London, Sep 23 – Four young activists from India have emerged as winners in the recent Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) elections, securing key roles within the organization. The Commonwealth Youth Council serves as the official voice for over 1.5 billion young individuals from the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth.
Among the winners, Gurdit Singh Vohra has been elected as the Vice Chairperson of Partnerships and Resources, while Falit Sijariya will serve as the Vice Chairperson of Policy and Advocacy. Additionally, Muskaan Anand has been named the Representative for Asia, and Farhana Jan will take on the role of Representative for Special Interest Groups.
These four individuals, along with six other winners from different Commonwealth nations, will be formally appointed during a special ceremony at the upcoming Commonwealth Youth Forum 2024, which will be held at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa next month.
The Commonwealth Secretariat, based in London, highlighted the importance of this year’s elections, particularly as the Commonwealth Youth Council marks a decade of advancing youth development initiatives and enhancing youth participation in decision-making processes. A total of 48 candidates were shortlisted for the election, with the successful candidates expected to serve a two-year term from 2024 to 2026.
Gurdit Singh Vohra emphasized his experience in resource management, citing his work in establishing partnerships with numerous hospitals and co-founding the Harprabh Foundation, which focuses on supporting underprivileged students and representing India on international platforms. Falit Sijariya, known for his advocacy for young voices on a global scale, has previously led the G20 Youth Summit and represented Asia in various international forums.
Muskaan Anand, a strong proponent of youth empowerment and social justice, has led initiatives addressing critical issues such as menstrual hygiene management, education, and environmental sustainability. Farhana Jan, hailing from Kashmir, has been recognized for her efforts in promoting peace and stability in the region, particularly advocating for marginalized communities and engaging in youth empowerment and social services.
Layne Robinson, the Head of Social Policy Development at the Commonwealth Secretariat, emphasized the significance of youth voices in shaping the future. The elections provided an important platform for young people to select leaders who will champion their needs and aspirations across the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Youth Council was established in 2013 with the backing of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. During the CHOGM in Sri Lanka that year, Commonwealth Heads of Government endorsed the CYC as an independent, youth-led organization. Joshua Opey from Ghana was elected as the Chairperson for the next two-year term, while Neema Sheikh Abdikadir from Kenya will serve as the Vice Chairperson of Inclusion and Engagement.
The achievements of these young Indian activists in securing prominent roles within the Commonwealth Youth Council reflect their dedication to youth empowerment, social justice, and advocacy for marginalized communities. As they prepare to take on their responsibilities, they are poised to make a meaningful impact on youth development policies and initiatives across the Commonwealth.