Mental well-being and therapy and mental health support need to be more centred and openly discussed in the region.

I urge representatives at the Commonwealth People’s Forum to champion digital accessibility across education, employment and public services. Persons with disabilities must also be meaningfully involved in shaping the technologies and policies intended to serve them.

Together, we should build a Commonwealth where disability never determines who can learn, work or participate in the digital economy.

Accountability - people have to use the funding and resources as intended. We can't always have visions and goals for projects if nobody sticks to the actual plan and uses the funding and resourcing as needed

Transparency - accountability only exists when communication is open and shared amongst all parties involved. If certain information is limited to a particular group of people, not everyone will know what to do

Evidence of completed projects and progress - once funding and resources arrive, there needs to be proof of them being used for their respective purposes. Incomplete projects highlights fraud and corruption. Delayed progress highlights fraud and corruption because then they'll demand more funding and resourcing. Document everything

Main topics to focus on:

Infrastructure - change is hard when infrastructure remains the same or isn't constructed. New buildings and establishments must support new visions and projects

Skills-training during high school - education is good but provide extra-mural activities apart from sports that develop genuine talent. It also allows people to learn new skills whilst in high school and that can help them in college or university with getting side jobs and opportunities. Keep students busy after school hours

Financial training - we need a global economy with people who are financially literate. Poor financial skills leads to criminal activity to regain lost funds. We need people able to handle personal financing as well as corporate financing.

That's all I have for now. I hope there will be a live stream to follow everything but those are the main points and topics I would highlight and focus on. All the best

International organizations, particularly those based in developed countries, should do more to recognize, value, and meaningfully involve local community volunteers and young people in decision-making, leadership, funding opportunities, and programme implementation. Local actors possess valuable contextual knowledge and firsthand experience of community challenges, yet they are often sidelined despite being at the forefront of delivering change. Greater investment and considerations in local leadership, equitable partnerships, international opportunities and direct funding for grassroots initiatives is essential to ensure that development efforts are locally driven, inclusive, and sustainable.

We expect more Subventions for health (UHC), education and CSO at the end of this meeting.

Take care

CSO must focus the intervention on the Empowerment of this rural community and guide them to be enough. That will a plaisure to see one child or youth in rural zone who is capable to resolve a problem of production on the field of agriculture

I encourage you to prioritize youth employment, skills development, environmental sustainability, and equal opportunities for people with disabilities. Our communities need more access to education, decent jobs, entrepreneurship opportunities, and resources to develop local solutions to social and environmental challenges.

At the 2026 Commonwealth People’s Forum, I hope we can work together to develop practical solutions, strengthen partnerships among young people and civil society organisations, and ensure that the voices of underrepresented communities are heard by Commonwealth leaders.

Together, we can build more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous communities across the Commonwealth.

Thank you for representing our communities and working toward positive change.

Reshaping the economic and geopolitical order, the North/South axis and how the Commonwealth intra relationships can become a power block in its own right.

Also, the rule of law no longer holds its place in Nigeria. Some people rub it in our faces that they can get away with their actions, no matter how grave they are.

1. Establish Vocational or life skills trainings school in every Local Level Government areas and teach young people and engage them

   
   

2. Common wealth Foundation must establish partnership with Young People's oriented Organizations around the world and continuously furlnd these NGOs and CBOs to achieve it's objectives and goals by improving lives.

I think this forum is vitally important for addressing human issues that affect lives. Representatives and leaders should initiate strategies and implement them to address the big disease called poverty, which is the underlying cause of many of our problems.

Some questions to ask:

1. What can we do together as Commonwealth nations?

2. Who can do it?

3. How can we do it?

4. When can we do it?

As a Microbiology graduate, I believe we can enlighten the public on common microorganisms around us and how to prevent diseases caused by them.

The commonwealth should support Civil Society Organizations (CSO) initiatives in advocacy for law reform on treason. The law is currently unclear as to what acts or omissions constitute "treason" as cases on treason in this part of Commonwealth jurisdictions are never concluded in their Courts of Law as the state prosecution fail to prove the alleged treasonous acts by the accused persons who are largely opposition party leaders.

The Commonwealth should also condem in strongest terms xenophobic attacks against African migrants in South Africa as the country can do better in addressing the problem of illegal immigrants rather than through torture,inhuman treatment,punishment, brutal killings, stealing and damaging property of those perceived to be illegal immigrants. The xenophobic attacks violate fundamental human rights and freedoms of people and are contrary to the United Nations human rights law to which the Commonwealth countries are signatory.

While we appreciate the legal requirements for the people to obtain valid travel documents before travelling to other countries,we are wondering whether it's only illegal immigrants from African countries who travel to South Africa.

We are also wondering how those illegal immigrants from other African countries manage to cross the highly fortified and secured international boarder posts and numerous police checkpoints and road blocks on the roads and highways leading to the cities in South Africa.

Wishing you a successful 2026 Commonwealth Summit.

David Odali

We don’t ask permission to fix what is broken; we organise, document, and fix it. Ahead of the 2026 Forum in Antigua, I’m bringing the voices of 798 people across 12 villages to the global table.

With highly efficient budgets (only 5% admin costs!), we are proving grassroots impact works:

Education: Boosted school attendance from 45% to 88% via our Winter Drive.

🛡️ Gender Equity: Cut menstrual absenteeism by 66% through our Girls' Safety Programme.

⚽ Youth: Improved mental health for 78% of 500+ youth athletes.

But we can't bridge the gap alone. Here is my 3-point agenda for the Commonwealth:

1️ Flexible Funding: Give rural CSOs multi-year funding with less administrative red tape.

2️⃣ Digital Access: Treat internet and digital literacy as a fundamental human right, not a luxury.

3️⃣ Integrated Solutions: Fund holistic, multi-pillar community models rather than siloed, single-issue projects.

A bridge is not built by people comfortable with the gap. It is built by those who know exactly how wide it is.

I’m heading to Antigua to ensure rural voices are heard.

Director, Zamukulungisa Foundation | "Bridging the gap"

My experience in community-based disease surveillance and digital health research reinforces the need to bridge the gap between research, policy, and practical public health interventions.

Submitted by: Rev. Job Katee Makau
Organization: Antioch Independent Baptist Church (AIBC)
Location: Githurai 44, Nairobi, Kenya

To: Commonwealth Governments

Greetings from Antioch Independent Baptist Church in Githurai 44, Nairobi, Kenya.

We call upon Commonwealth governments to strengthen their commitment to young people by expanding access to digital skills training, entrepreneurship opportunities, decent employment, and inclusive community development.

Across many communities in Kenya, talented young people face significant barriers to employment and economic independence. Many lack access to computers, reliable internet, practical digital training, mentorship, and opportunities to participate meaningfully in the digital economy. These barriers limit their potential and make it difficult for them to build sustainable livelihoods.

Through our community work, Antioch Independent Baptist Church recognizes the importance of equipping young people with practical skills, positive mentorship, entrepreneurial knowledge, and pathways towards productive employment.

We therefore urge Commonwealth governments to:

1. Expand access to digital education: Invest in affordable digital skills training, computers, internet connectivity, and community-based digital learning centres, particularly in underserved communities.

2. Create pathways to decent employment: Strengthen partnerships among governments, businesses, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and community groups to connect young people with employment, internships, apprenticeships, and legitimate online work opportunities.

3. Support youth entrepreneurship: Improve access to entrepreneurship training, business mentorship, affordable financing, and opportunities for young people to establish sustainable enterprises.

4. Include community organizations in decision-making: Recognize churches and grassroots civil society organizations as partners in designing, implementing, and evaluating policies that affect young people and vulnerable families.

5. Promote inclusive digital opportunities: Ensure that young women, disadvantaged youth, and people with disabilities are not left behind as technology and artificial intelligence transform the world of work.

6. Strengthen accountability and youth participation: Give young people meaningful opportunities to contribute to public policy and ensure that commitments made by governments translate into measurable improvements in their lives.

We believe that investing in young people is an investment in peace, dignity, economic resilience, and the future of our communities.

We call upon Commonwealth governments to move beyond dialogue and work together with local communities to turn commitments into practical action. Young people need more than encouragement; they need accessible opportunities, relevant skills, supportive institutions, and a fair chance to succeed.

Antioch Independent Baptist Church stands ready to contribute through community engagement, mentorship, youth development, and partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for young people.

Let us build a Commonwealth in which every young person, regardless of background or economic circumstances, has the opportunity to learn, work, innovate, and live with dignity.

Respectfully,

Rev. Job Katee Makau
Senior Pastor
Antioch Independent Baptist Church (AIBC)
Githurai 44, Nairobi, Kenya

Our communities need justice, dignity, and action not just promises.

Climate change is already affecting people’s rights to food, health, livelihoods, safety and a secure future. Women, children, persons with disabilities, small farmers and vulnerable communities are often affected the most, yet their voices remain underrepresented.

At the Commonwealth People’s Forum, I hope our representatives will listen to grassroots communities and turn their voices into action.

We need:

• Climate justice rooted in human rights

• Accessible climate finance for vulnerable communities

• Gender- and disability-inclusive action

• Meaningful community participation

• Strong commitments followed by real implementation

Our communities should not only be heard they should have a voice in shaping the decisions that determine their future.

CASTME, Commonwealth Association for Science Technology and Mathematics Educators focus open ;learning and teaching across the Commonwealth in STEM recognising that language his the fulcrum around which all learning occurs from the earliest year when the learner hears language all around them before s/he becomes verbal . The skills and climate change objectives of the Commonwealth are particularly served by effective learning of the young so that a literate., skilled cadre is available to develop the Commonwealth objectives.

    We act as a network.

We are recognising and some of us researching STEM learning from the earliest years and in the everyday and in special cultural sites, my doctoral and later research was in museums, zoos and gardens, as well as schools . We are beginning. look at the emergence of STEM LITERACY from the earliest years and ways in which this can be developed in formal learning particularly. recognising everyday STEM in action and considering STEM's effective delivery in Primary schools. through for example practical science or design and technology classes when we frequently have group work where the logistics and team management are develop or through in the early years. reading, using pictorial fiction books to develop prediction and problem solving skills and compisng their own STEM stories and pictures.

Without STEM education and learning which involves literacy and culture the skilled youth for action will not be there.

I am Md Farid from Bagerhat, working with Upokuliyo Nyay Jibika Network, Bangladesh.

Our coastal fishers and Sundarbans-dependent families are losing livelihoods due to climate change, salinity and cyclones. What does our community need? Secure fishing rights, climate adaptation support, and protection of the Sundarbans.

My hope for People's Forum 2026: Ensure Climate Justice is delivered to coastal communities, not just promised.

David A. Spence (Rev.Dr.)

The Commonwealth we gather in today represents both the architects and the survivors of a global economy built on extraction resources, labor and of wealth. We now face a climate crisis that threatens us all, but will harm the poorest first and worst.

So I ask plainly: Will fairness remain a word in the final communiqué, or will it become a financial commitment, through debt relief, adaptation finance, and fair terms for green industrialization, before the window closes for the countries that contributed least to this crisis?

Because history will not judge us by our statements. It will judge us by our ledgers.

Md Faizul Alam

Our work focuses on climate change, environmental protection, and agriculture. Across Africa and around the world, it is essential that young people are meaningfully engaged in economic development and decision-making. Climate action cannot be separated from economic development, education, and investment in people—particularly children, young people, and women.

