As per final communique of 6th Commonwealth youth Forum (Uganda 2007),

We the delegates of the Commonwealth Youth Forum 2007:

• Recognize that the present and rapidly changing climatic conditions are a direct result of the lifestyles, actions and decisions of the human race. The climate is constantly changing but we are particularly concerned by recent acceleration in greenhouse gas emissions.

• Note, with regret, that some governments continue to fail to react adequately to warnings about climate change.

• Are aware that some of the biggest polluters are Commonwealth members and thus Commonwealth agreements on solutions can be rapidly converted into global solutions.

• Recognize that development and prosperity in the industrialized countries of the Commonwealth should not be at the expense of developing countries. Developed countries should act on existing policies that recognize the principles of their differentiated responsibility.

• Hold that aid and foreign direct investment should be directed at infrastructure projects that promote sustainable development, reflecting the needs of recipient countries as defined by recipient countries themselves.

• Strongly believe that international policy development structures and governments currently do not sufficiently involve young people. Yet it is young people, and especially those who are marginalized, who will bear the brunt of climatic impacts in the future.

• Strongly believe that education should be sufficient and appropriate to local needs and emphasize sustainable development alternatives.

• Note that the mass migration of refugees has adverse environmental impacts.

• Strongly believe that sustainable development should address the issues of poverty eradication, employment creation and livelihood transformation in Commonwealth societies.

• Believe there is a need to minimize the wealth disparity between developed and developing nations.

• Are of the opinion that industrialization with attempts to mitigate effects on the environment is an alternative means for sustainable development.

1. Recommendations to the Commonwealth

We urge the Commonwealth, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat, to:

1.1 Work towards the establishment of a separate Commonwealth Environmental Body to oversee Commonwealth programs and initiatives related to Sustainable Development and Climate Change. The program of work of this body should include:

• Assisting countries to develop without jeopardizing future generations? livelihoods.

• Migration and improved city management.

• Implementing a policy of carbon neutrality and waste minimization across all of its programs and initiatives.

• Facilitate the development of enhanced legislative frameworks to regulate sustainable natural resource management.

1.2 Expand existing programs, which provide financial and technical expertise to sustainable enterprises and those making use of appropriate technology.

1.3 Work together within international bodies to promote trade policies, which are fair, equitable and provide a level playing field for all countries.

1.4 Invite young people to participate fully in the meetings of the Commonwealth Ministers, noting especially the importance of youth participation in the Commonwealth Environment Ministers? Meetings in the lead-up to CHOGM 2009.

1.5 Encourage the establishment of strong international links to cater for the surplus of human resources.

1.6 Promote and support developing countries to develop the necessary technology, energy production and infrastructure for processing and manufacturing so that their products fetch better returns in the world market.

2. Recommendations to Member Governments

We call upon our Governments to:

2.1 Make a concerted effort to implement existing agreements and protocols, including those that focus on reducing carbon emissions.

2.2 Designate a significant portion of the budget to renewable energy resources.

2.3 Make efforts to limit deforestation and promote reforestation.

2.4 Develop and enforce a robust legal framework that incentivizes compliance with environmental protocols, conventions and treaties, sustainable industries and entrepreneurs.

2.5 Support research to generate ideas to reduce the environmental impact of refugee movements and migration.

2.6 Develop housing and sanitary policies that respond to the issue of rural-urban migration.

2.7 Adopt free education for all at primary and secondary levels, as illiteracy and ignorance pose barriers to the process of sustainable development. Formal and informal education curricula should include sustainable development principles and encourage young people to recognize their moral and social responsibilities in order to create a society that values its environment.

2.8 Address the issue of child-headed households that depend on remittances and are caused by the movement, relocation and migration of labor.

2.9 Invest and include ICT in education systems to address the digital divide in the Commonwealth.

3. Recommendations to Civil Society

We encourage civil society to:

3.1 Assist in upholding the cultural traditions and preserving the natural environments of their countries as they experience socio-economic development.

3.1 Encourage eco-tourism to promote and financially support socio-economic development.

3.1 Collaborate with young people in raising awareness on issues of climate change and sustainable development.

3.1 Encourage local consumption in order to support local producers and reduce food miles.

4. Recommendations to the Private Sector and the Media

We ask the private sector and the media to support our efforts by:

4.1 Improving working environments and conditions for young people especially in times of fast economic growth.

4.2 Promoting the positive programs and initiatives that are being driven by young people in the pursuit of sustainable development and in combating climate change.

4.3 Taking responsibility for adopting environmentally friendly practices, by earmarking financial and human resources for the development of more environmentally friendly technology and practices.

5. Recommendations to Young People

We have committed ourselves and encourage our counterparts throughout the Commonwealth to:

5.1 Be active, responsible and moral citizens who make individual lifestyle choices that are consistent with the principles of sustainable development.

5.2 Vigorously advocate changes in environmental policies and programs of governments. Where such policies already exist young people should advocate for their implementation.