Twenty-three young people have been selected to serve on the international taskforce that will lead the planning and delivery of the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF), set to take place in Antigua and Barbuda alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

The taskforce will work with the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC), and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to support the successful delivery of the forum. Its responsibilities include shaping the programme, developing policy recommendations, and coordinating logistical arrangements.

Drawing from a range of Commonwealth regions and interest groups, the taskforce will help deliver a forum aimed at encouraging policymakers to support actions promoting sustainable development, prosperity, and investment across the Commonwealth.

The CYF was established in 2010 to ensure governments consider the concerns and perspectives of young people. It has since become a critical platform for youth to share their views with world leaders at CHOGM. The 2026 CYF will be held in Antigua from November 1 to 4 under the theme 'Investing in Youth Agency — Co-Creating Pathways towards Shared Prosperity.'

Senator Shenella Govia, Minister of State in the Ministry of Works and Housing and Forum Lead, voiced strong support for the initiative. "I'm pleased to announce the Official Commonwealth Youth Forum Taskforce; a team we are confident will design and deliver a successful forum that reflects the diverse perspectives of our Commonwealth youth and provide a meaningful platform for dialogue and action," she said.

Jennifer Namgyal, Officer-in-Charge of the Social Development, Youth and Gender Directorate at the Commonwealth Secretariat, underscored the significance of the taskforce. "We are delighted to be collaborating with the official Commonwealth Youth Forum Taskforce, an important team of young leaders amplifying the aspirations of the Commonwealth's 1.6 billion young people by highlighting their innovations, elevating their solutions to global challenges, and providing a global platform for their voices to be heard," she said.

Neema Sheikh Abdikadir Abdullahi, Co-Chair of the taskforce and CYC Vice Chairperson for Inclusion and Engagement, highlighted the forum's relevance in the current global climate. "At a time when young people are questioning multilateralism in the current geopolitical context, this CYF will enable young leaders and other stakeholders to build their skills and co-create solutions that will shape the future," she said.

Donte Walter, the Co-Chair representing host nation Antigua and Barbuda, expressed his commitment to the role. "I am deeply honoured to serve as Co-Chair of the Taskforce, representing the voices and aspirations of young people in Antigua and Barbuda and across the wider Caribbean region. I look forward to collaborating with fellow leaders and stakeholders to deliver a transformative and impactful youth forum — one that unites visionary youths, strengthens meaningful engagement, and empowers emerging leaders with the resilience and capacity to shape a more sustainable and inclusive Commonwealth," he said.

Antigua and Barbuda is strongly represented on the taskforce. The full membership, listed alphabetically by surname, is as follows:

Co-Chairs: Neema Sheikh Abdikadir Abdullahi (Kenya) and Donte Walter (Antigua and Barbuda).

Members: Shacia Albertine (Antigua and Barbuda), Stanley Anigbogu (Nigeria), Eleala Avanitele (Tuvalu), Selena E. Jn Baptiste (Saint Lucia), Byron Christopher (Antigua and Barbuda), Lucia Ene-Lesikar (Tanzania/United Kingdom), Fathima Haneekah Rahil (Sri Lanka), Deborah Hatten (Antigua and Barbuda), Kaiesha Joseph (Antigua and Barbuda), Kristine Louisa (Antigua and Barbuda), Bodh Maathura (Sri Lanka), Desrie Markham (Antigua and Barbuda), Rondell Nedd (Guyana), Arielle Neely (United Kingdom, Turks and Caicos Islands), Eunice Oluwafeyisayo Oladejo (Canada), Christal Percival (Antigua and Barbuda), Vida Betances Reyes (Antigua and Barbuda), Janet Simon (Antigua and Barbuda), Vikrant Srivastava (India), Makiba Oliveia Ward (Antigua and Barbuda), and Amelia Williams (Antigua and Barbuda).

Approximately 300 youth delegates are expected to attend the four-day forum.

For more information about the Commonwealth Youth Forum, contact the Commonwealth Youth Programme at [email protected].