Summit bloggers

International issues affect all of us, so what could be more rewarding than attending one of the Royal Commonwealth Society's Youth Summits? This unique opportunity allows around 120 students in several regional locations around the UK, to participate in a two day debate on a variety of issues facing us globally. Although the prospect of such a large group of people may sound daunting at first, participants are selected from a diverse range of different backgrounds, including faith groups, youth groups, state and private schools; allowing everyone to share different opinions and views, thus allowing a fluid and intense debate to develop. Not only that, but you'll have the chance to make new friends and meet people from all aspects of society. What could be better!

But firstly, let's look at the debates themselves, for they provide the central focus of the summit. Participants will have the chance to integrate themselves one step at a time, beginning with small group sessions of brainstorming, informal debating, and generally having a chat about the issues at hand. As your knowledge of the subject increases, and debating skills are sharpened, (as well as your confidence being boosted), participants will prepare themselves for the formal debate on the second day.

However, what is the relevance of all this? Can a group of kids really change the world?

We can raise awareness of these serious issues, and hopefully change ourselves into a new generation of peace builders, human rights activists, and planet savers. All this may sound a lot just from two days of simple debating, however the qualities you will develop, and the knowledge you will build up, will most definitely produce a profound effect on you. It's important we realise our effect on the planet. It's up to us, as the future generation, to really try and make a difference.