As a young Chadian, I share these concerns on behalf of my country, Chad, while also recognizing our shared responsibility across Africa and the global community. We must promote sustainable development, strengthen education, empower women and young people, and create opportunities that enable communities to adapt to climate change and build resilient economies.

I therefore call upon leaders, governments, international organizations, civil society, and partners—including the Commonwealth—to work together in solidarity and partnership. By combining our knowledge, resources, and commitment, we can develop practical and inclusive solutions that leave no one behind.

On behalf of Chad and Central Africa, I thank you for your attention and for your commitment to a sustainable and equitable future.

Moussa Ibrahim Barka
Young Chadian | Climate, Environment & Agriculture Advocate

Opportunities for Young people and mental health advocacy, as well as a focus to keep our rivers and water ways safe from pollution.

Countries across the Commonwealth, particularly low- and middle-income countries, need stronger commitments to climate-resilient health systems, adequate funding for climate adaptation, and better preparedness for climate-related health risks. Governments must integrate climate change into national health policies, strengthen early-warning systems, protect health facilities from extreme weather, and ensure that essential health services—including immunisation and maternal and child health—continue during floods, droughts, heatwaves, and other climate shocks.

I urge Commonwealth countries to move beyond commitments to practical action by increasing investment in climate and health research, sharing knowledge and technology, and ensuring that the voices of vulnerable communities are heard in decision-making.

My hope for the People's Forum is that representatives return home with clear commitments, measurable targets, and stronger partnerships to protect people's health from the growing impacts of climate change. Climate-resilient health systems are essential for a healthier, safer, and more equitable Commonwealth.

We cannot talk about safe communities without addressing men’s mental health. In my network, men suffer silently because support services are urban‑based and costly. I urge Commonwealth Governments to:

Fund grassroots, digital mental health solutions like WhatsApp peer groups.

Invest in community safeguarding leads in rural Africa.

Protection must be local.

Kornelia, Namibia

To the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Heads of Government and People's Forum Delegates,

The Commonwealth speaks of democracy, development and dignity.

But there is no dignity when the women who hold up the Commonwealth are invisible.

We are the Caribbean Domestic Workers Network — Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, Guyana and St. Kitts. We cook, we clean, we care for your children and your elderly so that your economies can work.

Yet in more than half of Commonwealth countries, we are still not recognized as workers.

Our message is clear:

1. RATIFY ILO Convention 189. and Convention 190. We call on all remaining Caribbean and Commonwealth states to ratify now.

2. SOCIAL DIALOGUE WITH US. No policy about us without us. Give us a permanent seat at national labour boards and at the Commonwealth Labour Ministers Meeting. The home is a workplace.

3. CARE ECONOMY NOW. Formalize, certify and pay domestic work as skilled work. Health protection, maternity protection, pensions. Care is not soft care is infrastructure.

4. CLIMATE JUSTICE. When hurricanes destroy our islands, domestic workers lose jobs first and recover last. Climate finance must reach us.

Prime Ministers and members of the Commonwealth, you talk about the future of work. We ARE the future of work.

You cannot build a resilient Commonwealth if the domestic workers are left behind.

Shirley Pryce, OD. JP

Chair , Caribbean Domestic Workers Network

We need a strong commitment from global leadership to bridge political representation—such as expanding seats and votes for Africa and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) across global decision-making tables—with localized technical governance in AI security. A vote alone cannot deliver true strategic influence if the underlying technical lexicons are defined without our active participation. Ensuring our regions co-create these frameworks is essential to protecting our interests and shaping the future.

Khayanga Doreen Wasike

I direct Beyond Borders, a mentorship Initiative for women and young people in Africa who cannot yet see the opportunities around them. We help them recognise those opportunities and stay realistic about the path to them. For early entrepreneurs with climate ideas, we mentor from idea to start-up so that what they build creates income and jobs, and we work with universities to turn research into real ventures.

Our community needs mentors who can take a first-time founder from idea to start-up, provide early-stage finance, and provide research that young entrepreneurs can actually use. Most African climate-tech funding goes to a few established companies, which leaves first-time founders with little to start from.

I hope you will secure a commitment to early-stage enterprise support for women and young people, encourage partnerships between Commonwealth universities and young climate entrepreneurs, and establish a way for community voices to stay involved after the Forum.

African capital and resources should be used to enhance growth for its people, not for others.

Purity Gakii Kirea
Director, Beyond Borders

MPhil Graduate, Globalisation and international development, university of Cambridge

https://www.beyondbordersinitiative.com

Director@beyondbordersinitiative.com

We request the Commonwealth to include young people in policymaking and ensure their voices are heard.

In Ghana, many people with disabilities live without thriving and living an independent life is an illusion. Their carers face several interconnected barriers. Healthcare remains unaffordable because essential therapies, surgery, assessments, and screening are either excluded from the National Health Insurance Scheme or only partially covered.

Inclusive education lacks sufficient funding, trained special needs teachers, classroom resources, and accessible school infrastructure. Families consequently shoulder most care responsibilities and costs themselves.

Discrimination also persists across health, education, employment, and other public services, where different disabilities are often treated as though they were identical. Demeaning proverbs and everyday language further undermine dignity.

Meanwhile, legal rights rarely translate into meaningful support, and unreliable data weaken the design and targeting of disability programmes.

Above all, people with disabilities need more than symbolic inclusion. They need early involvement, full access, and genuine authority in decisions affecting their lives. “Nothing About Us, Without Us” must become a practical reality, not merely a principle.

We recognise the challenge the state faces in dealing with national issues of all nature, but we believe that the state prioritised issues it wants to resolve. We exist to reminder the state to prioritise disability issues because it has already promised to deal with them in the policies, regulations and the laws it has for disability protection.

Bonjour Common Wealth!

Ya gazie!

EziMartha

• Sensitisation of mental health services to be recognized in Non-Luxury GST bracket; in contrast to the general scenario of 18% GST levied at Therapy and Life-Coaching industries.

• Employment and training access to qualified, unreserved category/quota candidates from 18-35 years age group.

• Equality and Equity of participation and stakeholdership for individual on spectrums (Both: Kinsey and Neuro divergence).

• Incentivization of Blue Collared Economy and Marketspace; enable graduate and post-graduate population to tap back into the employment landscape of the national economy.

Heartfelt thanks

Ashutosh Bhardwaj

भारत गणराज्य/Republic of India

I call on Commonwealth Governments to strengthen investment in quality education, peacebuilding, gender equality and youth leadership. As a teacher and peacebuilding advocate in Cameroon, I believe that schools and communities can become powerful spaces for promoting tolerance, preventing conflict and building sustainable peace.

I encourage governments to support teacher training in conflict resolution, expand opportunities for girls and young women to access education and leadership, protect children from violence and discrimination, and provide young people with meaningful opportunities to participate in decision-making.

I also encourage governments to support community-based initiatives that use purposeful play and sport to promote inclusion, equality, cooperation and peaceful coexistence, especially in conflict-affected communities.

Civil society voices must not only be heard; they must also be reflected in policies, funding priorities and measurable action. Together, we can build safer schools, stronger communities and a more peaceful Commonwealth.

I know there are many of us working hard in our villages to innovate with very little.

 The biggest challenge for the Commonwealth is the gap between global talk and village reality. You talk about climate justice, but we are living with drought and crop failure right now. You talk about AI, but we don't have stable network to access market prices.

 In most villages, our challenges are linked: No water, so no food. No finance, so we cannot farm our land. Youth have no jobs, so they leave.

What do we demand?

 One: Make funding for cooperatives simple and local.

Two: Bring internet and cold storage to villages, not just cities.

 Three: Create a Commonwealth Rural Fund - small money, less paperwork, for real village innovators.

Don't let the Forum end in Antigua. Come and check our villages if change happened.

Thank you 

Every child deserves safety, dignity, and justice. We urge the authorities to ensure swift and fair trials, hold perpetrators accountable, and strengthen child protection mechanisms.

A society that cannot protect its children cannot claim to uphold justice. Silence is not justice, and impunity must never prevail

We hope our representatives will advocate for youth empowerment, climate resilience, stronger regional cooperation, and meaningful community participation in decision-making.

Ultimately, we want development that benefits everyone and translates into tangible improvements in people’s lives.

Every person deserves equal protection under the law, access to justice, and the dignity of being heard. Strengthening legal awareness, expanding access to affordable legal assistance, and ensuring effective protection for women, children, and vulnerable communities are essential steps towards a more just future.

My hope for the Commonwealth People’s Forum 2026 is to inspire meaningful cooperation in building societies where justice is accessible, rights are respected, and no one is left behind.

Because the true strength of a nation lies not only in its progress, but also in its commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity.

We call upon Commonwealth Governments to increase direct, accessible, and sustainable funding for grassroots civil society organisations working with vulnerable communities.

Across the Commonwealth, people living with HIV, vulnerable children, women, and young people continue to face poverty, stigma, discrimination, and limited economic opportunities. Community-based organisations are often best placed to reach these populations through counselling, home visits, nutrition support, HIV awareness, youth mentorship, and women's economic empowerment. Yet many grassroots organisations lack the resources needed to expand and sustain these essential services.

We urge Commonwealth Governments to establish stronger funding partnerships with local organisations, simplify grant application processes, and ensure that community-led initiatives receive the recognition and financial support they deserve.

Investment should connect HIV prevention and support with economic empowerment, skills development, livelihood opportunities, and meaningful community participation. Women, young people, and people living with HIV must also have a voice in shaping policies that affect their lives.

From Githurai, Nairobi, Kenya, Antioch Independent Baptist Church calls for a Commonwealth that does not leave vulnerable communities behind.

When we invest in grassroots organisations, we invest in people, strengthen families, and build more inclusive and resilient communities.

Rev. Job Katee Makau
Antioch Independent Baptist Church (AIBC)
Githurai 44, Nairobi, Kenya

Nothing has never been achieved without enthusiasm

Be blessed

To the Governments of the Commonwealth, Commonwealth Leaders and All Defenders of Democracy,

There are moments in history when silence becomes complicity, neutrality becomes moral failure, and the international community must decide whether it stands with the people or with those who use State power to silence them.

Africa is approaching such a moment.

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, a deeply troubling pattern is emerging: democratic institutions are being weakened, elections are increasingly contested, opposition leaders are being arrested or prosecuted, peaceful dissent is being suppressed, journalists and civil society are intimidated, and ordinary citizens are paying with their freedom and, in some cases, their lives for demanding accountability.

From Uganda to Tanzania, Zambia to Zimbabwe, and amid the continuing governance and human rights concerns in Rwanda and South Sudan, the democratic promise of Africa faces serious challenges. These countries have different political circumstances, but the common danger is the erosion of democratic accountability, civic freedoms and the people’s right to determine their future without fear.

Zambia is a painful example of this democratic anxiety.

Following the disputed 13 August 2026 general elections, the country has witnessed grave allegations of electoral irregularities, fatal political violence, opposition arrests and treason charges against opposition figures. Questions surrounding the credibility of the electoral process and the treatment of political opponents have shaken public confidence.

Zambians have appealed to international institutions, human rights organisations and the wider democratic community. Yet ordinary citizens cannot be expected to defend democracy with bare hands against the machinery of a State when peaceful demands for accountability can expose them to intimidation, incarceration or violence.

Uganda has experienced serious election-related violence, arbitrary arrests and allegations of torture. Tanzania has witnessed devastating post-election violence and restrictions on political freedoms. Zimbabwe continues to face serious concerns about democratic accountability and the concentration of political power.

