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In November, Shreeya, Siddhi, Kong and Mitali, the winners of The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2023, were invited to London for Winners’ Week, a programme of cultural and educational activities, designed to highlight the range of opportunities and industries which creative writing can open the door. This year, Winners’ Week was full of exciting activities and memorable experiences for our winners, who left London full of gratitude, new ideas and enhanced motivation to pursue their dreams. Winners’ Week began with a fascinating writing workshop at the Mulberry School of Girls held by award-winning British Pakistani poet Imtiaz Dharker. Imtiaz prompted our winners to consider the theme of freedom, culminating in a wonderful poem by each student that was shared with the class. This exercise facilitated confidence and collaboration, leading our winners to make friends with the schoolgirls who were also involved in the activity and encouraged cultural exchange. This was followed by the winners joining the Speaker of the House of Commons, The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, for lunch in Speaker’s House, and meeting his cat Attlee! After a discussion with Mr Speaker, the winners were then given an exclusive tour of the Houses of Parliament, which included an opportunity to watch the Speaker’s Procession, followed by observing a live debate in the House of Commons. Photo Credit: UK Parliament The day ended with a tour of Bloomsbury – as fans of Harry Potter, they relished the opportunity to discover where it all started! Here, they learned about the processes that go into publishing books from Publishing Director Jayne Parsons. Our winners learned a lot from this exchange, and Junior Runner-up Mitali noted: “One thing I learnt from her is how an editor can give you fresh perspective and honest feedback. I will be more open to feedback and criticism regarding my work in the future.” On Tuesday, the winners woke up early to travel to Stratford-upon-Avon for all things Shakespeare: they visited his birthplace and grave and learned about Shakespearean music. It was a day full of culture and fun. Our wonderful guide, The Rev Dr Paul Edmonson (Chair of the QCEC Junior Judging Panel), steered us through the streets of the old town and explained the history behind its’ famous churches and monuments. It was a memorable day. In Junior Runner-up Mitali’s own words: “You truly need to be there and walk down the streets that Shakespeare once walked to feel the magic of the little town.” On Wednesday, winners experienced a bespoke tour of Westminster Abbey, where our guide was swayed by the passion of our winners. Former Prime Ministers and the lesser-known figures memorialised and buried at the Abbey were highlighted – especially those with links to the Commonwealth. The winners thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history of the Abbey and seeing their favourite writers like Charles Dickens memorialised. Senior Winner Siddhi noted: “The historical site I enjoyed the most was Westminster Abbey - especially Poet’s Corner. To be in the presence of the poets I admire so much was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I hope to visit it again in the future, and the Abbey will definitely serve as an inspiration in my future writing.” Following this, the winners were graced with the wisdom and knowledge of Doug Wills, Editor Emeritus and his team at the London Evening Standard. The afternoon gave the winners the opportunity to tour the newsroom and engage in a discussion with Doug and his team about multimedia and the opportunities it presents, sowing seeds of inspiration in our budding writers. This was followed by the group enjoying sunset views above the BBC Broadcasting House as they recorded their winning pieces with experienced producers. The day ended with the group taking a trip to Cambridge Theatre to watch Matilda, the Musical. On Thursday morning, the winners had the opportunity to share their essays and engage in interesting conversations with the High Commissioners of India and Malaysia at their respective High Commissions. At last, it was time for the moment the winners had all been waiting for: their Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace with Her Majesty The Queen! RCS Ambassador Gyles Brandreth acted as compère for the Ceremony, during which The Queen and the RCS Executive Chair, Dr Linda Yueh CBE, spoke about the importance of the competition to elevate the voices of young people around the Commonwealth. The winners were awarded their certificates by Her Majesty, and extracts from their winning pieces were read by RCS Ambassador Ayesha Dharker, actors Dame Joanna Lumley DBE, Meera Syal CBE, Sanjeev Bhaskar OBE and Booker Prize winner Sir Ben Okri OBE. View the full photo gallery for the Award Ceremony. The Award Ceremony was also centre stage for the launch of a new digital literacy initiative, Write Around the World, developed in partnership with the Royal Society of Literature. Winners’ Week concluded with a special reception celebrating 140 years of The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition. Held at the House of Lords and hosted by Lord Gadhia, we were pleased to be joined by current and former winners of the competition, members of the diplomatic corps and competition supporters for the launch of The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition: 140 Years of Excellence, a commemorative publication published by Bloomsbury to celebrate this unique Commonwealth writing competition. During the reception, guests heard from Lord Gadhia, Dr Linda Yueh CBE, Dr Stephen Gichuhi (1982 competition winner from Kenya) and His Excellency the Governor of Lagos State about the important role literacy plays. This was a wonderful opportunity for past and present winners to engage and enjoy a leisurely evening before heading back home. Congratulations again to this year’s winners, to everyone who entered and to all those who judged and supported the competition. We look forward to launching the next competition in March 2024!

