"An initiative that will go a long way in promoting awareness about the Commonwealth among young people and the public in general" H.E. Rt. Hon Don McKinnon, Commonwealth Secretary-General 

Youth CHOGMs are a simulation of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) which take place biennially.  

The day reflects the shape of a real CHOGM, with an opening ceremony and closing ceremony and different debates allowing young people to enter into political debate from the viewpoint different from their own. 

The day is guided by a Chairperson (representing the host country) which in the UK is played by members of the British Youth Council and assisted by a Commonwealth Secretary-General (a role undertaken by the meeting's principal facilitator). Each Commonwealth country is represented by a two or three strong delegation whose delegates take turns in each of three sessions to play the following roles; Head of Government (President or Prime Minister), Foreign Minister and Cabinet Secretary.  

The debates 

The three debates ofthe day are centred around the Commonwealth Day theme for the year. In 2006/07 the debates focus on aspects of freedom, respect and understanding. 

The first debate, "The Political Dimension of Freedom", covers broad issues of international security, democracy and human rights, down to specific cases such as Zimbabwe's present relationship with the Commonwealth. 

The second debate, "Repecting difference, promoting understanding", looks at a wide range of issues connected to migration, ID cards, faith, equal opprtunities; and human development concerns like the Millennium Development Goals, HIV/AIDS, global warming, world trade and poverty. 

In the third session, participants come out of role and the debate is centred on a range of issues chosen by the young people themselves. Previous debates have been on the war in Iraq, Freedom of expression and the role of the media, discrimination, whether racial, sexual or religious, and the impact of migration on both donor and recepient countries. 

The objectives  

* To enhance awareness of the benefits of citizenship  

* To encourage debate on local, national and international issues which affect young people around the globe 

* To educate young people about the modern Commonwealth, its values, activities and programmes in a structured and entertaining way 

* To provide a forum for young people of different faiths and backgrounds to meet and exchange views, to challenge themselves and each other  

* To enable young people to voice their understanding of issues and to feed their conclusion, into Commonwealth structures and other relevant bodies