These are not merely domestic political disagreements. They are warnings about the future of democratic governance across our continent.

THE COMMONWEALTH MUST NOT BECOME A SILENT WITNESS TO THE DEATH OF DEMOCRACY.

The Commonwealth was founded on shared values, including democracy, human rights, equality, freedom and the rule of law. These values cannot remain beautiful words in declarations while citizens are beaten, imprisoned, intimidated or killed for exercising the very freedoms those declarations promise to protect.

Democracy is not simply the holding of elections. It is the freedom to choose leaders, the right to challenge those in power, the independence of the judiciary, the protection of minorities, the freedom of the press and the assurance that no government is above the Constitution.

An election without genuine freedom is not meaningful democracy. A Parliament without accountability is not representative government. A judiciary without independence cannot guarantee justice. And a government that fears its own citizens has fundamentally misunderstood the purpose of public office.

I therefore make an urgent appeal for coordinated Commonwealth action.

I respectfully call upon Commonwealth Governments to:

1. Establish a coordinated Commonwealth Democracy and Human Rights Response to monitor democratic deterioration, electoral violence, political persecution and shrinking civic space across member states.

1. Demand independent investigations into allegations of electoral manipulation, unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention and abuses by security agencies.

1. Protect democratic opposition and civil society. Political opponents, journalists, human rights defenders and ordinary citizens must never be treated as enemies of the State for exercising constitutional freedoms.

1. Strengthen independent electoral institutions and judiciaries, ensuring that elections reflect the genuine will of the people and that electoral disputes receive impartial and timely judicial consideration.

1. Develop a coordinated diplomatic accountability mechanism with clear consequences for governments that systematically violate Commonwealth democratic principles, including targeted measures against individuals credibly implicated in serious abuses, with due process.

1. Support ordinary citizens and peaceful democratic movements. Africa’s people must not be abandoned to confront powerful State institutions alone. Strengthen independent media, human rights organisations, election monitoring and civic education.

1. Ensure that Commonwealth membership carries meaningful responsibility. No government should enjoy the prestige and privileges of Commonwealth membership while persistently disregarding the fundamental values upon which the association stands.

A PERSONAL AND PASTORAL APPEAL

I write not merely as a concerned Zambian, but as a Minister of the Gospel who believes that human dignity is sacred, that political authority is a trust and that leadership exists to serve people, not to subjugate them.

The Bible declares:

“Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” — Isaiah 1:17 (KJV).

Behind every political arrest is a family waiting. Behind every unexplained disappearance is a mother, wife or child living with fear. Behind every life lost through political violence is a human being whose dreams, relationships and future have been taken away. Behind every silenced journalist is a society being denied the truth.

We must never become so accustomed to these tragedies that they cease to move our conscience.

Africa does not need more strongmen. Africa needs strong institutions, courageous citizens, accountable governments and leaders who understand that the people are the owners of democratic power.

Our young people deserve a future in which they can vote without fear, speak without intimidation, disagree without being imprisoned and demand accountability without facing bullets.

The Commonwealth must help ensure that democracy does not become a privilege granted by those in power, but a fundamental right protected for every citizen.

History will not only judge the governments that abused power. It will also judge the international institutions and democratic nations that witnessed the suffering and chose to remain silent.

Let this generation not be remembered as the generation that watched African democracy die.

Let us act together, urgently, courageously and collectively.

SAVE AFRICA’S DEMOCRACIES. PROTECT THE PEOPLE. DEFEND THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE.

The future of the Commonwealth must be built not on the survival of governments, but on the dignity, freedom and democratic aspirations of its people.

Africa is crying for democracy. The Commonwealth must hear her cry.

Respectfully,

Rev. Peter K. Nsama.

Minister of the Gospel | Citizen of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.

Across the Commonwealth, many communities continue to live with conflict, displacement and interrupted education. In Cameroon's conflict-affected regions, children have lost years of schooling, young people face uncertain futures, and communities struggle to make their voices heard.

I call on Commonwealth governments to invest in grassroots peacebuilding, protect education in conflict zones, support responsible journalism and ensure that women and young people are included in decisions affecting their future.

Peace cannot be built in conference halls alone. It must reach our schools, villages and communities.

Let us move from promises to practical action.

Martha Mburli Lingong

The initiative recognizes that sustainable community development requires more than the provision of services. It requires creating inclusive spaces where young people, women, vulnerable families, and other underserved groups can express their concerns, identify their priorities, and contribute to decisions that affect their lives.

Through community engagement, HIV/AIDS awareness, stigma reduction, and economic empowerment activities, the project seeks to strengthen the capacity of vulnerable communities to address their challenges collectively. It also provides an opportunity to improve collaboration between grassroots organizations, community members, and relevant service providers.

To strengthen the project's potential impact, implementation should prioritize meaningful participation in decision-making, clear mechanisms for gathering and responding to community feedback, measurable outcomes, and sustainable approaches that enable vulnerable families to continue benefiting beyond the project period.

The initiative's community-led approach offers an opportunity to amplify the voices of underserved populations, promote inclusion and accountability, and strengthen local ownership of solutions to health and socio-economic challenges.

**Overall, the project emphasizes the principle that vulnerable communities should not merely be beneficiaries of development initiatives but active participants in identifying problems, shaping solutions, and holding relevant stakeholders accountable for delivering meaningful change.**

Old people deserve love ,attention and special care. Doctors need to be compassionate towards them. Unfortunately patients from 60 to 80 aren't treated well and are given up as a lost cause. Everyone deserves a chance to live. Being old shouldn't be treated as a curse, a tragic hopeless dilemma.

I hope this Forum brings more than just conversations, but also practical partnerships and opportunities that reach our communities, while making sure local voices are part of the decisions being made.!

We have to act now …

The world focus on empowering and protecting the girl child,

WHO is listening to the silent cry of the boy child..

The boy child is not less important. His pain is real and future is not less valuable.

STAND UP FOR THE BOY CHILD SPEAK FOR FOR THE BOY CHILD, PROTECT THE BOY CHILD.

EVERY CHILD DESERVES A BETTER FUTURE.

I am writing from Sierra Leone, where the days are getting hotter every day. But this is not just our story. The same crisis is burning forests in Canada, heating cities in Europe, and causing disasters across America and every Commonwealth nation.

Climate change knows no borders, so our response must not either.

We cannot tackle this as individual countries. We must act as one as citizens of one Earth. Let us make Earth green again.

Most importantly, I urge Commonwealth Governments to invest in climate education and create real opportunities for young people to study how to manage and conserve our beautiful planet. If we empower the youth with knowledge in Earth Sciences, environmental protection and sustainable agriculture, we are securing the future for generations to come.

It will cost billions of dollars to travel to Mars, but it will cost only a handful of soil to plant a tree.

Let us choose the soil.

God Bless our Commonwealth. God Bless our Earth.

Alex Abu Bakarr Lakkoh

Sierra Leone 🇸🇱

Our Societies need these virtues in our younger ones no Other time than now!

Saleh Idris

From Nigeria

As a Nigerian from Kaduna State, I write with a heavy heart about the growing insecurity and youth unemployment affecting my community and other parts of Northern Nigeria.

The recent wave of banditry in Millennium City, Kaduna, has deeply troubled me. Families who should be living peacefully in their homes are now living in fear. A pregnant woman was abducted from her home and remains a painful reminder of the human cost of insecurity. In the same attack, a husband, his wife, and their six-month-old daughter were also kidnapped. Although they have reportedly regained their freedom, their ordeal is something no family should ever have to experience.

These are not just news headlines to me. They represent the lives of ordinary people, families, and communities whose peace and dignity have been taken away. Similar challenges continue to affect communities in Katsina, Zamfara, and other parts of Northern Nigeria.

As someone who cares deeply about the future of our young people, I believe insecurity and unemployment are closely connected. When young people lack education, meaningful employment, and hope for the future, our communities become more vulnerable to instability.

I therefore appeal to Commonwealth Governments to make the protection of citizens and the empowerment of young people a shared priority. We need stronger security cooperation, community-based peacebuilding, investment in education and vocational training, support for entrepreneurship, and sustainable job creation.

I want to see a Kaduna where families can sleep peacefully in their homes, where pregnant women and children are safe, and where young people can build successful lives without being forced to leave their communities in search of security and opportunity.

My message is simple: Security is a fundamental human right, and youth employment is an investment in peace.

I urge Commonwealth Governments to turn dialogue into meaningful action so that no family has to live in fear and no young person has to lose hope.

Together, we can build a safer, more inclusive, and more prosperous Commonwealth for all.

-leaders actually don't care grassroots people for the better school for the childrens back in our villages,run down health services,and roads have gone down.

-public roads that link to towns are full of threats by levels of criminals on the way

-killing is becoming norm in our towns and cities.

All these happenings are due to election related conflicts from past,one election time to next election periods and on and on for decades.

Free and faire election system were corrupted when votes were payed with money,and these have turned votes into money making tools.

Men and women in power from our country have first used the accumulated funds to buy votes and less funds for service deliveries after built their palaces/emperor with public funds achieved from while in public office.

Now in this term many of our provincial administrators and CEOs are in suspension & termination lists.

Audits for each district,and provinces are very poor for public funds compared to transparency,accountability,and good governance for service delivery.

Inequality,and Injustice,are prevalent, transparency,accountability and justice for funds and service delivery for PNG have detiorated in decades because;

-our free and faire voting system was abused,rigged.

-ballots destroyed in polling boots

-bullies have taken boxes away from the polling boots resulted in fighting frequently in every elections times in PNG in each electorates that its damages & complications, bad effects are experienced all year around.

This is severely affecting every kids,every individual and families in our country.

All public servants and services are destroyed,they use payroll systemt to play politics,putting off to pay for more public servants,unnecessary suspensions,and terminations from job,and these have caused many children broken in schools,left schools due to school fees shortage,many kids are sick and died due to poverty and malnutrition.

Theses things are heavily involved in the highlands of PNG.

Our freedom of expression,freedom for free and faire eletions are not exercised in most parts of our country.

Many cant speak it up and express all these happening to such forum like this,and I believe with a change of leaders with good Leaders at a mids of current environment and global climate change effects including economic inclusion are at highest levels of threat at a very poor leadership process in our developing country like mine.

I see the the good changes with good leadership,and bad with bad ,and thats all I see I believe this will change in emerging digital world.

And now I see one thing that is emerging from the other side of this world is a digital system that I surely hope it can correct and weed out out every evil system thats rooted in PNG government settings,eating away the fabrics of public service delivery, can weed out evil leadership who makes our country falling apart in decades.

By introducing Digital voting system that will completely change the subject for PNG starting 2027.Our leaders were sensitive to these changes and delayed the whole process of National Identification Card Issue to all citizens (NID) issue.

This is for processing proper leadership,transparency,accountability,good governance and for better development in the future.

And this can be largely by A1 inclusive into all the levels of systems & audits for every funds are used for service delivery into all the government accounts systems.

Thankyou

Joshua Lyarip Kep

Thanks regards

Dr. Rahul kumar sharma

India

More employment, scholarships, Trainings, cultural exchange, networking, and creativity to lift up a community, society, country and impact the world the better.

In a world of fake reels and ai driven content, true stories told by real people.

This targeted response will build immediate economic resilience, restore livelihoods after crises, and dismantle systemic poverty, ultimately transforming marginalized women into self-reliant leaders who drive sustainable community development across the nation.