By Eman Borg (He/Him), Coordinator, Commonwealth Youth Gender & Equality Network. In 2023, the Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Network (CYGEN) marked a pivotal moment in its journey with the appointment of a new coordinator. Despite this change in leadership, CYGEN remains steadfast in its commitment to its core values and principles, ensuring a seamless transition that underscores the organisation’s dedication to youth empowerment, gender equality, and social justice. One of the key highlights of the CYGEN’s impactful year and of the newly appointed Coordinator is its active participation in the Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Meeting, held in London. This engagement provided a platform for CYGEN to advocate for policies that address the unique challenges faced by young people, particularly in the realm of gender equality. CYGEN’s lobbying in such high-level discussion addresses the intersectionality of young people and appreciates, recognises and amplifies the different identities that intersect with youth and gender. The dedication that CYGEN holds is rooted in the recognition of the vital intersection of youth and gender, a need and gap identified since its formulation in 2015. To enhance public engagement and facilitate a broader exchange of ideas, CYGEN launched the CYGEN Knowledge Hub. This online resources platform serves as a dynamic space where the public can access valuable information, resources, and insights related to youth, gender equality, and social issues. By providing a centralised hub for knowledge-sharing, CYGEN will continue to create a community-driven dialogue that fosters collaboration and awareness. Looking ahead to 2024, CYGEN has ambitious plans to further strengthen its engagement with members, and amplify its impact on the global stage. The organisation is gearing up to launch its strategic plan for 2024-2028, renew advocacy initiatives known as ‘Reform’, actively participate in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), and continue to leverage opportunities to advocate for youth-centric policies and promote gender equality as a cornerstone of sustainable development. In conclusion, 2023 has been a year of growth, engagement and advocacy for CYGEN. Our unwavering commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of young people across the Commonwealth is motivation enough to remain at the forefront of positive change, ready to champion the cause of youth empowerment and gender equality on the global stage. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

Breaking News: Mauritius Takes a Historic Step in LGBTQI+ Rights Dear CYGEN Youth, I am thrilled to bring you a groundbreaking update from the island nation of Mauritius, where a historic legal development has ignited the conversation around LGBTQI+ rights. The Supreme Court of Mauritius, on the 4th of October 2023, declared a pivotal judgement: sodomy is no longer criminalised in the country. This landmark ruling was met with jubilation by Abdool Ridwan Firaas Ah Seek, the plaintiff, and the Collectif Arc en Ciel, Mauritius' leading LGBTQI+ rights organisation. The Colonial Legacy To truly understand the significance of this judgement, it's essential to recognize the colonial legacy that influenced Mauritian law. Section 250(1) of the Criminal Code of Mauritius, which penalised sodomy, was instituted by British colonists in 1898. For over a century, this law remained untouched, reflecting a legal system rooted in the country's colonial history. Mauritius' Constitution, particularly Section 16, affirms protection against discrimination on various grounds, including race, caste, place of origin, political opinions, colour, creed, sex, and disability status. The recent Supreme Court ruling expanded the interpretation of "sex" to encompass sexual orientation. Consequently, it declared Section 250(1) unconstitutional, ending the criminalization of sodomy. The Current Landscape While this judgement marks a significant step towards equality, it is important to note that, as of now, it acts as a judicial precedent rather than a binding law. For the judgement to become a legally binding piece of legislation, the Criminal Code must be amended by the Mauritian Parliament. However, with general elections scheduled for 2024, political parties in Mauritius tend to avoid contentious issues to maintain their popularity, making an immediate legislative change unlikely. Until the law catches up with this progressive judgement, the police can still arrest individuals suspected of engaging in sodomy under the Police Act. Though the judgement prevents imprisonment for this act, it does not shield individuals from being arrested, leaving LGBTQI+ community members vulnerable to harassment and brutality by law enforcement while awaiting trial. Opposition and Challenges Not everyone in Mauritius is supportive of this historic change. The Sunni Ulama Council, an organisation of Muslim theologians, has vehemently condemned the judgement, arguing that it undermines the stability and societal values of Mauritius. They contend that LGBTQI+ relationships are morally wrong and unnatural, posing a threat to traditional family structures. The Council plans to challenge the judgement at the Privy Council, citing infringement on their freedom of speech and religious liberty. However, with this momentous decision, Mauritius joins a select group of African nations, including Cape Verde, South Africa, Botswana, Seychelles, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Angola, in decriminalising same-sex relations. In a time when many African countries are witnessing a rise in homophobia and the implementation of stricter anti-LGBTQI+ laws, this development represents a beacon of hope for progress. In conclusion, the recent legal developments in Mauritius are not only a testament to the nation's evolving stance on LGBTQI+ rights but also a reminder of the historical and colonial influences that have shaped its laws. As we celebrate this milestone, we must also acknowledge the work ahead to ensure lasting equality and protection for all. Stay informed, stay engaged, and continue to be advocates for change. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Nandini Tanya Lallmon - CYGEN Alumna from Mauritius Nandini Tanya Lallmon adopts a decolonial perspective on human rights across the Commonwealth. She invokes international law to protect LGBTQIA+ people from religion-based violence as United Nations Religion Fellow at OutRight Action International. Appointed as African Youth Charter Hustler for Mauritius by the African Union Office of the Youth Envoy, she ensures that youth voices are included in planning and decision-making processes. She leverages the power of traditional and social media to create learning, dialogue and development spaces that are respectful, inclusive and transformative. She is a CYGEN Alumni. She is reachable on Twitter on @Nandini_Tanya and Instagram on @nandini_tanya. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

