Commonwealth youths 'interpret their dreams'

The opening session of the Commonwealth Youth Forum kicked off yesterday at the Suncrest Hotel in Qawra, the first of a series of events that will culminate in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting between November 25 and 27.

About 130 delegates from 30 countries are taking part in the forum which will run until November 23.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi was present for the opening of the forum, hosted by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Employment in partnership with the National Youth Council of Malta, the Commonwealth Youth Programme and the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council.

Each Commonwealth country has been invited to send two delegates to participate in the CYF. However, as the host country, Malta is being represented by a larger delegation.

The forum provides an opportunity for young people from all the countries of the Commonwealth to meet, discuss issues and come up with action plans and recommendations which are then presented to the heads of government attending CHOGM.

Education Minister Louis Galea said at the session yesterday that the hospitality and cultural programme would "help us shape an unforgettable bond between us all".

"We have a golden opportunity to dream and dream, for a whole week, and then to interpret that dream, in as realistic and concrete a manner as possible, to no fewer than 53 governments responsible for almost a third of humanity, half of which is made up of young people like you."

The chairman of the forum's planning team, Jean-Paul De Lucca, said the event was an opportunity for the young people of the Commonwealth to put their thoughts together, to discuss and to make their voice heard.