Web results

Hostility may produce temporary victories, but it often leaves behind lasting losses—broken relationships, weakened institutions, disrupted trade, displaced communities, and generations deprived of opportunity. Cooperation, by contrast, transforms differences into dialogue, competition into innovation, and shared challenges into possibilities for collective progress.

The Commonwealth offers a valuable space to advance this vision. With its diverse cultures, histories, languages, economies, and institutions, it shows countries' potential to engage across differences and pursue common aspirations. Its strength lies not in uniformity but in the ability to find common ground without surrendering individual identity.

Cooperation is not an absence of disagreement; it is the capacity to manage disagreement constructively. Nations need not share identical interests to collaborate on climate resilience, public health, education, digital inclusion, food security, youth empowerment, and sustainable economic development. Indeed, the more complex the challenge, the greater the need for collective intelligence and coordinated action.

Consider the opportunities lost when hostility dominates international relationships. Trade restrictions can disrupt livelihoods. Political distrust can delay climate action. Disinformation can weaken democratic institutions. Social prejudice can silence talent. When fear determines our relationships, we narrow the possibilities of human achievement.

To drive sustainable growth and empower youth across member states, the Commonwealth is urged to address three critical development gaps:

1. Workforce-Aligned Education: Address the mismatch between academic curricula and market demands by integrating practical, job-ready skills into national education frameworks.

2. Accessible Tech Training: Establish a centralized Commonwealth digital portal to aggregate and promote free, high-quality technology training opportunities and certifications for all citizens.

3. Agri-Business Financing: Launch a dedicated platform providing low-interest long-term loans and micro-grants to enable aspiring entrepreneurs to scale agricultural ventures and bolster food security.

By making these opportunities accessible, the Commonwealth can bridge the employment gap and unlock long-term economic resilience across member nations.

The extreme use of fossil fuel driven machines leading to excessive pollution emissions in the environment is one of the major causes of global warming and climate change. Since this non-energy renewable resource is the leading pollutant industry on the planet followed by texting industry.

Linked to the above, it is imperative to develop mechanisms to deploy renewable energy resources including solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower to mitigate on excessive pollution emissions in the environment.

Let alone the above, fiduciary duties undertaken by the agent on behalf of the principal (institutional investors) should be modified. Sustainable development goals should be embedded in the ROI on wealth miximization of shareholders framework.

Global massive environmental footprint is majorly attributable by the institutional investors belief in maximising

ROI. They clear the sites for industries location (deforestation), they care the less in management of excessive pollution emissions in the environment (excessive pollution emissions in the environment more than the environment can absorb), they exhaustively deplete the non-renewable resources for wealth miximization including oil rig, mineral extraction, gas, coal resulting to destruction of the planet which was given to us by the Almighty God for safe habitation.

In view of the above, excessive greenhouse emissions in the environment should be reduced to acceptable level which the environment can absorb to maintain the global temperature below 1.5 degree C inline with Paris Club Agreement 2015.

Responsible use of non-renewable resources is highly necessary for the achievement of sustainable development goals.

Linked to the above, I am appealing to Commonwealth Foundations to encourage and promote ethical investments practices across the planet, create awareness across different sections of societies in the planet on the adverse consequences of climate change and global warming and mitigation strategies. Mobilise financial resources from developed countries to financed mitigation strategies to vulnerable climate risk countries in an effort to restore the planet in its original shape which is healthy and safe for anthropogenic habitation.

Climate change and sustainable development are urgent global challenges that require collective action by all Commonwealth nations.

Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation threaten livelihoods, biodiversity, and future generations.

Women across the Maldives deserve the opportunity to earn, grow, and live on their own term no matter which island they call home.

Economic independence is a right, not a privilege. 🇲🇻

2. Assistance for Elder female Generation

   *Economic Independence & Entrepreneurship

   *Combating Social Isolation & Building Community

   *. Lifelong Learning & Digital Inclusion

   *Health, Wellness, and Active Aging

The Ethiopian Climate Action Organization (ECAO) is a newly established, non-profit civil society organization in Ethiopia committed to advancing climate resilience, environmental sustainability and inclusive community development through evidence-based, community-led action.

Our Key Focus Areas

1. Climate Change Adaptation and Community Resilience

Supporting climate-vulnerable communities to understand, prepare for and respond to climate risks, drought, environmental degradation and changing weather conditions.

2. Ecosystem Restoration and Agroforestry

Promoting landscape restoration, tree planting, agroforestry and sustainable land management across Ethiopia’s highland and lowland areas to restore degraded ecosystems, protect biodiversity and improve soil and water conservation.

3. Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Farmers’ Livelihoods

Working with smallholder farmers to strengthen agricultural resilience, encourage sustainable farming practices, improve livelihood opportunities and support food security.

4. Women’s Empowerment and Gender-Inclusive Climate Action

Promoting women’s meaningful participation and leadership in climate adaptation, natural resource management, ecosystem restoration and green livelihood initiatives.

5. Youth Engagement and Green Employment

Engaging young people in climate action, environmental restoration, green skills development, community initiatives and employment-generating opportunities.

6. Children’s Well-being and a Sustainable Future

Supporting healthier and more resilient environments for children through community environmental action, improved ecosystem health and sustainable development initiatives.

7. Climate Vulnerability, Displacement and Social Inclusion

Promoting inclusive climate resilience and livelihood opportunities for internally displaced people and other vulnerable communities, while supporting social cohesion and reducing pressures associated with climate-related livelihood insecurity.

Our Approach

ECAO brings together multidisciplinary expertise in climate science, meteorology, hydrology, GIS and remote sensing, climate modelling, natural resource management and economics. We aim to connect scientific knowledge with local experience and community priorities to develop practical, measurable and scalable climate solutions.

As a young organization, ECAO seeks strategic partnerships, technical collaboration, institutional capacity-building and full sponsorship opportunities to help establish and implement community-centred climate initiatives.

Our Vision for Impact

We aspire to contribute to restored landscapes, resilient farming communities, improved livelihoods, green employment for young people, empowered women, healthier environments for children and a more sustainable future for Ethiopia and the wider world.

We welcome collaboration with civil society organizations, governments, research institutions, climate advocates, development partners and responsible investors to turn shared climate ambitions into meaningful action.

Organization: Ethiopian Climate Action Organization (ECAO)

Website: https://ecao.org.et

Email: info@ecao.org.et

Location: Ethiopia

Let us work together to ensure that no individual is left behind and that every person, regardless of their social or economic background, has the opportunity to live a healthy and dignified life.

Dr Vijay Kumar Dahiya

Additional Medical Superintendent

NC Medical College & Hospital, Israna, Panipat, Haryana, India

Let us work together to ensure that no individual is left behind and that every person, regardless of their social or economic background, has the opportunity to live a healthy and dignified life.

Dr Vijay Kumar Dahiya

Additional Medical Superintendent

NC Medical College & Hospital, Israna, Panipat, Haryana, India

I am writing on behalf of the Ethiopian Climate Action Organization (ECAO) to express our strong interest in establishing a meaningful collaboration with the Commonwealth and exploring opportunities for institutional support, partnership, and full sponsorship.

ECAO is a newly established organization committed to strengthening climate resilience, restoring ecosystems, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and ensuring the meaningful participation of farmers, women, children, young people, and communities affected by displacement in climate action and decision-making.

Our planned initiatives focus on the following key areas:

1. Ecosystem Restoration and Agroforestry Development

We aim to promote agroforestry and ecosystem restoration across diverse lowland and highland areas of Ethiopia. These initiatives will help reduce land degradation, soil erosion, drought vulnerability, and other climate-related hazards while contributing to biodiversity conservation and the restoration of global ecosystems.

2. Inclusive Climate Action and Livelihood Improvement

We seek to engage farmers, women, children, young people, and displaced communities in practical climate-resilient activities. Through agroforestry, green livelihood opportunities, and community-based environmental initiatives, we aim to improve household incomes, strengthen food and nutrition security, and create meaningful employment opportunities, particularly for vulnerable groups.

3. Climate Resilience, Peacebuilding, and Sustainable Development

We believe that environmental restoration can contribute to social and economic stability by reducing pressure on natural resources, strengthening community cooperation, and creating shared livelihood opportunities. Our approach seeks to support peaceful communities, healthier children, empowered women, a hopeful younger generation, and a more sustainable green economy.

4. Institutional Coordination and Partnership

Although ECAO is a young organization, it is committed to building a reliable institutional structure, effective coordination mechanisms, transparent governance, and accountable implementation. We are interested in working with the Commonwealth through knowledge exchange, capacity development, networking, technical cooperation, and joint climate action initiatives.

As a newly established organization, ECAO currently faces financial constraints that limit its ability to operationalize these ambitions. We would therefore be grateful for consideration for full sponsorship support, including the relevant participation, travel, accommodation, and other essential eligible costs associated with the proposed engagement or initiative.

Such support would enable ECAO to participate meaningfully, strengthen its institutional capacity, establish strategic relationships, and advance practical climate solutions that benefit communities and ecosystems.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss how ECAO’s priorities align with the Commonwealth’s objectives and how we might work together to advance inclusive climate action, ecosystem restoration, sustainable livelihoods, and community resilience.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to the possibility of building a productive and lasting partnership with the Commonwealth.

Yours sincerely,

Wubetu Birehan Mulat

Executive Director

Ethiopian Climate Action Organization (ECAO)

Email: info@ecao.org.et

Website: https://ecao.org.et

Drugs are implimented , that's a no, no.

There is no example

What do the in that case , step aside give another a chance to prove themselves , their capabilities .

The Bible states over a wicked rule the people mourn , over a richteous rule , the people rejoice, we need leaders to lead the people right .

Too many crimes, too much violence , is nit a good example of Leadership .We need change

Guided by Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “The world is one family” — India can work with Commonwealth nations to address inequalities, promote equitable resource distribution, and advance women’s empowerment. Through dialogue, innovation, and shared learning, India can contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable future where diversity is respected, opportunities are accessible to all, and progress benefits everyone.

A Message to the Commonwealth Heads of Government.

From the ridges of Malaita to the shores of Roviana, in the Western Province and from the faraway Tikopia, in the far eastern Temotu Province of the Hapi Isles.

Where the beat of the garamut fades in the distance,

We speak for the unheard, the unseen, the bypassed—

The vulnerable children of the Solomon Islands.

To our own halls of power, where policies are penned,

We bring the quiet struggles that government must mend.

For development is hollow if the crippled are ignored,

And budgets lack mercy when the disabled are floored.

We are the women who sew beneath the village shade,

Building micro-canteens from the humble plans we made,

Surviving El Niño's drought, the rising of the tide,

Carrying the weight with resilience and quiet pride.

Yet the doors of decision are heavy and closed tight,

Leaving grassroots voices to stumble in the night.

We ask not for charity, nor pity from above,

But equity, justice, and government-backed love.

To the Commonwealth gathered in Antigua's bright embrace,

Hear the cry of the islands, look upon our true face:

When the voiceless are valued, and the broken made strong,

Then the whole Commonwealth finally sings its true song.

— Submitted on behalf of the vulnerable and marginalized communities of the Solomon Islands

Do we address the leaders , who have not been Leaders, indeed? Bad influence , no good examples , lying , cheating , just to get the post , but when they do get in the country turns out worse than it has been.

People need leaders ,to lead by example .transparent , truthful , one the young people can look up to .