What do Mr. Simon Mhlanga from South Africa, Lt Adnan Saidi from Singapore, Mrs Molly Lamb from Canada, Major Maurice Agius from Malta and Flying Officer Lloyd Trigg from New Zealand have in common? They all served in the Second World War as members of the allied forces. Nearly a century ago, what brought these countries together to fight against a common foe was their allegiance to the British Crown. Today, these same countries are bound by a new alliance–the Commonwealth of Nations. Remembrance Day, as it is known throughout the Commonwealth, is observed in many member states as a day to commemorate the people who served their countries during times of war. While it is a day to remember the sacrifices of individuals, it is also a day to reflect on the atrocities of war, and how nations can and must work together to prevent those atrocities from repeating themselves. When the UK declared war against Germany in August of 1914, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Newfoundland were also automatically at war as Dominions of the British Empire. In the years after the war, the United Kingdom and its Dominions agreed to be equals, with no one state being subordinate to another. What bound them together was their allegiance to the British Crown, but they functioned as autonomous nations within the British Commonwealth of Nations. Through the long process of decolonization, the Commonwealth began to emerge out of the remnants of the British Empire. By 1939, for the second time in the lives of many, Britain was once again at war with Germany. Many Commonwealth countries, including those listed above, joined the war in support of the UK and the allied forces, this time on their own accord as autonomous nation states. The alliance of Commonwealth countries was integral to the allied victory in 1945. The Commonwealth has evolved throughout the last century. Forged after the first World War and strengthened by a mutual allegiance to the Crown during the second World War, the modern Commonwealth of Nations is bound by the principles of democracy, human rights, civil liberties, equality before the law, and world peace. In the world wars of the 20th century, this alliance proved vital to delivering the allied forces to victory. While it is not the military alliance it was during the time of the British empire, the Commonwealth of Nations–as we know it now–is tasked with upholding the common values of its member states. This Remembrance Day, we honour those who served their countries, but we must also reflect on the horrors of the wars they faced. The world has changed significantly since the great conflicts of the last century, but war is still very much a part of our modern world. Members of the Commonwealth of Nations must strive to protect the principles that bind them together, none more so than peace as a means of preserving human dignity and preventing the atrocities of war. Lest we Forget. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Timothy Thompson is the Regional Coordinator for the Caribbean and the Americas (Equality) Tim is a member of the Cadet Instructor Cadre branch of the Canadian Armed Forces. He has dedicated over 17 years to working in Canadian communities and providing our youth with better opportunities. His leadership skills with the Canadian Armed Forces have provided him an opportunity to live and work in various locations across Canada and to visit other countries. In an effort to spread cultural awareness and to bring communities together, Tim helped to organize a Cultural Awareness Weekend and Powwow for cadets across the Maritime Provinces. He is also the Positive Space Ambassador and ensures a safe and inclusive space within his office. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

1. What are your memories of entering The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition? I began preparation in May of 2022. I spent many weeks planning and then researching and only began writing in the last few weeks of June. I remember most clearly the last week of submission. I caught COVID, which was not fun, but it had a silver lining. I had more time to refine my entry. In October, I was on holiday in Greece with my family and the competition was far from my mind. It was then that I received an email congratulating me on being a gold award finalist and inviting me to have a call with RCS. Whilst on the call I was told that I had won the Junior Category of the competition. Suffice to say I was so surprised and very excited. My best memories from The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition came when I was invited to Winners' Week in London. The other winners and I were taken to writing workshops, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, The Reform Club among other special places. We ended the week in Buckingham Palace for an Awards Ceremony with Queen Camilla. The experience of Winners' Week was undoubtably overwhelming and wonderful. We learned about writing and journalism from renowned authors and formed friendships that will last a lifetime with people from all over the commonwealth. 2. What first inspired you to write? When I first found the competition, I was looking for a challenge and a way to improve my writing skills. The list of topics drew me in. One in particular, where I could write about an inspirational person. There were many people that I considered writing about. Some in my life, and others who have made a big difference in the world. In the end I chose Catherine of Aragon. Her story is filled with trials and loss, despite which she remained true to her values and what she believed to be right and just. Many of her challenges were amplified because she was a woman and had less say than that of the men around her. Today, issues like this are still prevalent, but despite gender, perseverance and courage is something everyone can learn from her story. 