With 60% of the Commonwealth's 2.5 billion population aged under 30, it is very timely that this year has been declared the 2023 Commonwealth Year of Youth. Giving young people a voice about the crucial issues facing our cities and communities is vital and this Saturday provides a key opportunity to do just this, in relation to the environment.

Hosted by two Commonwealth youth networks concerned with climate and sustainability, the

• Climate Change Network (CYCN) and 
• Commonwealth Youth for Sustainable Urbanisation (CYSU)

are holding a virtual Townhall meeting on 4 March 2023 from 7-8.30pm GMT, giving young people the opportunity to have their say about the work of the Commonwealth Secretariat, and the Youth Networks in combatting environmental and sustainability issues throughout 2023.

This event is free and open to all under-30s from across and beyond the Commonwealth with an interest in these areas.

The Commonwealth Year of Youth, as mandated by Commonwealth Heads of Government will see 12 months of high-profile events designed to empower and support the 1.5bn under-30s living in the Commonwealth.

The Townhall meeting aims to look at how we can better unite and direct our efforts to improve measurable outcomes in our effort to mitigate the climate and sustainability crisis.  The meeting features:

• A keynote speech from Layne Robinson, Head of Social Policy Development at The Commonwealth Secretariat;
• Reflection on key events and their outcomes over the past year (COP27, COP15, and the recent Commonwealth youth-focused meetings);
• A platform to hear Commonwealth youth perspectives on what the Commonwealth Youth Networks’ priorities for the theme of Climate and Sustainability should be for 2023. 

Participants will be divided into groups to discuss some guiding questions on topics such as climate finance, energy transition, just transition and sustainable urbanisation. This input will be compiled, published and reflected on with the relevant stakeholders.

The feedback will also be used to support the production of annual youth statements like our youth statement on Climate presented at COP every year. 

There will also be more details about the 13 Commonwealth Youth Networks, what areas each cover, available volunteering opportunities and how to join.

Should you not be able to join the meeting live, please still fill in the Zoom registration form.

The Commonwealth Youth for Sustainable Urbanisation Network (CYSU) is an exciting group of young people drawn from the key professions that are needed to tackle the existential threat posed by rapid urbanisation. Comprising planners, architects, academics AND local government practitioners and politicians, the role of local government in plotting the way forward is pivotal. If you are a young person in local government, find out more about the CYSU and contribute your expertise and innovation.