Sri Lanka's panellist at the Commonwealth Youth Forum Sajini Wickramasinghe believes it is important to educate young people on human rights. 

She believes that consultation is one of the effective and meaningful ways to tackle the challenges youth face today.

Sajini is a youth advocate with eight years of experience in participatory democracy, inclusive politics, climate justice, and human rights. 

"I believe that what our youth advocates are not being taken seriously. However, having consultations with people involved in decision-making is one of the effective and meaningful ways for your voices to be heard," she said. 

"There are so many different ways to ensure that your message gets across through writing, story-telling, and many other ways." 

A Samoan youth delegate, Sulata Naomi said being part of the two-day youth forum had been an eye-opening experience, and she learned so much from the different panellists.

"What an experience for me as a youth leader. I have understood that the issues that we face here in Samoa were the same as other nations," she said. 

"Hearing the panellists and speakers sharing their experience and knowledge on different matters has had a great impact on me. I hope to use what I've learnt from this forum for the youth and community that I serve.

"The best part of this forum for me was when they touched on mental health issues. This is a global issue that needs addressing. Some youths take their mental stability lightly, but we must look after our mental health. 

"Mental health affects how we act, feel, and think towards other people. I am a strong advocate for mental health but I still feel like there is still not enough awareness programs or actions taken in tackling mental health issues."

The Commonwealth Youth Forum ended on Tuesday evening with the closing held at St Therese in Leauvaa.