3. How did winning The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition impact you? Winning The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition opened my eyes in many ways. I met people from all over the Commonwealth who taught me to look at the world from different perspectives and helped me improve as a writer. I learnt from interactions with politicians and authors, how to better express myself in speech and writing and most importantly, I came to a better understanding of the value of what we were doing. Having come quite a distance from Australia, and meeting people who had read my work and valued it, showed me that I can also make an impact on the world through my writing. 4. Why is literacy important? Literacy gives us the ability to communicate ideas and our perspective of the world around us. It allows us to share our experiences and learn from others about the world and ourselves. 5. Why is writing important, especially for young people? Writing for young people is something that needs to be encouraged as much as possible. Decisions and assumptions are made without first asking for our opinions. Writing allows young people to share their perspectives and opinions, it gives us a voice. As a young person our take on the world is different, as are our priorities. These things should have value in our society, and writing is a way of expressing them. 6. What are the most important elements of good writing? Good writing inspires the imagination. It should convince your audience that your vision is real and perhaps teach them something about their world or themselves. 7. What is your advice for young writers? My advice is to read, read, read. There is an endless amount you can learn from other authors which will help improve your writing. Every author has their own writing style and strengths, whether that be in characterisation, phrasing, timing, or analysis, you can seek to learn these things from each author and implement them into your own writing. 8. If you could tell your younger writing self-anything, what would it be? I would tell myself that good writing takes time. You mustn’t rush your writing, but instead find something you can write on passionately and it will come easier. Consider every perspective and know that every story has many sides. 9. What would you like to do when you finish school? At 14 I don’t have a clear plan of where I want to take my life in terms of career. I am fascinated by history, culture and the impacts people have had on our world. In an ideal future, I would seek to pursue these things as far as I can, and if possible, make a career out of them. It is a little while away for me, but I am undoubtably excited to see what the future holds. ​ABOUT THE AUTHOR Madeleine is 14 years old and lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is in grade 8 at Camberwell Girls Grammar School. She loves travelling, particularly through Europe, and enjoys visiting the museums, historical landmarks and cities in each country. It is from these experiences that she gained a love for ancient, medieval, and renaissance history. She is also an avid reader, plays the violin and spends much of her time playing basketball or swimming. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

Memoirs of Charitable work in the Nature Isle by Danielle Edwards Gallagher, Associate Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society. Black sand beaches, deep blue seas for seafarers and pristine rivers with healthy local fish. Once a gem for pirates, Dominica is still like The Garden of Eden. Mass development is controversial because the culture is closely tied to small industries like freshly baked bread and pies in outdoor iron ovens, and farm to table hotel menus including smoked chicken and crab legs on creole day- even at 5- star hotels. Growing up I volunteered during holidays at barbecues and bake sales to raise funds for the Bethesda Methodist Church. Since then, my volunteer journey has taken me to the ancestral lands while in law school at the university of the West Indies where I volunteered with the special Olympics team in the Kalinago territory a few times. Mr. Irish, a retired police officer was very enthusiastic at the time. The disabled people from the territory enjoy participating in special Olympics abroad. Right after I moved back to Dominica from Washington DC I worked with the geothermal awareness group. This grassroots organization engaged members of the public on their concerns related to scaling up geothermal energy on the island. I used my knowledge of research on public participation and obstacles to the development of renewable energy in the Caribbean to engage some of the members. After tropical storm Erika, while my mom was President of the rotary club I volunteered with packing and delivering relief supplies to displaced people. This was around 2015 and 2016. Around this time, I worked with a lawyer who is very popular among the people of the south-east. I remember buying relief supplies for some displaced families from Petite Savanne where bodies were washed away after the disaster. Some years later I spent some time on the island before I left to advance my career and get married in the state of Texas. In the aftermath of the beastly hurricane Maria a Dutch philanthropist, Marieke can Asten let me come to a couple schools with her to assist with an art program for children who were traumatized by the fact that their families were broken following these storms. The program is sponsored by my Dominica breadfruit house foundation. Sometimes the trauma of disaster recovery can be a beast to academic progress. Some of these children live with members of the extended family and they don’t know their parents very well. In 2021 I volunteered with the art program on my birthday. The greatest of these all is my legal pro Bono work for underprivileged people including family members, primarily in land & titles and personal injury matters. Overall I was happy with my experience in charitable work on the nature isle. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

