The Zambian Government is participating in the 1st Commonwealth Youth Ecosystem Stakeholders’ Consultative Dialogue taking place in Windhoek, Namibia. The Zambian delegation includes Ms. Mable Beene Nedziwe, Acting Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts; Ms. Waana Kankinza, CEO of the National Youth Development Council; and Ms. Ruth Ngoma, Commonwealth Youth Representative for Zambia.

Their involvement highlights Zambia’s commitment to advancing youth development and engagement at a regional and global level.

The dialogue, convened by the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC), the world’s largest youth-led organization representing over 1.5 billion young people from 56 Commonwealth nations aims to reassess and strengthen the Council’s structure, strategies, and partnerships.

Established in 2013 during the 9th Commonwealth Youth Forum in Sri Lanka, the CYC has played a pivotal role in championing youth inclusion, leadership, and sustainable development. However, shifting global dynamics now require renewed focus on governance, stakeholder collaboration, and system reforms to better address emerging youth priorities.

Held under the theme “Reimagining Youth Leadership: Strengthening Systems for Sustainable Impact,” the consultative meeting serves as a platform to build robust governance frameworks, realign strategic direction, and initiate a constitutional review of the CYC. These efforts are aimed at ensuring the Council remains effective, inclusive, and responsive to the challenges facing young people today.

The event is expected to culminate in the adoption of the Windhoek Declaration, which will guide the CYC’s renewed approach to youth leadership and engagement across the Commonwealth. Namibia, known for its strong commitment to youth empowerment, offers a fitting backdrop for this historic and transformative gathering.

For Zambia, active participation in this dialogue is crucial as it strengthens national efforts to empower young people with leadership opportunities, global exposure, and involvement in shaping policies that directly affect their future.