We need leaders who are not crazy for Leadership .

But concerned about the needs of the people .

Fair Leaders, honest leaders, God fearing leaders , leaders who after they have served a term would step aside to let another reign .

Leadership is not a competition , but a desire to see your country better , not battered.

We need exemplary Leaders ,honest and open .Lord help us to be Leaders , that are truly leaders indeed . That young people can follow, and be proud of .

We people of this "community "are poor because of this parity of of our currency Franc CFA with the french Franc which no longer exists but extended currently to Euro.

This slavery is enough and we people are asking the Commonwealth People forum to address this ISSUE because we're left behind by the Commonwealth community.

Lady ARICA , the former African Delegate of UN in America has been addressing this issue of Slavery but they Removed her.

Which other issue the Commonwealth fondation want us to address to the gouvernement during this People forum when people are suffering and reduce to slave??? We want the community of the Commonwealth to understand that whatever help cameroonian gabonese and other neighboring countries can received fron the Commonwealth Fondation, if this Main issue OF CURRENCY isn't solve our people will remain poor because this situation can't be Sustainable.

Njanga Macka Moulobi

Commonwealth Business Women Africa/Cameroon

Executive Director

Integrated Development Organization-IDO

Bangladesh.

Introduction

The southwestern region of Bangladesh specifically the coastal areas of Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat districts is of vital importance to the nation’s fisheries resources and the livelihoods of its fishing communities. Women play a significant role in this region’s fisheries sector, contributing to activities such as harvesting, processing, drying, sorting, preserving, and marketing fish. However, they often face limited recognition for their labor, a lack of fair wages, inadequate social security, and restricted opportunities to participate in decision-making processes. Climate change manifesting as cyclones, storm surges, increased salinity, riverbank erosion, and erratic rainfall is rendering the livelihoods and lifestyles of these communities increasingly precarious. In this context, it is imperative to adopt an integrated approach that addresses climate justice, freedom of expression, and health justice to improve the quality of life for women in the fishing community.

Climate Justice: Ensuring the Rights and Dignity of Affected Women

Although poor coastal communities are relatively less responsible for climate change, they bear the brunt of its adverse impacts. In particular, women from fishing communities face multifaceted challenges, including a decline in fish availability, the loss of livelihoods due to natural disasters, a shortage of potable water, and damage to their homes. During disasters, in addition to ensuring the safety of their homes, livelihoods, and families, women also bear the added responsibility of caring for children and the elderly. Achieving climate justice means more than just providing post-disaster relief; it entails developing long-term plans that prioritize the rights, needs, and experiences of the women affected. To this end, it is essential to ensure the provision of women-friendly shelters, access to safe water, financial assistance during disasters, alternative employment opportunities, training in climate-resilient livelihoods, and access to credit on favorable terms. Furthermore, it is necessary to create opportunities for women in the fishing community to participate directly in climate funds and rehabilitation programs. They must be recognized not merely as recipients of aid, but as vital partners in climate adaptation and local development.

Freedom of Expression: Ensuring Women’s Voices and Participation

Although women in the fishing sector make significant contributions to their families, society, and the economy, their opinions often fail to receive due weight in local decision-making processes. Their experiences and demands regarding issues such as fair prices for fish, recognition of their labor, workplace safety, the distribution of government support, or the management of natural resources are frequently overlooked. Social inequality, poverty, limited access to education, and patriarchal attitudes can restrict their opportunities to speak freely.

Ensuring freedom of expression means that women should be able to voice their concerns, demands, and proposals without fear, and that effective action should be taken based on their input. To achieve this, it is essential to organize fisherwomen into groups and cooperatives, foster female leadership at the local level, raise awareness about legal rights, and ensure their participation in Union Parishads and relevant government committees. At the same time, a safe mechanism must be established for reporting harassment, discrimination, violence, or injustice in the workplace.

It is also necessary to expand opportunities for highlighting the experiences and demands of women in the fishing community through mass media, social media, and local civic platforms. However, their personal safety and privacy must be protected. The more these women’s voices reach the policy-making level, the easier it will be to identify their challenges and implement sustainable solutions.

Health Justice: Ensuring a Safe and Dignified Life

The health risks faced by women in the fishing sector are deeply linked to their occupation, environment, and socioeconomic conditions. Working for long hours in water or damp environments, using sharp tools while processing fish, enduring excessive physical exertion, operating in unsafe work environments, and lacking access to clean water all these factors put their health at risk. Rising salinity in coastal areas can further complicate the crisis regarding access to safe drinking water and hygienic sanitation. Additionally, many women face barriers in accessing reproductive healthcare, maternal healthcare, nutrition services, and mental healthcare.

To establish health justice, it is essential to ensure that all fisherwomen regardless of their economic status, occupation, or social identity have access to quality healthcare. In coastal areas, it is necessary to strengthen the provision of accessible primary healthcare, regular health check-ups, maternal and reproductive health services, nutritional support, and access to safe water. At the same time, it is essential to ensure a hygienic working environment, protective equipment, opportunities for rest, and fair working hours in fish processing and drying operations.

Mental health support is also crucial for addressing concerns related to climate change, the fear of losing one’s livelihood, and economic pressures within the family. Incorporating the direct input of fisherwomen into the planning and implementation of healthcare services would ensure that the support provided aligns with their actual needs.

Coordinated Initiatives and Actions

Climate justice, freedom of expression, and health justice are interconnected. Ensuring good health is difficult without a safe environment and stable livelihoods; conversely, effective participation of women in decision-making processes regarding climate adaptation is not possible without good health and the freedom to express one’s views. Therefore, it is essential for the government, local administrations, non-governmental development organizations, healthcare institutions, and organizations representing fishing communities to undertake coordinated initiatives.

In this regard, several steps are particularly important:

·         Ensuring the participation of women from fishing communities in climate adaptation and disaster management.

·         Recognizing their labor, ensuring fair wages and social protection, and expanding opportunities for alternative income.

·         Strengthening women-led organizations and establishing safe mechanisms for lodging complaints.

·         Ensuring access to safe drinking water, sanitation, nutrition, and affordable healthcare in coastal areas.

·         Formulating development plans that take into account the specific needs of women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups.

Conclusion

Improving the quality of life for women in the fishing communities of southwestern Bangladesh is not merely a matter of providing economic support or creating employment opportunities; it is about establishing their human rights, dignity, security, and access to justice. It is equally urgent to ensure their rightful entitlements in the face of climate change, create space for them to express their opinions freely, and guarantee access to quality healthcare. Placing women’s experiences, knowledge, and leadership at the heart of development planning makes it possible to build a more inclusive and sustainable society.

A genuine improvement in the quality of life for women in fishing communities is possible only when they are no longer viewed merely as a population affected by climate change, but are instead recognized as rights-bearing citizens, skilled workers, and equal partners in decision-making. The integrated implementation of climate justice, freedom of expression, and health justice can pave the way toward building a safe, healthy, dignified, and promising future for them.

Md. Mizanur Rahman

Executive Director

Integrated Development Organization-IDO

Bangladesh.

Email: idobd1993@yahoo.com

Web: www.idobd.org

Investing in eye care is very important

Eye care services remain fragmented and insufficiently integrated into the broader health system, and it deserves greater attention because good vision enables people to learn, work, participate in society and live independently. Improving eye health is a practical and cost-effective way of unlocking human potential. It contributes directly to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to health and well-being, quality education, decent work, economic growth and reduced inequalities. Greater attention is needed to promote eye health, prevent avoidable vision loss, and provide rehabilitation for people living with visual impairment. Shortages and uneven distribution of eye health professionals continue to affect service delivery. These challenges call for a coordinated national response that integrates eye care into primary health care and ensures that no one is left behind. Investing in eye health is not merely an investment in eyesight; it is an investment in people, education, livelihoods, dignity and national development.

Lesotho needs to strength eye care within the national health system, improving early detection and referral, expanding access to spectacles and cataract surgery, strengthening our eye health workforce, mobilising sustainable financing, improving the collection and use of eye health data and building strong partnerships between the Government, health professionals, civil society, development partners and communities

Country: Lesotho

* Digital Transformation: We must aggressively bridge the digital divide. By investing in robust digital infrastructure and tech literacy, we can unlock entire preneurial potential stream line public services, and integrate small States into the groble digital economy.

*Climate Resilience & Green finance: Our vulnerability to climate change is a shared reality. We must pioneer innovative green financing machanisms to build resilient infrastructure, transition to renewable energy and protect our vital marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

*Youth and Human Capital Devolvement: With over 60% of the Commonwealth population under the age of 30, our youth are our greatest asset. We must- engineer our, education systems to prioritize STEM, technical skills, and digital literacy, ensuring our young people are creators-not just consumers or the future economy.

True Devolvement cannot be achieved in isolation. By leveraging the unique diversity of the Commonwealth network simplifying infra Commonwealth trade, and fostering public private partnerships,we can build a move equitable, resilient, and prosperous future.

Let us move from Commitment to action not just to end up on talking but Action is what required "Urgently" needed now not tomorrow. Together we can transform our Shared values into tangible wealth, sustainable health, and enduring Opportunity for every Citizen.

Thank you 💕

Monga Mwanza

Forever youth mwamo multi purpose co-operative society limited Zambia Africa.

UNEP warns that around one million species face extinction. The 2025 Global Report on Food Crises reported that over 295 million people faced acute hunger in 2024. Meanwhile, the World Inequality Report 2026 highlights that the richest 10% own approximately 75% of global wealth, while the poorest half own just 2%.

We must change course. Political leaders must act decisively to protect biodiversity, address inequality and ensure development serves both people and the planet.

The Commonwealth People’s Forum stands ready to work alongside global leaders, champion accountability and advance a just, inclusive and sustainable future.

Eye care services face several challenges that hinder their effectiveness and accessibility. These include:

Lack of implementing partnerships: Shortage of partners supporting eye care services.

Insufficient Specialized Staff: The shortage of ophthalmologists and other eye care professionals is a significant barrier, with a low ophthalmologist-to-population ratio in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Limited Access to Equipment: Diagnostic and treatment equipment is often scarce and expensive, limiting the ability to provide comprehensive care.

Cost Barriers: High costs associated with eye care services can deter individuals from seeking necessary treatments.

Rural Disparities: Many rural areas lack access to eye care professionals, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatments.

Digital Tools and Technology: The integration of digital tools and technology in eye care services is crucial for improving access, but challenges remain in closing the loop between diagnosis and treatment.

Addressing these challenges is essential for enhancing eye care services and reducing the prevalence of vision disorders.

I propose that the Honourable Ministers, development partners and representatives of the health sector to turn voices into action in the prevention of AVOIDABLE BLINDNESS.

Eye care services face several challenges that hinder their effectiveness and accessibility. These include:

Lack of implementing partnerships: Shortage of partners supporting eye care services.

Insufficient Specialized Staff: The shortage of ophthalmologists and other eye care professionals is a significant barrier, with a low ophthalmologist-to-population ratio in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Limited Access to Equipment: Diagnostic and treatment equipment is often scarce and expensive, limiting the ability to provide comprehensive care.

Cost Barriers: High costs associated with eye care services can deter individuals from seeking necessary treatments.

Rural Disparities: Many rural areas lack access to eye care professionals, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatments.

Digital Tools and Technology: The integration of digital tools and technology in eye care services is crucial for improving access, but challenges remain in closing the loop between diagnosis and treatment.