Hiya Chowdhury, Senior Runner-up QCEC 2017, QCEC 2023 Final Panel Judge and published children’s author explains how the competition has changed her life. #QCEC140 1. What are your memories of entering The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition? Growing up, entering the competition was always an eagerly-awaited part of my year. I remember sitting down to write my entries with excitement and eagerness, forever wanting to put my best, and most honest, foot forward. I remember editing my entries over and over again, trying to create something that was perfect in my eyes. This endeavour sometimes succeeded, and often failed. But I don’t quite remember being dejected when one of my stories failed to make the mark. Quite the opposite: I was always thrilled to have been able to write something meaningful, and always felt thankful that the competition gave me the opportunity to do so! 2. What first inspired you to write? I always felt that the pages of my notebooks and journals were very forgiving and accepting of my eccentricities. Like most children, I was very happy to let my imagination run wild and I was stunned by the mere thought that my ideas could be valuable enough to be made into a story of some kind! That sense of complete abandon was very inspiring for me. I was also very inspired to write by the books I read! 3. How did winning The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition impact you? Oh, so many ways! For one, it gave me the confidence to keep writing and sharing my ideas with the world — or at the very least, put them down on paper. It also gave me the opportunity to experience new places and meet new people, which is of great value to anybody passionate about writing. But most of all, I think winning the competition was vital for my voice as a young person: it assured me that thinking big was valuable and that my thoughts and opinions were meaningful, no matter where I came from. 4. Why is literacy important? To my mind, literacy is essential for self-confidence and well-being. While the mere act of writing and reading may seem perfunctory to some, to me it is a life-giving force! It allows us to articulate our ideas to the world, and therefore accommodate the world within our own local contexts. I never underestimate the power of this ability; literacy allows us to see our own worth and the value inherent in our ideas. It opens up the possibility that the whole world might be able to witness our ideas in the future. 5. Why is writing important, especially for young people? I think writing allows young people to really see themselves. As a young person myself, I know that writing has allowed me to create a concrete sense of self! I am able to write about what strikes me as raw and important, and in doing so I bring a very specific experience to the threshold of the world. When young people are able to (and inspired to) write their ideas and imaginations into reality, they are also able to see the value inherent in their lives and experiences. They are able to see what their minds are able to achieve. 6. What are the most important elements of good writing? Above all else, being honest. The kind of writing I enjoy most is about what the writer has seen and touched and felt, and knows to be true of their own experience of the world! That kind of writing truly floats off the page and becomes real for the reader in the most raw, visceral way. 7. What is your advice for young writers? To write about what they live on a day-to-day basis, and to draw inspiration from the mundane. There is a lot of flavour in the lives we live, and despite that, we often feel that our daily lives are small and unimportant. I think everyone who wants to write should know that lived experiences are always the most ripe material for our stories, because it is what we are able to communicate most aptly on paper. I want young people to know that their lives are worth writing about! 8. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be? To never be ashamed of the things she finds interesting and moving, even if nobody else in the world is writing about them. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

On Friday 27th October 2023, the land of my birth, St. Vincent and the Grenadines will celebrate 44 years of Independence. Thus, as we mark this momentous occasion in our nation’s history, it is a time to celebrate the resilience, commitment, and aspirations of the nation within the Commonwealth. It is also an opportunity for young leaders like me to reflect on our journey within the Commonwealth, to be inspired, and to continue advocating for a more equitable, just, and sustainable world. My experience in the Commonwealth The Commonwealth, with its rich tapestry of nations, offers a unique opportunity for young leaders like myself to connect, collaborate, and advocate for the change we wish to see in the world. Through the Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Network (CYGEN) of which the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) is the Secretariat, I have had the opportunity to address critical issues related to gender equality, advocating for the inclusion and empowerment of women and marginalized groups. Having entered the network as a campaign lead for the #Reform53 campaign, then serving as the Executive Committee lead for Youth Transitions and having recently completed my tenure as the Coordinator of CYGEN, the network has served as a platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and forging lasting friendships with fellow young leaders across the globe. It is a testament to the power of collective action and the strength of the Commonwealth's diversity. St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Commonwealth St. Vincent and the Grenadines, nestled in the southeast of the Caribbean Sea, has its own unique aspirations within the Commonwealth. With our recent volcanic eruption and unique vulnerability to climate disasters, the nation is committed to promoting sustainable development, environmental conservation, and climate resilience. In line with the Commonwealth's values, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been actively engaged in efforts to protect the environment and mitigate the impacts of climate change, showcasing the nation's commitment to a greener and more sustainable future. In my new role as the Chairperson for Climate Change within the Prime Minister’s Youth Advisory Council, this is a cause which I will continue to champion, particularly as it relates to climate finance and the loss and damage fund. Looking ahead I am humbled to reflect on my journey as a young leader within the Commonwealth as it is within this diverse and dynamic organization that I have found my purpose, passion, and a platform to advocate for equality, justice and sustainable development. The Commonwealth is a place where aspirations, like those of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, can be nurtured and realized. It is a global family of nations working together to build a better future. As a young leader, I am proud to be a part of this journey and to contribute to a Commonwealth that values equality, justice, and positive change. Happy 44th Independence Day, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and here's to a brighter future within the Commonwealth! The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

