London

An Indian climate policy expert has been selected among 23 high achievers on an international taskforce that will deliver the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) in Antigua and Barbuda.

Vikrant Srivastava will work with the Commonwealth Secretariat, Commonwealth Youth Council and the government of Antigua and Barbuda to plan the youth summit during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in the Caribbean later this year.

He joins 22 other young leaders from across the 56 member countries who will help shape the forum's programme, policy recommendations and logistical arrangements, the Secretariat in London said this week.

“Vikrant is a climate and youth policy expert working at the intersection of environmental governance, youth engagement, and sustainable development," a statement notes.

“He leads multi-stakeholder strategy, partnerships, and programme delivery across Asia and the Global South, with a focus on climate resilience, nature-positive development, and just transitions.

“He brings deep expertise in multilateral climate and environmental processes and has shaped international policy and advocacy across global platforms, representing youth and vulnerable groups in forums,” it reads.

In 2010, the CYF was created to ensure governments consider the concerns and perspectives of young people. It has since become a critical platform for Commonwealth youth to share their views with leaders at the CHOGM.

The 2026 CYF in Antigua, under the theme ‘Investing in Youth Agency-Co-Creating Pathways towards Shared Prosperity’, will take place on the margins of CHOGM.

“At a time when young people are questioning multilateralism in the current geopolitical context, this CYF will enable young leaders and other stakeholders to build their skills and co-create solutions that will shape the future,” said Co-Chair of the taskforce and CYC Vice Chairperson for Inclusion and Engagement, Neema Sheikh Abdikadir Abdullahi.

“I look forward to collaborating with fellow leaders and stakeholders to deliver a transformative and impactful youth forum, one that unites visionary youths, strengthens meaningful engagement, and empowers emerging leaders with the resilience and capacity to shape a more sustainable and inclusive Commonwealth,” added Donte Walter, Co-Chair, representing the host country, Antigua and Barbuda.

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Representing a range of Commonwealth regions and interest groups, the taskforce will help deliver a forum aimed at encouraging policymakers to support actions that promote sustainable development, prosperity and investment in the Commonwealth.