Introduction
A team of Bristol participants worked with Deputy Secretary-Generals, Laura Johnson and Kofo Sanusi, to summarise all of the key point that delegates raised during the Summit debates.
The resulting Communiqué - or declaration - was passed unanimously by those in attendance and presented to the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Bristol.
You can read the Bristol Youth Summit Communiqué in full here or download it by clicking the tab on the right.
Education
Heads of Government noted that there was a lack of funding for education in many countries. They recognised that this could lead to shortages of qualified teachers, facilities and equipment. In some countries many children needed to work and were unable to attend school. In other countries the major problems related to overcrowded schools, which could be exacerbated by high immigration from countries in which education funds were lacking. Countries with limited school places and a lower quality of education tended to suffer when large numbers of the population left to seek a better education elsewhere. Corruption was felt to be another issue that countries could resolve through greater accountability in education systems. High unemployment was noted to contribute to problems in education but, ultimately, issues of funding were felt to be most crucial.
Proposals
Heads of Government from several countries proposed to help other countries by providing teachers. Some countries resolved to form a partnership to strengthen sports provision in schools. Heads of government resolved to form profitable trade agreements in order to improve education systems, with more direct interactions between countries needed. Civil wars, the environment and health problems such as HIV/AIDS were top of the priority list in some areas and education was felt to be the main solution for these problems. Overall, there was a positive response from many countries regarding the call for help in education around the world.
Health
Heads of Government across the Commonwealth believed that HIV/AIDS posed a serious risk to societies around the world. Many felt that there were not enough hospitals, trained doctors and trained nurses to cope with health problems. There were also difficulties in some countries with insufficient infrastructure, including roads and other transportation links. Countries expressed concerns regarding the distribution of medicines and vaccines, particularly to poorer countries. One country stressed that overcrowding had an impact on the standard of their health services, and others stressed the impacts on employment and their economic situations. Countries were also determined to resolve issues relating to maternal health and rising numbers of orphans across the Commonwealth.
Proposals
Heads of Government were fully aware that countries needed to put more time and money into research to combat HIV/AIDS and other diseases. Genetic research was felt to be a particularly effective solution that was offered by countries with particularly narrow gene pools. Several wealthy countries pledged to train doctors and provide doctors to help stop the spread of disease. Heads of Government stressed that more time and money needed to be spent educating people in order to eradicated communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Malaria. Wealthy countries agreed to come together to establish a fund to help poorer countries with their health problems, which could benefit the entire world. Countries emphasised the need for a coherent and sustainable action plan to resolve health issues around the world.
Youth Voice and Participation
Young people considered various local and global concerns, mainly focused on the environment. Young people were concerned that recycling in the local area was not effective and did not currently include door-to-door plastic recycling across the whole city, although this was being trialled. In addition, the bus fares were too high to encourage regular travel on public transport. The students suggested that bus prices in Bristol should be reduced or bus travel even made free for young people as it is in London. Leaders stated that they would be keen for young people to get involved and meet with bus company representatives to discuss this issue. Cycle routes were also considered an important infrastructure development to tackle climate change and trams were also suggested as an alternative to car travel.
Young people suggested that an event across the Commonwealth, similar to Live Aid / Live 8, could be a very effective way to raise money for research into eco-fuels, providing alternative energy sources and to raise awareness in both young people and adults. Young people felt that it was difficult to combat laziness and that perhaps in relation to the recycling issue, it should be made compulsory with fines for non-compliance. Young people wanted to improve their reputation and it would be useful to have more activities for youths provided in Bristol. Young people stressed the need to be publicly acknowledged in positive terms. Council leaders affirmed that they would be happy to come into schools to meet with school councils and consider these issues.