"Go back to the land!” He said, those were the words of the late first republican President of Zambia, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda. He was a strong advocate for agriculture in our country, a true son of the soil. Who we are as a human race and what we do dates back to the soil. Agriculture and the food system has proved its relevance in how we have evolved as mankind. After being ignored and sidelined for generations especially in the food system, youths are taking centre stage, demanding for their rights as partners and not just some participant that is regarded important. This country has taken care of us by being generous enough to provide food, shelter, and all the resources we need to be able to thrive as a nation and a people of land of work and joy. As the coin dropped and hit the ground, it could be heard a hundred meters away, the silence of a young leader, trying to reimagine the world and how he would contribute to this utopian world desired by many but advocated by the few. In that moment, the clarity of the situation showed him the relevance of meaningful youth engagement in the food system for the great of good of Zambia. He looked and gazed at the beauty that Zambia had to offer, amazing views, beautiful landscape and gorgeous forests. Nature at its best, in the hands of indigenous people, whose dreams are to just provide the basic needs for their families with hope that their own country will thrive. Zambia is a true example of a blessed country, rich in minerals as well as the culture of its people, a land-linked country whose agriculture potential is untapped. “Go back to the land” he said, is the land dead? Has it been deserted? There is still hope for this nation to take advantage of this opportunity it has to position itself in the region as food basket, given its great history and amazing people. A sovereign nation, a free nation capable of lifting its people out of poverty, a nation that is strong and resilient. The young leader realized the massive responsibility he had to help transform the food system, to stimulate different food system actors in creating an enabling environment for the youth to be sustainable and resilience towards the desired transition. The peace that the country has been experiencing for the past decades clearly depicts the character of the nation. Realizing the importance of meaningfully engaging young people as partners in the food system, a cause towards responding to the needs of the youth was born. Zambia, the land of hope, the land of opportunities, the land that great elders would call heritage, 59 years old of being an amazing mother. A mother that has given its children life, the beauty of nature, arable land to be able to grow food and dream for the future. As a young leader, the contribution to the cause of making Zambia great is greater than being a good citizen, but a passion and patriotic action to create changes in the lives of the ones that are marginalized. Let’s sit around a table, sharing a meal to celebrate the amazing memories that this great country has created, united among friends and family completing the value chain in consumption of what this great country has provide. As we beat our chest with loud voices of praise and singing for the motherland, Happy Birthday Zambia! The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

The Country Director of RCS Nigeria, Blackson Olaseni Bayewumi attended the Summit of the Nigeria Governors' Wives Forum in Partnership with Consulate General of Nigeria in New York. The Summit focused on stemming factors for migration flows by providing basic needs of the people such as qualitative education, good healthcare, affordable shelter, poverty alleviation and wealth creation Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of Federal Republic of Nigeria spoke about the activities of the 'Renewed Hope Initiative', in providing basic needs of the people by building capacities of the people, awarding scholarships to the indigent students, providing startup capital for the people to start their businesses and supporting some communities that recently experienced disaster. Her Excellency, Ambassador Professor (Mrs) Olufolake Abdulrasaq, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors' Wives Forum and the First Lady of Kwara State spoke about the activities of the Forum in supporting the effort of Government and meeting the basic needs of the people. She also spoke about the activities of the 'Ajike People Support Center' in this regard. Other First Ladies (Wives of State Governors) at the event also discussed their respective initiatives, programmes and activities of meeting the needs of the people in their various states across the country. In summary, the Summit provided a veritable platform for the Guests, Speakers and Participants to look at the issue of 'Migration Flows' as a serious threat to our collective Wellbeing that requires urgent and serious attention. The Summit proffered solutions in this regard such as appropriate and qualitative Education, improved Healthcare services, massive investment in affordable Housing, improved inflow of Investment to create the needed jobs, increased social intervention in poverty alleviation, special attention to girl child education, to mention but few. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

