Fifty youths have been chosen to represent Samoa at the Commonwealth Youth Forum which will take place on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting next month.

The candidates gathered at the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development office on Friday.

The co-chair for the CYF taskforce Leiataualesa Kevin Schuster said this was a rare opportunity and the participants should make the most of it. 

"This is an orientation for you who are fortunate to make the selection of the 50 national delegates for the Commonwealth Youth Forum. The format for the CYF, there is a CYF taskforce committee which is made up of 18 young leaders from all around the Commonwealth. Some of these members are living here in Samoa," he said.

"We have been working with the Ministry for quite a long time now. On behalf of our taskforce, congratulations on being elected to be the national youth delegates. 

"This is only the step one, we have about 3 and a half weeks to prepare for the CYF. So, between now and then the whole objective is to prepare us and help guide your direction in terms of where we should be focus on to prep yourselves for the forum."

There were more than 200 applicants. Leiataua is confident that he has a good mixture of candidates. With the different backgrounds and expertise, they each have something to bring to the table. 

Some participants have not been exposed to global meetings such as the youth forum. 

"Regardless, the purpose and the work of the taskforce is to prep you for that. Our journey starts today towards the CYF and beyond that."

Some of the participants expressed how important it was for them to take part in such a forum and they hope to learn as much as possible from it. 

Akenese Laumata Su'a of Gagaifolevao Lefaga said she was looking forward to learning from the different at the forum.

"CYF is a good opportunity for young people and youth to build networks and cross cultural connections as well as a platform to deliver on youth led initiatives, issues that impacts youth. Not only that it is also an opportunity for youth to voice their ideas and opinions and work together on what should be done to tackle the issues faced by the youths," she said.

Miriama Isaia from Vaitele-fou was grateful to make the cut and hopes to learn as much as possible to help with youth development in her area.

"I am deeply honoured to have attended today's orientation for the Commonwealth Youth Forum, really thankful to be selected as one of the 50 delegates representing Samoa during the CYF," she said.

"I am immensely grateful for this opportunity and look forward to networking with peers, gaining invaluable experience, and learning from everyone involved. This forum will undoubtedly be a significant platform for youth empowerment and collaboration, and I am excited to contribute to our shared goals."