Next week, the Commonwealth will host two flagship meetings in Malaysia focused on supporting young people and the professionals who work with them to reach their full potential.

More than 250 youth workers and senior government officials from Commonwealth countries will gather in Kuala Lumpur for the 5th Global Youth Work Conference (GYWC 2025) from 17-19 November 2025. 

Inclusive dialogue and implementation

The 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Task Force (CYMTF) meeting will precede GYWC 2025 on 16 November, setting the stage for inclusive dialogue and a focus on implementation. The 10CYMTF meeting will discuss the Commonwealth Secretariat’s new Strategic Plan 2025–2030, which continues to have youth development as a central crosscutting outcome.   

Member countries have welcomed the strategic plan, which was launched by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon Shirley Botchwey, in September.

Government ministers and officials will also be updated on progress on the 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting Ministerial Statement and the Marlborough House Commitments 2023.  

The outcomes from these meetings will feed into the agenda for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda.  

Driving positive outcomes for young people

In addition, a Commonwealth Secretariat delegation, led by Assistant Secretary-General Prof Luis Franceschi, will steer discussions at GYWC2025, which aims to advance action to formalise the youth work profession and drive positive outcomes for young people of the Commonwealth. 

Held under the theme, ‘Youth Work in a Changing World: Sustaining Local Wisdom for Global Connectivity’, the conference is being organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Workers Association (CAYWA), and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) through its Institute for Social Science Studies (IPSAS).

Delegates will hear an address from Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey, who will highlight the importance of targeted investment in young entrepreneurs and measures to improve access to digital skills, ensuring that no young person is left behind.  

The Secretary-General notes: “To empower young people, we must also empower those who guide them. Youth workers are the backbone of youth development. In our new Strategic Plan, youth empowerment is a central strand — a crosscutting theme woven into our democracy, sustainability, and economic transformation pillars. In this moment of profound change, the need for youth work has never been greater.” 

The Commonwealth Secretary-General thanked the Government and people of Malaysia for their support, with special thanks to the partners of GYWC 2025. 

A first for Asia

It is the first time the conference will be held in Asia, as the Commonwealth intensifies efforts to build inclusive societies that meet the needs of young citizens and marginalised groups. 

Malaysia’s Minister of Higher Education, YB Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, said:  “Our youth are not standing on the sidelines. They are not waiting for permission to lead. They are already part of the present and future, actively shaping, creating and driving change.”

Youth workers support young people in their personal, social and educational development by using learning, care and recreational activities, such as mentoring, running after-school clubs or helping with job or university applications. 

Speaking about GYWC2025, Conference Co-Chair and the former Deputy Vice Chancellor at the Universiti Putra Malaysia, Prof Ismi Arif, said: "Youth development work is not about shaping young people into what we think they should be but empowering them to become who they are meant to be – confident, compassionate and capable of leading change.” 

Conference sessions and topics

During the conference, youth practitioners and researchers will lead presentations and interactive sessions on the economic, social, and environmental challenges facing the profession and how participants can strengthen their support for young people. The sessions will also explore current issues facing the youth work sector from political, technological and legal viewpoints. 

The conference will cover topics, including youth participation and leadership; youth employment, entrepreneurship, and economic resilience; the social value of youth work; health, well-being and youth work; youth work for marginalised communities; gender and equality; and youth and peacebuilding. 

On 18 November, GYWC 2025 will feature a special recognition ceremony, honouring the outstanding contributions of youth work practitioners who support the development of young people.