THE Second Commonwealth Caribbean Regional Youth Summit takes place in Kingston, Jamaica, from July 23-28, 2012.

The main theme of the summit is "Youth: Steering the ship of Integration".

Among other topics to be discussed are critical issues that affect young people in the Caribbean and ways in which Caribbean youth leaders work together in ensuring that their issues are on Caricom and Commonwealth regional agendas such as education and countering youth exclusion.

The recommendations developed and agreed on by the regional youth delegates at the summit will be presented to the Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting (CYMM).

Jamaica's Youth Council president and Commonwealth Caribbean Youth Council deputy regional chairman, Ryan Small, will chair the summit while Youth and Culture Minister Lisa Hanna will deliver the official opening address.

The Commonwealth Youth Programme was established by Commonwealth Heads of Government in 1973. Its aim is to work towards an inclusive society, where young men and women are empowered to develop their potential, creativity and skills to enhance their contribution to development.