CommonAge Ambassador Rianna Patterson and her colleague from Dominica, Shaiel Duverney, represent Commonage as ‘Observer participation’ at the 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting 11 – 15 September 2023
As part of our commitment to supporting and developing young leaders across The Commonwealth, we were delighted Rianna Patterson and her colleague from Dominica, Shaiel Duverney accepted our invitation to participate in the 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting (CYMM) as Observers.
In 2016, at just 18 years old, Rianna founded the Dominica Dementia Foundation, in memory of her grandfather who passed away with dementia. This Foundation is a youth-led dementia charity that supports families affected by dementia, and care homes supporting people with dementia in Dominica.
We were also fortunate to be offered a stand at the meeting where we could showcase our work towards creating an ‘Commonwealth for all ages’.
The Meeting bought together Government ministers, senior government officials, education stakeholders and young leaders from across the Commonwealth to agree on policies and initiatives aimed at supporting and empowering young people across 56 member states.
High-level representatives from over 46 countries and six UK overseas territories, including 35 Government Ministers, attended the meeting at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters, Marlborough House. The meeting, which is held under the theme: ‘Aiming Higher: Delivering More for Young People in the Commonwealth’, was chaired by the Government of Pakistan.
CYMM had four themes: education, employment, environment and engagement, along with cross-cutting themes, including human rights, transformative technology and disability.
The opening ceremony featured addresses from the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC; the meeting’s Chair, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, HE Jalil Abbas Jilani; and Mr Kim Allen, the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Youth Council.
Read more and watch the opening remarks of the Commonwealth Secretary-General and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister here.
Commenting on CYMM Rianna said “It was an extraordinary opportunity to engage with young leaders and ministers across Commonwealth Countries.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this gathering of minds. We’ve debated emerging issues as well as forged news relations, partnerships for youth development and intergenerational dialogue. It provided an opportunity to experience full-time decision-making practices. I feel honoured to be provided the opportunity to contribute to it in this capacity.”
Shaiel said she found her experience at the Commonwealth Expo representing CommonAge was very interesting.
“I was able to connect with people and organizations that shared similar interests. I also had the opportunity to showcase how the youth can be involved in the well-being of older people.
“I believe that everyone should have a quality of life and common age represents that. Representing CommonAge also allowed me to develop professionally. For example, I built new relationships with agencies and learnt how Commonwealth countries come together to produce and implement policies which are significant in creating positive changes.”
Rianna had the opportunity for a one-week internship with the Commonwealth Foundation the following week.
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