A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the Commonwealth Youth Forum

Good morning to everyone and thank you for inviting me.

Just now, I was fascinated to talk some of you more detail with some of you about the business ventures you have championed - so successfully - across the Commonwealth.

I heard how impact investment and philanthropy are helping to encourage social change and how many of you here in this room are empowering others to achieve the same.

As I have travelled across the Commonwealth and here in the UK, I have always been impressed by the ingenuity, the drive and commitment of those I meet behind small and medium sized companies particularly.

When Catherine and I visited India in 2016, we were completely blown away by the innovation on display in the Indian businesses we met – from Formula E-Cars and new ways of teaching braille.

I understand this is the first time the Youth and Business Forums have met together in CHOGM week. But given the importance of the issues you are discussing today – from tackling youth unemployment to nurturing entrepreneurs of the future – I hope that this joint session will continue at future CHOGMs as we go forward.

Just as importantly, I hope today and this week will bring opportunities, many many opportunities, to build meaningful networks and valuable partnerships for you to take forward.

Good luck and thank you.