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Prime Minister officially opens Commonwealth Youth Forum

The Prime Minister Julia Gillard today officially opened the Commonwealth Youth Forum at the Opening Ceremony in Fremantle Western Australia.

“It is indeed my pleasure to welcome you all to Australia, to Western Australia, and to the magnificent city of Fremantle,” Ms Gillard said.

“Your commitment is inspiring and your efforts are very much appreciated. Appreciated and timely because you are our source of hope and inspiration for the challenges of tomorrow.”

The opening ceremony was attended by the Secretary General, His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma, the Minister for Youth, Peter Garrett , the Deputy Secretary General Mrs Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, and other distinguished parliamentarians and guests.

The Opening Ceremony, emceed by Myf Warhust, marked the start of official proceedings for the Commonwealth Youth Forum.

It included a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country by Noongar elders, the traditional owners of Fremantle, a traditional Indigenous dance and performances by the Variety Youth Choir.

CYF Planning Group Chair, Alan Huynh and Pan Commonwealth Youth Caucus Chair Noelyn Wagapu-Tuza also spoke at the ceremony.

“The CYF Opening Ceremony genuinely brought a tear to my eye. It was amazing and inspired me to realise how special this occasion is,” says Lockie Cooke CYF Planning Group member.

Minister for Youth, Peter Garrett also presented a keynote address to delegates after the ceremony.

‘Young people are the future, literally, and no more so than in the Commonwealth of Nations where as we’ve heard half if not more of the population is aged 25 or under,’ Mr Garrett said.

‘We recognise that youth in the Commonwealth countries are an emerging force for change. Your part in this forum gives you a very powerful voice....Take the opportunity the forum presents to make a clear statement in the communiqué focussed on those issues that are important to you as young people in the Commonwealth.’

CYF delegates will spend the next three days in discussion on the key topic areas for the forum, preparing recommendations for Heads of Government.

They will also receive skills and development training to ensure they are equipped with skills and knowledge to be leaders driving progressive change in their home countries across the Commonwealth.