At the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, Rwanda’s Thomas Mwesigye and Akeza Germaine Nkunzurwanda were elected to the Commonwealth Youth Council. The forum, themed “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth,” brought together 3,000 delegates from 56 member nations and marked the transition of the Chair-in-office from Rwanda to Samoa.
Mwesigye emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to youth empowerment and discussed the importance of the Commonwealth Youth Forum, where young leaders share solutions on issues like climate change, digital access, and sustainable development. Highlights included the launch of the 13th Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) Declaration, which outlined goals such as bridging the digital divide, establishing a climate innovation fund, and promoting mental health services. Mwesigye noted Rwanda’s progress in youth engagement and outlined future goals, including mobilizing Rwandan youth to participate in Commonwealth programs and promoting initiatives that empower marginalized groups.
Rwanda’s two-year Commonwealth chairmanship yielded diplomatic and economic benefits, fostering connections in trade, tourism, and diplomacy. As a newly elected Youth Council representative, Mwesigye aims to strengthen ties with youth across the Commonwealth, spotlight Rwanda’s successful youth initiatives, and encourage Rwandans to seize Commonwealth opportunities.
