This weekend, the Commonwealth Youth Summit will take place in Dumfries. The Youth Summit will be the largest youth work event of Legacy 2014. The event, hosted by Dumfries and Galloway Council in partnership with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, will see over 240 young delegates gathering for the event which runs from 6-9 June.
The young people will be attending from 19 different Commonwealth countries including: Australia; Canada; Ghana; Kenya; Malawi; Mauritius; New Zealand; Pakistan; Sierra Leone; Sri Lanka; Tanzania; South Africa and Zimbabwe.
They will participate in a programme of leadership training and hear keynote speeches from leading figures from the sport, business, and charitable sectors.
The delegates will be camping in a special campsite erected for the event at the Dock Park in Dumfries. There will be a real festival atmosphere at the campsite – with tents, activities, catering, showers and toilets, an activities marquee, outdoor activities and a soccerena.
A comprehensive program is in place and the Summit will highlight both the impact and benefits of leadership and volunteering. With the themes of leadership and global awareness, the Summit will not only focus on current leadership but identifying and building on the strengths in each young person. The leadership and initiative of young people in local communities can truly bring about positive change.
The event will open with a traditional Scottish opening to welcome our guests to Dumfries and Galloway followed by interactive discussion with key decision makers including Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People. There is a 
traditional ceilidh arranged on Saturday night and a Gala dinner on Sunday for all the delegates. As well as an action-packed programme of activities and seminars, there is an exciting line-up of keynote speakers, including Chris Lubbe – Nelson Mandelas former body guard; David Grevemberg – CEO of Glasgow 2014; Paralympic Medalist – David Smith MBE; Olympic medalist – Rebecca Adlington OBE and Simon Weston OBE. There will also be special entertainment from Britains got Talents – The Lovable Rogues
All of the participants are already leaders in their communities. Haylie Crosbie, 18, from Dumfries, provides volunteer peer support to those with disabilities and additional support needs. She said “This for me will be a once in a lifetime opportunity and I hope to take my youth summit experience back to my community to deliver workshops and get more young people involved in raising awareness of issues in the world.”
Council Leader, Ronnie Nicholson, said “We are delighted to be hosting the Commonwealth Youth Summit here in Dumfries and Galloway. It will bring together young people from 19 different countries. They will learn some invaluable skills, meet new people, share experiences and listen to some inspirational speakers. Most of all, we want these young people to enjoy themselves. Investing in our young people so that they have the skills and abilities to get a good start in life is a priority for our Council. I am pleased that we are able to deliver this for these young people through the exciting programme that they have for this weekend. I hope they all enjoy the experience of the Commonwealth Youth Summit.”
Barry Fisher, DofE Scotland Director, said that the Summit is “Volunteering is a core part of the DofE programme and I’m delighted to see it put into practice by these ambitious young people. The Summit is a unique opportunity for young people across the globe to come together and share their ideas of how to make their communities a better place to live and I am confident that they will go back home after the Summit and make that change happen.”
Cabinet Secretary for Commonwealth Games and Sport Shona Robison said: “On the eve of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games’ second Legacy Week (June 9-13), it is fantastic to see legacy in action via the Commonwealth Youth Summit, hosted by Dumfries and Galloway Council in partnership with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
“This summer’s Games have been an excellent opportunity to spotlight volunteering and the development of young leaders, and this summit is a great platform to bring together 250 enthusiastic, likeminded young people from across the Commonwealth.
“I wish all those who are gathering from 19 different countries in Dumfries and Galloway over the four days an exciting experience, that will stand them in great stead for their future roles in their local communities.”
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