would entail: – Participation of beneficiaries – Multidisciplinary, multisectoral and integrated approaches. – Common principles – Shared vision

6. Commonwealth dynamic cycle of youth empowerment through partnerships The Commonwealth recognises youth as being central to partnerships for their own development. Youth are part of the Commonwealth governance meetings – When the 54 CHOGs meet (as well as other Minsters meetings) youth are involved as active participants.

7. The driver of this partnership is a common vision represented by the Commonwealth Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment (PAYE) 2007-2015 Other drivers/frameworks are available e.g. AU Plan of Action and Youth Charter

8. CYP Dynamic Cycle of Youth Empowerment through Partnerships Empowered Youth Have choices & opportunities that they acknowledge Are aware of choice implications Are responsible for their actions and decisions. Enabling conditions for Youth Empowerment Political will, resources, legal and admin. Framework Economic and material base Equality, democracy, peace Knowledge / informational skills Outcomes of Youth Empowerment Young people contributing to An educated workforce Economic competitiveness National prosperity Building of resource and positive values in society Good governance and democracy A just and equitable society and addressing youth development issues such as Health poverty, etc. PAYE and other Youth Devt. Frameworks (eg. AU Youth PoA / Charter) Development Stakeholders and YOUTH Governments

9. CYP Dynamic Cycle of Youth Empowerment through Partnerships Empowered Youth Enabling conditions for Youth Empowerment Outcomes of Youth Empowerment PAYE and other Youth Devt. Frameworks (eg. AU Youth Charter) Development Stakeholders and YOUTH Governments

10. Conclusion Various partnerships exist for promotion of youth development and much is known on what makes them work. Partnerships should be ones that promote true (and not tokenistic) participation, multisectoral and multidisciplinary and has guiding framework and principles. The Commonwealth framework provides an example of partnership which puts youth at the Centre.

11. Continued efforts therefore need to be made on perfecting partnerships that focus on investing in youth since they are the majority, Since member governments have committed themselves to investing in youth development, necessary policies and programmes that enhance youth development must be put in place. This will ultimately place youth at the forefront and it is a necessity considering Africa’s youth will be the driving force behind development and economic prosperity.

12. Thank You CYP Africa Centre Lusaka, Zambia infoafrica@commonwealth.int www.thecommonwealth.org/cypafrica www.thecommonwealth.org/youth