Cyprus, a picturesque island nestled in the Eastern Mediterranean marks a significant day in its history - Independence Day. A less known fact is that, even though Independence Day is celebrated on the 1st October each year, the official proclamation of the Republic of Cyprus was on 16th August 1960, following the “Cyprus Act” which established an independent sovereign Republic of Cyprus, and stipulated that “Her Majesty shall have no sovereignty or jurisdiction over the Republic of Cyprus.” This occasion is a symbol of resilience, unity, and enduring spirit of the Cypriot people. It is also a day when Cypriots come together to celebrate their hard-won freedom and self-determination, reflecting on their cultural heritage and vibrant traditions that make this island unique. Festivities include parades, concerts, and cultural exhibitions that showcase the rich Cypriot history. Unfortunately, following the intercommunal violence in the 1960s and the invasion in the summer of 1974, 36% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus has been occupied and the island is de facto divided ever since. My active involvement in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, especially following my selection as a UN Youth Champion for Environment and Peace, has made me realise the importance of bottom-up peacebuilding. As McEvoy-Levy suggests “a peace agreement’s endurance depends on whether the next generations accept or reject it, how they are socialised during the peace process, and their perceptions of what that peace process has achieved.” For this reason, I utilised my international youth climate networks as the Delegate of Cyprus to the Youth4Climate and Pre-COP26, my previous experiences within the Commonwealth, such as through my participation in the Pan-Commonwealth Parliamentary Assembly for COP26 and my attendance at two Commonwealth Day Services, as well as my local networks with young Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots and Cypriots in the diaspora to establish the “Local Conference of Youth on Climate Change” in Cyprus (LCOY Cyprus) in 2022. This environmental peacebuilding initiative is supported by YOUNGO, the official children and youth constituency to UNFCCC, the UN in Cyprus, British High Commission in Cyprus, the British Council and Friends of the Earth Cyprus. So far, we have engaged with more than 200 people across the island, organised two conferences in the UN Buffer Zone and composed two policy papers, advocating among others, for greater youth involvement in the Cyprus settlement process, in light of UN Security Council Resolution 2250 and most recently, Resolution 2674. Some of our suggestions include the establishment of a Technical Committee on Youth as part of the Track I peace process, as well as greater youth involvement in all Technical Committees, especially the one on environment. The environment has a great potential to unite people – together, we work for the turtles that swim across our sea, and the birds that fly above the barbed wires. If not us, then who? If not now, when? The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

In honour of Independence Day in Botswana, Pelinah Gorata Pinaemang and Phatsimo Mosimangape, Associate Fellows of the Royal Commonwalth Society, give their views of educational opportunities and improving young people’s development in their home country. Pelinah Gorata Pinaemang In Botswana, as in many nation-states, there exists a tenacious achievement gap and opportunity gap among learners. These gaps are an indication of disparities in academic performance and educational opportunities that disproportionately affect certain groups based on different factors. Addressing these gaps requires a multifaceted approach, which includes the implementation of effective academic revision strategies and the promotion of personal development for students Academic revision plays a fundamental role in enhancing students' education familiarities and closing the achievement gap. By providing students with structured support, resources, and guidance, academic revision empowers them to consolidate their understanding of the subject matter and improve their performance. Research has shown that targeted revision strategies, such as providing timely feedback, utilizing active learning techniques, and implementing personalized study schedules, can significantly boost academic achievement for students across diverse backgrounds. To address the achievement gap in Botswana, it is essential to offer academic revision programs that target students from disadvantaged communities and rural areas. These programs should provide opportunities for students to access additional learning resources, receive one-on-one guidance from mentors or tutors, and engage in peer collaborative revision sessions. By tailoring revision initiatives to meet the specific needs of students facing educational disadvantages, educational institutions can work towards narrowing the achievement gap. In addition to academic revision, personal development programs offer valuable tools for addressing the opportunity gap in Botswana. Personal development initiatives focus on equipping students with essential life skills, such as critical thinking, effective communication, time management, and goal setting. These skills are not only vital for academic success but also for overall personal growth and future employability. By incorporating personal development, schools foster a culture of self-improvement and empower students to pursue their aspirations. Furthermore, personal development programs can enhance students' confidence, resilience, and self-esteem, which are crucial factors in bridging the opportunity gap. