The Commonwealth Youth Forum 5 yesterday presented Commonwealth heads of government with recommendations they feel would help in achieving development and democracy in diversity.

The Networking for Development forum started on November 16 and ended yesterday when the forum presented its final communiqué to Commonwealth Secretary General Donald McKinnon and to Louis Galea, Minister of Education, Youth and Employment, among others.

"Young people can truly contribute and make positive changes within the nations of the Commonwealth if they are given the chance to do so," the CYF5 said.

Three main recommendations emerged during the eight days of discussions.

First was the issue of good governance and active citizenship. Governments should ensure an equitable distribution of natural, human and financial resources and an equal treatment of all individuals. This should be accomplished through an accountable and transparent process that ensures the sustainability of present and future generations, the forum said.

Then came health and sexuality. Governments must ensure that the health services in their countries are improved, with emphasis on preventative healthcare.

They should disseminate information and raise awareness relating to health and sexuality at an early stage in schools.

The final recommendation concerned sustainable livelihoods, youth enterprise and information and communication technology.

In order to eradicate poverty, and increase employment opportunities for young people, governments must place youth enterprise development and ICT high on the agenda by ensuring that young people are involved in the policy-making processes aimed at sustainable livelihood.