CHOGM Guiding Principles

Guiding Principles for Decision Makers at CHOGM

Bekky Ashmore
Bekky Ashmore
Bekky is the SRHR Policy and Advocacy Adviser for Plan International UK

Two out of every three people in the Commonwealth are young people, meaning they should play an important role in ensuring that governments fully implement the commitments made during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) happening in London this week.

CHOGM is an opportunity for young people, business leaders and Heads of Government to come together every two years and discuss the most important issues affecting the Commonwealth and its member states. The outcome from the youth, women’s, business and people’s forums alongside the final Heads of Government communique will set out the main priorities and focus of the commonwealth for the next two years. As the UK is hosting CHOGM, it will act as the Chairs-in-Office and support the delivery of commitments made here in London this week.

In partnership with Restless Development, we have developed a set of Guiding Principles for decision makers on how to effectively and proactively support the meaningful engagement of the young people in their countries throughout the implementation, monitoring and accountability of the commitments made at CHOGM.

1. Meaningful Youth Participation

Apply a human rights-based approach which recognises young people as agents of change.

2. Enabling Environment

Foster an environment that includes access to sustainable funding, for accessible, inclusive and meaningful youth participation.

3. Gender Equality

Promote gender equality and girls' and young women's empowerment including gender-sensitive measures.

4. Capacity Development

Enhance mutual responsiveness, trust and collaboration by supporting capacity building for young people, youth organisations, networks and movements.

5. Diversity of young people's experiences

Find ways to systematically, sustainably and responsibly engage youth people typically left out of development projects and programmes.

6. Youth-Sensitive National and Local Indicators

In addition to age and gender data disaggregation, make data sources youth-friendly and support young people's role in generating data on commitments.

7. Participation in Monitoring and Accountability

Establish channels whereby youth participation can have a visible impact on outcomes.

This week four passionate and dedicated youth advocates, Hope and Georgina from Kenya and Viola and Norah from Uganda, have joined us in London to participate in CHOGM.

They are calling for their Heads of Government and others to commit to ending the exploitation of girls across the Commonwealth.

Guiding Principles for Decision Makers

During the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

Download the guiding principles

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