Young people aged under 30 currently represent over 60 per cent of
the Commonwealth´s population. By 2015, there will be three billion
young people in the world, with 2.5 billion living in developing
countries.

CYP works to engage and empower young people aged 15-29 to enhance
their contribution to development. We do this in partnership with
governments and other key stakeholders.

Mission: Our mission is grounded within a rights-based approach,
guided by the realities facing young people in the Commonwealth, and
anchored in the belief that young people are:
i) a force for peace, democracy, equality and good governance;
ii) a catalyst for global consensus building;
iii) an essential resource for poverty eradication and sustainable
development.

CYP works in three strategic areas:
oYouth Enterprise and Sustainable Livelihoods (YESL);
oGovernance, Development and Youth Networks (GDYN); and
oYouth Work Education and Training (YWET).

All of CYP´s work falls within The Plan of Action for Youth
Empowerment (2006-2015), the Commonwealth´s organising framework for
cooperation on youth affairs.

`INVESTING IN YOUTH´ CONFERENCE

The Commonwealth Secretariat will hold the `Investing in Youth´
conference in London, on September 10. It aims to provide
opportunities for young entrepreneurs to gain access to finance,
markets, and skills. Young people will share experience through
showcasing their work and will also learn about fund raising and
promotional techniques. The Prince of Wales will open the conference
which will mark the launch of the Commonwealth Plan of Action for
Youth Empowerment 2007-2015. The commonwealth youth programme works
on enhancing young people´s contribution to development, within the
realities facing young people in the Commonwealth. For further
enquires contact Bertha Oluwole: cyp@commonwealth.int. Online
registration is available at www.thecommonwealth.org/form/166129/