Addressing these challenges is essential for enhancing eye care services and reducing the prevalence of vision disorders.

Persons with disabilities remain among the most marginalised and excluded groups in society, facing persistent barriers to equal opportunities, meaningful participation, and access to essential services.

For the Commonwealth to truly move forward as one and fulfil its commitment to leaving no one behind, disability inclusion must be placed at the forefront of every policy agenda, development dialogue, decision-making process, and Commonwealth forum.

Disability inclusion must not be an afterthought, but a fundamental priority in building an equitable, inclusive, and prosperous Commonwealth for all.

An inclusive Commonwealth is a stronger Commonwealth. Nothing about us without us!

#ChangeBeginsWithYou

two third of the communities are women and we strive to empower women to contribute the national economy. We have to work integrated development, and we have to address women challenges. women are expose for sextual harassment, Gender inequality, power imbalance. in my opinion Economic empowerment for a key means to solve this.

1. What are the main objectives of the Commonwealth People’s Forum, and what outcomes do you hope to achieve?

2. How will the Forum ensure that the voices of ordinary citizens and civil society organisations from all Commonwealth countries are heard?

3. What are the most pressing challenges facing Commonwealth countries today, and how can member states work together to address them?

4. How will the ideas and recommendations shared during the Forum be communicated to Commonwealth Governments and senior officials?

5. What mechanisms will be put in place to ensure that governments act on the recommendations emerging from the Forum?

6. How can young people and marginalised communities be more actively involved in Commonwealth decision-making processes?

7. What role can civil society organisations play in promoting peace, unity, resilience, and sustainable development across the Commonwealth?

8. How can Commonwealth countries strengthen partnerships and learn from one another’s experiences in addressing common challenges?

9. What opportunities are available for individuals who cannot attend the Forum in person to contribute their ideas and recommendations?

10. Looking ahead, how will the success and impact of the Commonwealth People’s Forum be measured after the event concludes?

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to learning more about how the Commonwealth People’s Forum can turn dialogue into meaningful partnerships and practical action for the benefit of all Commonwealth citizens.

Kind regards,

Kefentse

As we look towards the Commonwealth People’s Forum 2026, let us move beyond promises to meaningful action, ensuring that refugee voices, particularly those of persons with disabilities, are heard, valued, and represented.

Nothing about us without us. Inclusion is not charity; it is a right.

Plant your family name forever in Buddu!

Scan QR

Link: https://selar.com/315q2672s2

Bbaale Buddu Farm

I wish to hear of governments taking over the responsibility to feed it's people unlike remote market incentives which largely makes the marginalized a market for the capital owners.

Major investment choices towards mitigating the impact of environmental adversities on food supply and livelihoods are inevitable going forward.

Michael T. Omojokun

I respectfully call on Commonwealth Governments to increase their support for rural communities, smallholder farmers, youth, women, and local organisations working to protect our environment and build sustainable livelihoods.

In Sierra Leone, communities face challenges including climate change, deforestation, food insecurity, unemployment, and limited access to agricultural equipment and funding. We need practical action, not promises alone.

I urge Commonwealth Governments to provide accessible grants, agricultural tools, fruit tree seedlings, training, climate-resilient farming support, and opportunities for community-based organisations to participate directly in development programmes.

Please prioritise young people, women, widows, and vulnerable families, ensuring that no community is left behind. Invest in local initiatives that plant trees, restore forests, improve food security, create jobs, and protect our natural resources for future generations.

Through partnership, fairness, transparency, and collective action, the Commonwealth can help build a greener, more peaceful, and more prosperous future for everyone.

Let us turn our shared commitment into practical action for people, nature, and future generations.

John Fornah
Chief Executive Officer
Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (FTPF)
Makali, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone

Le droit international relatif aux droits humains

Le droit international relatif aux droits humains  énonce les obligations des États de protéger les droits et les libertés des individus et groupes d’individus.

L’une des grandes réalisations des Nations Unies est d’avoir créé un ensemble complet de standards relatifs aux droits humains – un socle de normes universelles et internationalement protégées auquel toutes les nations du monde peuvent aspirer et souscrire. Il s’agit de droits largement acceptés, qui incluent les droits civils, culturels, économiques, politiques et sociaux. L’ONU a également mis en œuvre un mécanisme destiné à promouvoir et à protéger ces droits, qui aide également les États à endosser leurs obligations en la matière.

Les fondements de ces normes sont la Charte des Nations Unies et la Déclaration universelle des droits de l’homme, adoptés par l’Assemblée générale de l’ONU respectivement en 1945 et 1948. Depuis lors, les Nations Unies ont progressivement élargi le socle des droits humains pour y inclure des normes spécifiques visant les femmes, les enfants, les personnes handicapées, les minorités et les groupes les plus vulnérables qui sont désormais protégés contre les discriminations qui ont longtemps prévalu dans nombre de sociétés.

La Déclaration universelle des droits de l'homme

Définie comme étant l’idéal commun à atteindre pour tous les peuples, la Déclaration universelle des droits de l’homme a été adoptée par l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies - résolution 217 A (III) - le 10 décembre 1948, à Paris. Ses 30 articles énumèrent les droits dont tous les êtres humains devraient jouir dans tous les pays. Traduite dans plus de 500 langues , elle reste, à ce jour, le document le plus traduit au monde et a inspiré les constitutions de jeunes démocraties et de nombreux États ayant nouvellement accédé à l’indépendance.

Sur la base des réalisations de la Déclaration universelle des droits de l’homme, le Pacte international relatif aux droits civils et politiques  et ses deux Protocoles facultatifs, ainsi que le Pacte international relatif aux droits économiques, sociaux et culturels  sont entrés en vigueur en 1976. Collectivement, la Déclaration universelle des droits de l’homme, ces Pactes et leurs protocoles facultatifs constituent ce que l’on appelle la Charte internationale des droits de l'homme 

I am writing as a Nigerian Christian who has personally experienced persecution and who was forced to leave Nigeria and seek asylum in the United Kingdom. My persecution arose not only from my Christian faith but also from my political views and human rights advocacy. Like many others across Sub-Saharan Africa, I have experienced fear, intimidation, and the loss of the freedom to express my beliefs safely.

Today, I ask Commonwealth governments to pay urgent attention to the growing challenges faced by Christians across Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Nigeria. Many christian communities continue to face violence, insecurity, discrimination, forced displacement, attacks on places of worship, and restrictions on the free exercise of their fundamental rights.

As someone who has lived through these realities, I know that persecution is not merely a statistic. It affects families, livelihoods, mental wellbeing, and the ability of people to participate freely in public life. Too often, victims are left without protection, justice, or a voice.

The Commonwealth is built upon values of democracy, human rights, freedom, tolerance, and respect for human dignity. I therefore urge Commonwealth governments to:

•Protect freedom of religion or belief for all people.

•Strengthen measures to safeguard vulnerable religious and political minorities.

•Ensure accountability for perpetrators of violence and persecution.

•Support victims of persecution, including refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons.

•Promote peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, and social cohesion.

•Address the root causes of violence, extremism, and human rights abuses.

As a Christian from Nigeria who has been forced to seek asylum in the United Kingdom, I feel that the voices and concerns of many Christians are often overlooked. Although the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, many Christians continue to face persecution and insecurity, leaving them feeling insufficiently protected by the state.

My own journey to seek asylum in the United Kingdom is a reminder that persecution remains a reality for many people within the Commonwealth. No person should be forced to flee their country because of their faith, conscience, political opinion, or peaceful advocacy for human rights.

I respectfully call upon Commonwealth leaders to champion the rights of all people to live, worship, speak, and participate in society without fear. By acting together, we can uphold the Commonwealth's shared commitment to human dignity, justice, and freedom.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Boyin

Nigerian Asylum Seeker in the United Kingdom 🇳🇬🇬🇧 ✝️

A discuss on initiatives that connect social responsibility, physical environmental health, and economic sustainability can be of a great help “Every Step Counts Model”

How can common wealth countries Reduce the vulnerability of women and girls by addressing economic inequality ,poverty ,gender based violence ,discrimination, and barriers to education, healthcare ,justice and economic opportunities .

Federal government should create employment opportunities for undergraduate within local government areas

Hope to see change in our climate.

- There is no well-established democracy, especially in African countries, that gives citizens the right to have a say or a role in the development of the country, which hinders development. Poor education is still problem in Africa countries.

- The clinging to power by some of the leaders of countries is also among the things that hinder the development of the country, causing poverty and also increasing the number of unemployed people.! Specially for the youth.

The laws and procedures towards election should guarantee transparency, fairness and credibility towards electoral participation and outcomes

Honourable Heads of Government,

The Commonwealth Charter commits us to equality and to opposing discrimination in all its forms. Yet 29 member states still criminalise people for who they are and whom they love. Most of these laws date from the colonial era and no longer reflect the values we have pledged to uphold.

These laws cause real harm. They expose citizens to violence and blackmail and they deter people from seeking healthcare, justice and work.

Reform is both possible and proven. Antigua and Barbuda, the host, along with Barbados, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Singapore, has taken this step.

Respectfully, I urge those governments that still retain these laws to repeal them and ask all member states to affirm the equal dignity and protection of every citizen.

The Commonwealth is strongest when its values are lived, not just declared.

Dear Commonwealth Leaders,

As a Nigerian journalist, writer and founder of Nightengale Awards, I believe that every person deserves the opportunity to be heard, to receive a good education and to make a meaningful contribution to society.

As a journalist, I understand the importance of bringing attention to issues that affect ordinary people. In Nigeria, access to quality education remains a concern for many families. Some children struggle to learn because of inadequate school facilities, a lack of learning materials, financial difficulties and other challenges that make it difficult for them to complete their education. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn in a safe environment, regardless of where they live or how much their family earns.

Flooding is another serious concern. When floods affect communities, families can lose their homes and belongings, livelihoods can be disrupted, and schools may become inaccessible or suffer damage. Children whose education is interrupted by flooding may struggle to catch up with their lessons. Communities also need better preparation, effective early-warning systems, proper drainage and practical support to reduce the impact of floods.

I encourage Commonwealth leaders to give greater attention to these challenges by promoting cooperation in education, climate resilience, disaster preparedness and community development. Sharing knowledge and successful approaches across member countries could help communities prepare for flooding, protect schools and support children whose learning has been disrupted.

I also believe that journalists must be able to report these issues freely and responsibly. Journalism helps bring the experiences of affected communities to public attention, encourages accountability and gives people an opportunity to contribute to discussions about solutions. Protecting press freedom and the safety of journalists is therefore important to building informed and responsive societies.

Through Nightengale Awards, I am working to promote education, talent development and the recognition of excellence across different fields. I believe that individuals and local organisations also have a role to play in creating opportunities, but they need encouragement, partnerships and support to expand their work.

My hope is to see a Commonwealth where every child has a fair chance at education, communities are better prepared for natural disasters, people affected by flooding receive meaningful support, and journalists can report the concerns of ordinary citizens without fear.

The challenges facing Nigeria may differ in some ways from those facing other Commonwealth countries, but the need for education, safety, opportunity and a voice in public affairs is shared by many people.

Thank you for providing a platform where citizens can share their concerns and contribute ideas towards a better future for the Commonwealth.

Yours faithfully,

Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu
Journalist, Writer and Founder of Nightengale Awards
Nigeria

My name is Joshua Lyarip Kepa,

Chairman of Nano Communication,and EIGM inc from Wabag,Enga Province,PNG.

