Rudolf Gaiseb 

The first-ever Consultative Dialogue for Commonwealth Youth Ecosystem Stakeholders witnessed the formulation of a Windhoek Declaration, a blueprint for youth development in the 56 Commonwealth countries. 

The five-day event saw over 200 youth leaders from across the Commonwealth attend the Commonwealth Youth Council for the Dialogue in Windhoek. 

The Declaration was handed over to Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, alongside youth minister Sanet Steenkamp, on Friday evening. 

Ngurare said the dialogue, anchored on the theme ‘Reimagining Youth Leadership: Strengthening Systems for Sustainable Impact’, has not only lived up to its promise but has exceeded expectations. 

“As a nation committed to empowering the youth, Namibia is deeply moved by the richness of discussions that you have had, the strength of your convictions and the clarity of your vision for a more inclusive, responsive and sustainable youth ecosystem,” he told the stakeholders. 

Ngurare added that through the Declaration, a foundation for a youth-inclusive and youth-driven future has been laid. 

“You have collectively redefined what it means to meaningfully include young people in governments, development and policy formulation. From your deliberations, a new chapter in Commonwealth youth leadership has been built, one built on co-creation, courage and conviction,” he emphasised. 

Meanwhile, Steenkamp urged the youth to ensure the Declaration is not just a beautiful document but a blueprint for action locally, regionally and globally. 

“Let us hold ourselves accountable. Let us stay connected and let us continue to amplify the voices of those whose seats at the table are still being carved,” she said. 

Steenkamp applauded the young leaders for reimagining systems, challenging stagnation, and proposing tangible pathways for a more inclusive youth development ecosystem. 

Voices 

Speaking to New Era during the course of the event, some national youth delegates (NYDs) emphasised that young people need seats on decision-making tables to incorporate meaningful change and influence policies. 

Namibia National Students Organisation secretary general, Secilia Ambunda, said the dialogue served as a transformational platform. 

“It is a forum not only discussing policies but also showing us that we are beneficiaries of these policies and the stakeholders that are strengthening and bringing up these policies.” 

Her sentiments were echoed by another youth leader. 

“Following our history, Rwanda understood early on that rebuilding a nation must begin with its youngest people. That is why youth engagement in governance has been institutionalised from grassroots structures to national leadership. Our national youth council, which I am part of, is not a symbolic body; it is a functional organ that influences national policy,” Rwanda national youth delegate Thomas Mwesigye said. 

Nigerian youth delegate Hauwa Liman voiced that young people often get excluded from governance, policymaking and even politics due to age-based perceptions, institutional barriers and lack of targeted engagement efforts. 

Amid these concerns, specifically across Africa, young people are increasingly demanding change through initiatives such as the ‘NotTooYoungToRun’ movement. 

“They are seeking to shape their own futures,” Liman added. 

In Nigeria, the movement advocates for a reduction of the age for contesting elective offices by promoting a constitutional amendment to relevant sections in the constitution. 

Meanwhile, Eswatini national youth delegate Seluleko Simelane probed whether young people are truly equipped with the skills, resources, and platforms to lead in policy programming, development and implementation. 

He expressed that intentional investment in youth capacity, sustainable access to leadership pathways, and a commitment to institutional inclusion are crucial. 

Additionally, Malawian youth delegate Promise Msampha emphasised the need for financial investment in the youth agenda. 

Msampha’s view is, “We have the policy; yes, we’re doing the advocacy work, but without adequate resources, it’s just words.” 

Some youth delegates are not even employed, and there are no resources to do the work on the ground, she noted. 

She is, however, hopeful that during this dialogue, strategies on how national youth councils can obtain finances and push the youth agenda and fill the gap will be implemented. 

–rgaiseb@nepc.com.na