By Jasmine Brittan, UK Young Ambassador to the Commonwealth and member of the Youth Advisory Group for Youth Council UK
In early May, UK Young Ambassadors had the privilege of participating in two significant milestones—both symbolically and diplomatically representing the voice of UK youth on a global stage. Both Maurizio Cuttin (UK Young Ambassador to the European Youth Forum) amd I were in attendance to represent the team.
This incredible week began on Thursday 8th May, the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe day, marking the end of World War II in Britain. This day constituted massive celebrations and recognition of the pure devotion of veterans whilst protecting the isles and its people. Its significance was ever greater this year, with the last groups of veterans being able to provide their important anecdotes of the war. Hearing the tragedy, and stories of commitment through wartime, reconfirmed the attention all of us should be placing on preserving peace and security, regardless of the geopolitical landscape. The day began with ‘A Service of Thanksgiving’ at Westminster Abbey including speeches by Winston Churchill’s great-great grandson, a procession of wartime artefacts, and a prayer led by Prime Minister Kier Starmer. Being part of the 1,000 individuals invited to this service, amongst Cabinet, former Prime Ministers and the Royal Family, was a day that left an indelible mark on me.
With Maurizio heading off to Brussels shortly after the service, keen to continue his campaign to be re-elected to the Advisory Council on Youth to the Council of Europe, I continued the day’s events with National Youth Agency CEO Leigh Middleton, OBE. Here, we both attended the electric evening concert on Horse Guards Parade, amongst 12,000 others. Livestreamed to the nation on BBC One, it was incredible to see the likes of John Newman, Keala Settle and Sheku Kanneh-Mason all come together for this important event.
Shortly after, bright and early the next day, I headed to Brussels on the Eurostar to support Maurizio as a co-delegate at the European Youth Forum’s (YFF) General Assembly. As my first foray into the European space, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting all of the new delegates from both the National Youth Councils (NYCs) and International Non-Governmental Youth Organisations (INGYOs). It was further enlightening to see the difference in organisational structure between Europe and the Commonwealth, providing me with an understanding of the benefits of each respective system. The packed schedule of the General Assembly followed quickly, with motion debates, budget reviews, and sessions which reviewed work since the last assembly. The day then curtailed into the crux of the Assembly – elections to the new Advisory Council (AC). With Maurizio’s campaign being one he had worked on tirelessly the past few months, the day was spent solidifying campaign commitments and taking part in an on-stage Q&A session in front of all voting parties. But after all had spoken, parties had voted, and a quick coffee break rejuvenated the delegates, the results were announced! And Maurizio did it, election to another term on the AC was secured – a major accomplishment and pertinent milestone to further his work on protecting youth civic space.
We, under the British Youth Council also submitted a timely motion – Investing in a Democratic and Secure Future for Europe and its Youth, alongside the Lithuanian Youth Council (LiJOT). Despite the motion ultimately not passing, this sparked new and fruitful debate in the Youth Forum, allowing NYCs to begin initialising conversations about their positions on such topics. It was further great to see such lively participation, with over 15 delegates standing up to speak for or against the motion.
Other points of order passed included the election of Andorran Youth Council (Joventut d’Andorra) to observer status, alongside full membership status to both Phiren Amenca and the European Youth Press. Additionally, motions passed ranged from standing against the violation of human rights in Serbia, all the way to combating media disinformation. Most importantly for BYC, delegates positively supported ‘Non-EU European countries’ inclusion in Erasmus+’, an exciting step for our push towards EU youth mobility.
And with all of this, before I knew it, I was on the evening Eurostar the next night – heading straight back to London St Pancras. Who knew so much advocacy and work could be completed in a mere 35 hours! Despite its brevity, I learnt so much from this space and look forward to staying in contact with all of the delegates.