My community is facing fractured peace:

.Tribal fighting has destroyed homes,closed schools,and silenced women and youth.

.Resource-Enga

and Hella give gold,gas,but our people still live without basic services.

.Freedom of Expression is under pressure when communities try to speak about land and environment.

Since 2013 we responded with resilience:

.We unite 14 christian denominations for peace and freedom of expression.

.We run Whage voices: Enga -Hella freedom resource justice-Community radio and listening circles.

.We support 20 women leaders to lead listening circles and 25 youth volunteers for peace building.

What I ask Commonwealth Governments at peoples forum Antigua 2026:

1- Fund community-led peace building and womens leadership in resource- rich but conflict-affected areas like Enga.

2- Protect civic space and freedom of expression for grassroots voices.

3- Make climate and resource justice include Highland PNG voices.

The commonwealth is for all of us-whether in Antigua or in Wabag.Turn our dialogue into partnership and action.

Tenkyu tru-God bless Enga,God bless PNG,and God bless Commonwealth.

Racism and the tussle for supremacy are the illness eating the bones of our collective peace and safety.

If you need me, contact me personally and let's discuss.

Uchenna (Yuceelanda) Henry.

uclanda@gmail.com

CSOs still stands as the smallest functional unit that implement national, regional and global goals towards it's achievement of combating global challenges especially in third world countries.

The problem is compounded by inadequate policies and environments that support job creation, innovation and entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, there is limited opportunities for young people to lead and contribute which leaves their potential untapped.

Africa must move beyond celebrating its youth as the future and begin creating opportunities for them in the present. This means addressing unemployment alongside mental health, supporting young entrepreneurs and creating space for intergenerational collaboration and youth leadership.

As Commonwealth nations, we can strengthen our communication and enhance coordination to promote peace and mutual understanding among our nations. These efforts will help create a healthy and sustainable environment for present and future generations.

In this regard, we may discuss the following proposals, reach decisions, and identify our respective responsibilities:

1. Establish a Commonwealth Citizens' Platform

A virtual platform could be established to enable citizens of Commonwealth member states to raise issues of common interest and propose areas for cooperation. These issues could be discussed periodically, with the support of a dedicated team of experts to facilitate discussions and help develop practical solutions.

2. Establish a Platform for Environmental Protection and Climate Action

A separate platform could be created to encourage the exchange of ideas and the sharing of experiences and best practices in environmental protection, nature conservation, and addressing the challenges of climate change.

3. Establish a Platform for Intergenerational Cooperation

A platform could be developed to bring together the wisdom and experience of older generations with the fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and energy of younger generations. This collaboration could help create a more inclusive, sustainable, and livable world for all citizens.

I wish everyone good health and well-being. I also look forward to the continuation of our communication and the strengthening of our cooperation.

Thank you very much.

Promoting healthy living across the life course is essential to sustaining a productive workforce, maintaining family and community roles, and ageing well. Health must be a priority for all Commonwealth Countries to underpin the ambition of increasing trade and economic prosperity.

Action is needed to go forward from the Peoples Forum in the form of a national plan building on each countries current initiatives.

We urge Commonwealth Governments to move from commitment to action by:

1. Adopting and enforcing harmonised minimum safeguarding standards, mandatory registration and regular inspections for residential Quranic schools;

2. Allocating dedicated national budgets to prevent and address child labour and forced begging; and

3. Connecting affected children and their families to social protection, child protection services and quality basic education.

Lasting change requires partnership. Children, parents, caregivers, Quranic teachers and religious leaders must help shape solutions that protect children from exploitation while respecting faith and culture.

The Child Protection Alliance and its 49 member organisations stand ready to work with governments and communities to turn these commitments into lasting change.

Solomon Atibuni
National Coordinator
Child Protection Alliance, The Gambia

In our efforts to empower the girl child, we must also recognise that, in some traditions and cultures, the boy child is often overlooked, leaving his unique needs and challenges insufficiently addressed. This neglect can disadvantage not only the boy child but also the entire global village. When children grow up without adequate guidance, emotional support, and positive role models, they may become more vulnerable to life’s adversities, mental health challenges, crime, drug and substance abuse, and other social problems.

By nurturing both girls and boys with the values of equality, respect, empathy, and shared responsibility, we invest in a generation better equipped to overcome adversity and contribute positively to society. Supporting one child should never mean neglecting another; rather, it should inspire us to create a world where every child is seen, heard, valued, and given the opportunity to thrive.

Ultimately, our shared responsibility is to raise children who will carry forward the vision of a global village that is a safe home for all, a fair place for everyone, and a society where equal opportunities are not a privilege for a few, but a right for all.

As i can see many people are suffering mentally and as teams of psychologist must revisit the community.

2)Gender equality

3)Protection of persons wit disabilities ,refugees and indigenous people.

4)Sustainable management of resources.

5)Decent work and wages.

6)Food security.

7)Youth participation in policy making.

8)Combating corruption.

9)Freedom os speech and free press.

10)Preserving culture while embracing innovations.

destroyed our environment, burning up our forest, factory to realising to much smoke and later our environment get poison let's (save our environment for future generation) also women and youth not left behind to keep in touch within our society.

Equitable health resources, reliable medicine supplies, and accessible clinics for everyday citizens, especially in rural and hinterland areas where medical care in hardest to reach

I hope the Forum achieves:

Meaningful regional alliances that prioritize health justice and guarantee basic medical care as a fundamental right across all regions.

Guyana

### 15 important topics for discussion

* Breaking Barriers: The Challenges and Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.

* Disability Inclusion in Nigeria: Are PWDs Truly Being Given Equal Opportunities?

* Employment Discrimination: Why Are Qualified Persons with Disabilities Still Unemployed?

* Accessible Education: Challenges Facing Students with Disabilities in Nigerian Schools.

* Political Participation: Are PWDs Represented in Nigerian Leadership?

* Disability and Poverty: How Can Nigeria Improve the Economic Lives of PWDs?

* Accessibility for All: Why Public Buildings and Transportation Must Be Disability-Friendly.

* The Role of Government in Protecting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

* Social Stigma and Discrimination: Changing Society's Attitude Towards Disability.

* Technology and Disability: Creating Digital Opportunities for PWDs.

* Women with Disabilities: Double Discrimination and the Fight for Equal Rights.

* Deaf Nigerians: Challenges of Communication, Sign Language and Access to Information.

* Disability Rights Act 2018: Implementation, Achievements and Remaining Challenges.

* Inclusive Healthcare: Access to Quality Medical Services for PWDs.

* Nothing About Us Without Us: Why PWDs Must Participate in Decision-Making.

* My recommended topic

Recommended for a major conference

![CBM and EU launch $1.1 million

![Breaking Barriers For Inclusive Education | ActionAid Nigeria

"Beyond Disability: Breaking Barriers, Fighting Discrimination and Promoting Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria."

### 7 questions to guide the discussion

* Why are many PWDs still excluded from employment opportunities in Nigeria?

* What is preventing effective implementation of the Disability Rights Act 2018?

* How can government improve accessibility in public places?

* What challenges do Deaf people face in accessing education and public information?

* How can PWDs become more involved in politics and leadership?

* What role should disability organisations play in protecting disability rights?

* What practical steps can Nigeria take to achieve genuine disability inclusion?

### A powerful message to open your discussion

"Disability should never be a reason for discrimination, exclusion or poverty. Persons with disabilities are not asking for sympathy; they are demanding equal rights, equal opportunities, accessibility and respect. Nothing about us should ever be decided without us."

One question: Are you preparing this topic for a disability conference, a radio programme, or a public awareness discussion? I can help develop a complete presentation and speech.

Another point is that there are economic inequality exist among Bangladeshi People and people of the world as well. So inspiring the rich people to spend a percentage of money for the needy people is essential. For example in the religion of islam the concept of Zakat exist. The wealthy people those who have wealth equal to 7.5 vori (87.48 grams) gold or 52.5 vori (612.36 grams) silver after annual expenses have to pay 2.5 percent of their remaining wealth after annual expenses to the poor and other eight categories people as Zakat.

Mozambique

I urge the Commonwealth People’s Forum to place the devastating impact of harmful and illicit alcohol on its agenda, particularly the loss of young lives and the suffering of families and communities.

Parents are burying children whose futures they had hoped to nurture. Behind every life lost is a grieving family, shattered aspirations and a community robbed of its potential.

This raises a painful question: How can the continued availability of alcohol that poisons and kills be allowed to persist? Communities deserve an independent investigation into whether these deaths arise from regulatory failure, corruption, criminal profiteering or deliberate wrongdoing. Suspicions must be addressed through evidence, transparency and accountability.

Where is the ethical leadership when those entrusted with protecting citizens remain silent or fail to act? Public office must carry a duty to protect life. Political connections and private wealth must never shield anyone who profits from products that endanger our people.

I call on the Forum to urge Commonwealth governments to strengthen alcohol safety controls, investigate illicit supply networks and any official complicity, hold those responsible accountable, and invest in prevention, accessible addiction treatment and meaningful opportunities for young people.

Our young people are not expendable. Their lives must matter more than profit, political convenience or personal enrichment.

I hope this message finds you well.

On behalf of Fob Charity Foundation, I am writing to invite your support for our 2026/2027 Community Initiatives, a set of programs designed to create lasting impact in the areas of health, wellness, and education. Our initiatives include:

1. Free Community Diagnostic Outreach - providing accessible health screenings to underserved populations
2. Sauna Therapy for Cardiovascular Fitness - promoting preventive health through innovative wellness programs
3. Books for Brighter Futures - expanding access to educational resources for children and young adults

We have prepared detailed proposal outlining the goals, budget, and expected impact of each program.

We would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss how your support, whether through funding, partnership, or in-kind contribution can help us bring these initiatives to life in the communities we serve.

Thank you for considering this request. I would welcome the chance to speak further at your convenience.

Fob Charity Foundation.

Managing Director

Olanrewaju Boluwaji Ojo

Commonwealth the link between countries and cultures, where you can feel free to speak and let people hear you out.

We live in a world where we are constantly connected, yet rarely present. While the hyper-connected digital landscape promises endless community, I believe it has subtly quietly transformed into a "digital wilderness" a noisy, overwhelming environment that fragments our attention and erodes our fundamental human capabilities. Constant notifications and algorithmic feeds have hijacked our attention spans, training us to consume bite-sized surface interactions while draining the deep focus needed for true creativity. Worse still, by relying on screens for validation and communication, we are weakening our raw intuition and flattening genuine relationship-building into curated online personas. To rebuild authentic human connection, we must learn to step back from the digital noise, reclaim our presence, and cultivate spaces where deep thought and real, unfiltered interactions can thrive once again.

A Commomwealth tapestry we're about to create

Im sure the outcome will be great.

Each country a different story to tell

Some of which will make our hearts swell.

We'll connect the dots of stories untold .

We'll weave the picture with our minds, bodies and souls.

So add your stitches your hurt and your pain.

Dont let our ancestirs sacrifices go in vain.

56 nations one fabric

Creatively crafted stitch by stitch.

Our hurts ,our pains,our hopes, our lenage

All in the hope of trading advantages

Tjree pillars to sustain a five year plan

56 countries work hand in hand.

For democracy trade development and peace

Most are British ravished colonies

Trying to rebuild centuries old

Hurt and pain of ancestors untold.