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds often lack access to extracurricular activities and opportunities for personal growth. By including personal development programs within the educational system, these students can gain access to diverse experiences that provide them with a level playing field. It was this in mind that I founded a secondary school project that trains students about leadership personal development, and academic excellence. It is a project birthed in 2018 while returning from the United States of America State Department Exchange Program - Study of the U.S. Institute (SUSI) for Student Leaders on Civic Engagement. So far the project was launched in Kgalagadi Region at Matsha College. Southern Region at Mookami Junior Secondary School in Kanye, Molongwa Junior Secondary School in Khakhea, Maiteko Junior Secondary School in Mabutsane, and at Goodhope Senior School in Goodhope. The program has impacted the lives of more than five thousand students in Botswana. The following are the core objectives of the project: Enhancing Leadership Skills: The training program aims to develop strong leadership skills among students in Botswana. It focuses on imparting knowledge and skills necessary to become effective leaders, including decision-making, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. Fostering Personal Growth: The program seeks to promote personal growth and self-awareness among students. Through workshops and interactive sessions, students explore their strengths, weaknesses, values, and aspirations, enabling them to develop a better understanding of themselves and their potential. Enhancing Academic Performance: The training program aims to improve academic excellence among students. It provides them with study skills, time management techniques, and effective learning strategies. Moreover, it will focus on improving critical thinking, creativity, and analytical abilities to help students excel academically. Instilling Resilience and Perseverance: The training program helps the students to develop resilience and perseverance among students, enabling them to handle challenges, setbacks, and failures effectively. Students learn strategies to bounce back from obstacles, maintain a positive mind-set, and continue working towards their goals. As a young well-versed active citizen I acknowledge the visionary state of Botswana that is based on VISION 2036 –PILLAR 1; SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. This pillar embraces a knowledge-based economy. I wish to start an education dialogue with different stakeholders to engage continuously on issues that affect Batswana as global citizens. Phatsimo Mosimanegape I'm Phatsimo Mosimanegape, a passionate African woman with a fiery determination to uplift my beloved continent. It all started back in my Senior Secondary School years when I got involved in a Development Studies Project in the Old Naledi Community. We were a dream team, working tirelessly to support a Rehabilitation Centre for Street Children. That experience ignited a fire within me, and I knew I had to play a vital role in improving the lives of those around me. Fast forward to my university days in 2006, when I joined Youth for Life-YOLI. This brilliant organization focused on promoting HIV/AIDS awareness and fighting against the stigma that surrounds the topic. As an Economics student, I also developed a keen interest in global issues and how young Africans can get involved in Economic Development and Governance. That's when I became a member of the incredible Pan-African organization, Youth Alliance for Leadership and Development in Africa- YALDA. Let me tell you, being part of YALDA has been instrumental in my personal growth and self-discovery. I've led some great projects, mentored my awesome peers, and collaborated with incredible individuals from different regions. Sure, I may have stepped down as Country Director for Botswana in 2021, but I'm still serving as an advisor. I guess I am always willing to pour from my cup which really is fulfilling to me. I've studied Economics and Public Administration and I have used the skills and knowledge garnered over the years to make an impact. This has of course gained me some recognition as I was honoured to be an Associate Fellow for the Royal Commonwealth Society since 2016, and a 2021 Mandela Washington Fellow. Being part of the Commonwealth is a big deal for me. I believe in the power of countries coming together to tackle common challenges and work towards shared goals. The Commonwealth is like a treasure trove of collaboration, where we can exchange ideas, promote democracy and human rights, and showcase our best practices. Botswana, my homeland, has benefited massively from this partnership. The Commonwealth has been a game-changer, supporting us in education, health, and economic development, bringing progress and prosperity to our doorstep. My leadership journey has empowered countless young individuals who've gone on to do great in their own professions. In addition to YALDA, I'm actively involved in various national and global platforms. Right now, I'm part of the National Steering Committee for Sustainable Development Goals and the Technical Taskforce for the same. Recently the Office of the President appointed me to the Generations Unlimited Steering Committee. I've also taken it upon myself to initiate my own community service projects. For instance, I started the Feel Fresh Campaign. I collected and donated hygiene packages to those less fortunate. Because let's be honest, feeling fresh is a right, not a privilege. But my dedication doesn't stop at my immediate surroundings. No, I have worked with African Monitor, a South African-based organization, to ensure Botswana has a substantial say in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Together, we've embarked on the Voice Africa's Future Project. I've trained and collaborated with Youth Champions to engage different communities in co-creation initiatives towards Sustainable Development. We're in this together, changing the game one step at a time! In the grand scheme of things, my vision goes beyond personal achievements. I dream of seeing Botswana regain its status as a beacon of democracy and a self-sustained economy. Africa has so many incredible resources, and it is high time we use them to secure a brighter future for the next generation. I'm just a humble part of a bigger movement, but together, we can tackle challenges head-on and achieve amazing things. There you have it, I'm Phatsimo Mosimanegape, and I'm on a mission to uplift Botswana, Africa, the Commonwealth, and its people. Every single person out there has their own unique spark that can ignite change. Whether it's our wild ideas, infectious enthusiasm, or even just the power of our kindness, we each have something to bring to the table. So, let's embrace our inner fire-starters and let the world be lit up by our awesomeness! We can go on and enjoy Botswana's 57 years of Independence Day together but let's not forget to roll up our sleeves and get to work, shall we? The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.