In July 2026, young people from across the Commonwealth will gather in Sydney, Australia, for the 13th Commonwealth Youth Parliament (CYP13). Organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the New South Wales Parliament, the programme brings together young leaders from across the CPA’s membership to experience parliamentary democracy by taking on parliamentary roles, debating legislation and exploring some of the key challenges facing modern democracies.
The Commonwealth Youth Parliament itself has a long history. More than 600 young Commonwealth citizens have taken part since the CPA held its first Youth Parliament in 1997. Several alumni have gone on to become Members of Parliament in their own jurisdictions, a testament to the lasting impact the programme has on those who take part.
For many delegates, CYP13 will build on experiences gained through Youth Parliaments and youth engagement programmes in their own jurisdictions. While these programmes differ in structure, scale and approach, they share a common purpose: creating opportunities for young people to participate in democratic life and develop the skills needed to become future leaders.
Youth Parliaments across the Commonwealth
There is no single model for a Youth Parliament. Across the CPA’s Regions, programmes reflect different political systems, parliamentary traditions and approaches to youth participation.
Some programmes focus on representation, with young people elected or selected to speak on behalf of their peers, while others focus on parliamentary education, giving participants the opportunity to simulate a real Legislature.
The lesson from the CPA and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Youth Parliament Toolkit is clear: successful Youth Parliaments are shaped by their local context and share a commitment to meaningful youth engagement.
Youth Parliament New South Wales
As host jurisdiction for CYP13, New South Wales has a strong connection to youth parliamentary engagement through Youth Parliament NSW.
Delivered by The Y NSW, a not-for-profit youth and community organisation that has empowered young people across New South Wales for over 20 years. The programme gives young people the opportunity to research issues, consult with their communities, develop Youth Bills and debate them during a sitting week at the Parliament of New South Wales.
The programme takes place over several months, allowing participants to experience different stages of the parliamentary process, from policy development and committee discussions through to debate and voting.
For many participants, Youth Parliament NSW is an opportunity to move beyond learning about democracy and experience what it means to contribute to public debate.
UK Youth Parliament
The UK Youth Parliament is one of the Commonwealth’s longest running youth democratic programmes. Established in 1999, it is made up of elected Members aged between 11 and 18 who represent young people across the United Kingdom.
Members campaign on issues identified as important by young people and take part in debates on topics including education, health, transport and political participation. The programme’s annual sitting in the House of Commons Chamber gives young representatives the opportunity to debate issues affecting their generation in the United Kingdom’s most recognisable democratic spaces.
The UK Youth Parliament demonstrates how youth representation can create a direct connection between young people, decision-makers and democratic institutions.
South Africa’s National Youth Parliament
Across the CPA Africa Region, youth participation initiatives provide opportunities for young people to engage with democratic institutions and discuss issues affecting their communities.
South Africa’s National Youth Parliament brings together young people to participate in discussions on matters affecting youth and the country’s future. The programme provides a platform for young people to engage with Parliament, develop their understanding of democratic processes and contribute their perspectives on issues of national importance.
The programme also reflects South Africa’s powerful tradition of youth activism and the role young people played in challenging apartheid. Marked each year on Youth Day, the legacy of the 1976 Soweto Uprising continues to shape how young people are encouraged to participate in national debate today.
By bringing young people into conversations about governance and public policy, the programme reflects the importance of ensuring that youth voices are included in democratic discussions.
India’s National Youth Parliament Scheme
India’s National Youth Parliament Scheme is one of the largest youth parliamentary education initiatives in the Commonwealth. Established in 1966 by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, it has engaged hundreds of thousands of students over its lifetime, including more than 120,000 participants through its current digital platform.
The programme helps students and young people develop an understanding of parliamentary procedures, constitutional values and democratic traditions.
Through debates and discussions based on parliamentary proceedings, participants explore social and national issues while developing skills in public speaking, leadership and respectful debate. The programme demonstrates how parliamentary education can reach young people at scale and strengthen understanding of democratic institutions.
New Zealand Youth Parliament
New Zealand Youth Parliament gives young people the opportunity to experience parliamentary democracy and engage directly with the country’s legislature.
Participants take part as Youth MPs or members of the Youth Press Gallery, gaining insight into parliamentary processes and bringing the views of young people from their communities into national discussions.
New Zealand’s commitment to youth parliamentary engagement was also reflected when it hosted the 12th Commonwealth Youth Parliament in Wellington in 2024. The event brought together young people from across the CPA’s membership for a programme focused on parliamentary learning, leadership development and collaboration.
Different approaches, shared ambitions
Although Youth Parliaments vary across the Commonwealth, their aims are closely connected. They help young people understand how democratic institutions function, develop confidence in expressing their views and build relationships with others who share an interest in public service.
Some programmes focus on elections and representation. Others emphasise policy development, civic education or parliamentary procedure. Together, they show that there are many ways to encourage young people to engage with democracy.
These experiences will shape the conversations taking place at CYP13. Delegates arriving in Sydney will bring perspectives from different communities, cultures and democratic systems, enriching discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing legislatures today.
CYP13
This year’s Commonwealth Youth Parliament, 13CYP, will explore one of the most significant issues facing modern democracies: the relationship between AI and democracy.
As delegates debate the Artificial Intelligence and Democratic Integrity Bill (2026), they will consider how emerging technologies can support democratic institutions while protecting transparency, accountability and public trust.
From Africa to Asia, Australia to the Pacific, and across the British Islands and Mediterranean Region, Youth Parliaments are creating opportunities for young people to develop the knowledge, confidence and experience to participate in public life.
When delegates meet in Sydney, they will become part of a wider Commonwealth story, one built on the belief that young people should not only learn about democracy but actively participate in shaping its future.
Follow along with CYP13 as it unfolds using #CYPSydney, and look out for our follow-up blog once the week concludes, featuring first-hand accounts from the delegates themselves.