Countries in the Pacific Europe Asia,Africa

Not forgetting the Caribbean and the Americas

A network of countries with shared values and hurt

And rising above is our young population

Creating this beautiful Quilt

A Commomwealth of Nations.

So Commonwealth countries far and near

Come a little closer

Pull up a chair

For what will be said I want you to hear.

We need to unite people have no fear.

Working together with integrity

Showcasing our common ancestry.

Through my experience supporting small businesses and participating in NGO activities, I have observed that many development programmes fail to achieve their full objectives because the people they are designed to help are not adequately involved in decision-making.

For example, vulnerable women and struggling families are sometimes excluded from empowerment programmes because beneficiary selection relies on recommendations from community leaders rather than proper needs assessment.

Similarly, small business owners struggle with limited access to business education, digital skills, markets and opportunities to grow.

I believe Commonwealth Governments and development organisations should strengthen grassroots participation, promote digital inclusion, invest in entrepreneurship education, and establish transparent systems for identifying and supporting vulnerable communities.

My message is simple: Development should not only be designed for communities; it should be designed with communities. The people experiencing the problems must have a voice in developing the solutions.

I believe that when people are heard, included and equipped with the right opportunities, they become active participants in building sustainable communities.

As people living with HIV live longer, their right to age with dignity, security, equality, and full enjoyment of their human rights must be protected. However, recent research indicates that older people living with HIV continue to face stigma, discrimination, fragmented access to healthcare and support services, and multiple age-related health conditions. These challenges threaten their well-being, independence, dignity, and equal participation in society. Despite significant progress in HIV treatment and care, the needs and rights of older people living with HIV remain inadequately addressed in policies, programmes, and legal frameworks. As they age, they may face additional barriers to accessing integrated, age-appropriate healthcare and social protection, as well as limited opportunities to participate meaningfully in decisions that affect their lives. We call upon Commonwealth Heads of Government, representatives, and policymakers to champion the development and bringing into effect legal instruments to protect and promote the human rights of older people. These protections must address the specific challenges faced by older people living with HIV and safeguard their rights to accessible healthcare, social protection, freedom from ageism and HIV-related discrimination, and meaningful participation in decision-making.The Commonwealth has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership by strengthening policies and legal protections that prevent exclusion, discrimination, and violations of the rights of older people. Longer lives must mean equal rights, not additional barriers. We urge Commonwealth governments to ensure that longer life expectancy is matched by enforceable human rights protections, enabling older people living with HIV to age with dignity, security, equality, and respect.

in Mozambique we sofrer a lot of Human Rights. In Education the pupils need to sleep with the teacher to pass the exam or pass the end of Year at school also the teachers are infected with HIV AND INFECTING OUR CHILDRENS.

In Health our Hospitals the situation is a devastating poor conditions don’t have no medication, serings 💉no machines equipment for emodialis , no beds to help people in need.

The government are killing prisoners that finish they sentence because they don’t have 500mt =£5 to be released from prison… and they sell they organs to get money.

The opposition parties are been shot & killed because they cannot complain and fight for a better future/government. Up to all this years in Mozambique they still vote In a paper votes not electronic so the government can manipulate the results

People are starving because the Police/government still they products that they plant in they farms.

You was the representatives of Commonwealth wat are you doing all this years to help Mozambique???

My complaints

SIB

My name is Sarjo O. Fofana, and I stand before you today not as a statistic, not as a case study, and not as a victim but as a young man from The Gambia who has spent over thirteen years in a silent battle with his own body. For thirteen years, my legs have carried me through pain, through doubt, through the whispers of those who thought my dreams should be smaller. For thirteen years, I have woken up to a body that fights against me, and yet every single morning, I have chosen to fight back. I have never let go of my dreams. I have never surrendered my passion. And I am here today because I believe with every fiber of my being that the Commonwealth this family of nations can be the force that ensures no one, no matter their circumstance, is left behind.

I am not here to ask for pity. I am here to ask for partnership. I am here to remind this Forum that behind every policy paper, behind every community, behind every carefully worded declaration, there are real people, people like me, people like the children in my community who go to sleep hungry, people like the families who watch their disabled loved ones suffer in silence because help never comes. The world has become more fractured and uncertain, and the climate crisis is no longer a distant threat it is a daily reality in The Gambia, where floods destroy homes and droughts steal livelihoods. And when disaster strikes, it is the disabled, the vulnerable, and the forgotten who are hit hardest. I am calling on Commonwealth governments to ensure that climate adaptation plans are fully accessible and inclusive, because we cannot claim to fight for the planet if we leave the most marginalized behind in our rescue efforts. We cannot build a sustainable future on a foundation of exclusion.

But I am also here to speak about hope. I am here to speak about the brilliance of youth innovation. I believe with all my heart that the solutions to our continent's problems will not come from the outside they will come from the young minds of The Gambia, from the innovators who are designing green technologies and sustainable agricultural solutions in their classrooms and communities, often with nothing more than sheer determination and a dream. I am asking the Commonwealth to invest in these young people through seed funding, through mentorship, through genuine belief in their potential. Because when you invest in a young innovator, you are not just funding an idea; you are funding a future.

And finally, I am here to speak for the needed ones the children and families in my community who struggle to survive. The disabled children who are hidden away, the families facing poverty, the ones whose voices are never heard in rooms like this. My dream is to build a support network in The Gambia that helps disabled children and their families access education and basic necessities. I have carried this dream through years of physical pain and personal struggle, and I am not letting it go.

As I navigate my own challenges, I have learned that true partnership is when we support each other to stand. I may not be able to run, but I can walk and I will walk this path with you. I am bringing my voice, my story, and my unwavering spirit to this table to represent the disabled community and the youth of The Gambia. But I cannot do it alone. I am asking you delegates, leaders, fellow advocates to join me in turning this dialogue into action. Let us build a Commonwealth that invests in young leaders, protects the planet, and cares for the most vulnerable among us. Let us build a Commonwealth where a young man with a disability from a small West African nation can stand before the world and say: I am here. I matter. And together, we can do extraordinary things.

The Commonwealth is for all of us. So let us make it count. With hope, with determination, and with an unbroken spirit,

Sarjo O. Fofana

Young Advocate

Women, youth and other vulnerable groups should received training and enterprise support to diversify their incomes, backed by a revolving grant approach for selected activities in rural communities.

Governments must ensure accessible services, equal employment opportunities, economic empowerment, and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making and leadership.

As a woman with a disability and activist from Sri Lanka, I call for stronger implementation of the CRPD and gender-inclusive policies.

Nothing about us without us. Our voices matter, and our participation must shape the future of the Commonwealth.

Anton Arauna

Recently in September 28, 29 2026, rainfall has taken over the building apartment of many homes, I was part of the flood victims in Port Harcourt/Obio-Akpor Rivers State Nigeria. climate change affects vulnerable communities, young people, women and people whose livelihoods depend on natural resources.

My name is Mrs Boms Happiness C , I am unable to be physically present in Antigua, I am honoured to contribute my voice to this conversation.

I would like to draw attention to two interconnected issues that deserve urgent attention across the Commonwealth: Climate Justice and Economic Inclusion.

Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is also an economic and social justice issue especially in Nigeria. Its effects are not experienced equally. Communities that contribute the least to global emissions are often among those who suffer the greatest consequences.

Across many Commonwealth countries, particularly in developing nations, people are experiencing the effects of flooding, right now , i and my two kid are homeless, we live staying in hotel paying Hotel bills because flood has taken over the rented apartment, i lost all the property acquired, drought, rising temperatures, food insecurity and the loss of livelihoods and property. Farmers, small-scale business owners, women, young people and low-income communities are particularly vulnerable.

For example, in Nigeria being citizen and other African countries, climate-related challenges has affect agricultural productivity, increase food prices, threaten livelihoods and deepen existing economic inequalities.

The question we must ask ourselves is: How can we achieve climate justice when the people most affected by climate change often have the fewest resources to adapt to it?

I believe economic inclusion must be at the centre of our climate response.

Key Challenges

First, there is unequal access to climate finance. Many vulnerable communities and small businesses lack the financial resources needed to adapt to climate change or invest in sustainable practices.

Second, climate change threatens employment and livelihoods, particularly in agriculture, cultivation, cropping, fishing and other climate-sensitive sectors.

Third, young people and women are often underrepresented in climate decision-making, despite being important stakeholders in building resilient communities.

Finally, there is a gap between climate policies and their implementation at the grassroots level. Communities need more than promises; they need practical support and opportunities.

Proposed Solutions

I would like to highlight five possible solutions:

Inclusive Climate Financing: Governments and development partners should make climate funding more accessible to vulnerable communities, women-led enterprises, young entrepreneurs and small-scale farmers.

Green Jobs and Skills Development: We should invest in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, recycling and other green industries while equipping young people with the skills to participate in the green economy.

Supporting Local Communities: Farmers and small businesses should have access to climate-resilient technologies, affordable financing, training and insurance to protect their livelihoods.

Youth and Women's Participation: Young people and women must not simply be beneficiaries of climate policies; they should be actively involved in designing, implementing and evaluating climate solutions.

Climate Education and Community Action: We need stronger environmental education and community-led initiatives that help people understand climate risks and participate in practical solutions.

A Call to the Commonwealth

As members of the Commonwealth, we have an opportunity to move beyond conversations and build partnerships that deliver real change.

Climate justice must mean ensuring that no community is left behind in the transition to a sustainable economy.

Economic inclusion must mean creating opportunities for people not only to survive climate challenges but also to participate in and benefit from climate solutions.

I would therefore encourage the Commonwealth to strengthen collaboration between governments, civil society organisations, young people, businesses and local communities to ensure that climate action is both environmentally sustainable and economically inclusive.

I want to leave us with one important question:

How can the Commonwealth ensure that climate action creates economic opportunities for the very communities that are most vulnerable to climate change?

Because ultimately, climate justice is not just about protecting our environment. It is about protecting people's dignity, livelihoods, property land, ocean, opportunities and future.

Even though I am contributing from home, I am proud to add my voice to this important dialogue.

Thank you. Mrs Boms Happiness Chijiago, the cofounder/ Executive Director, Greene Happy Home Care Nigeria

In addition, three powerful points to emphasise if you are given limited speaking time, permission

for 1–2 minutes, concentrate on these:

Climate justice: Those who contribute least to climate change should not bear the greatest burden of its consequences.

Economic inclusion: Climate action should create jobs, support small businesses and provide opportunities for young people and women.

Meaningful participation: Communities experiencing climate challenges should have a voice in deciding the solutions.

One particularly strong statement to use:

"Climate justice without economic inclusion risks leaving vulnerable communities behind, while economic development without environmental sustainability risks compromising the future of generations to come."

This gives your contribution a clear Commonwealth perspective while connecting environmental protection with poverty reduction, employment, equality and sustainable development.

There is need to end generational poverty and slogans of racial and religious superiority.

Children and the population are important national assets, and countries need to invest heavily in the development of this human capital.

The most important asset of any country is, its human resource.

A well-nourished, well looked after, well-focused, well-trained in skills acquisition and well educated human resources can then be harnessed, to develop the other natural resources of the country.

Govts. need to empower parents economically through good Salaries, Wages and Pension.

Govts. should create enabling environment for businesses to flourish, instead of engaging in endless and senseless wars.

End the world wars.

God created a free world.

We need world peace, devoid of religious ideologies of violence against others.

Many homes and parents are struggling and can hardly provide adequately for their offsprings.