Two young adults have been selected to represent the island at this year’s Commonwealth Observance Day.

Amber Young, 18, and Thomas O’Connor, 21, who are both from Douglas, will join around 1,000 other young people at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA Headquarters) in London on March 11.

The date marks Commonwealth Day and will see discussions by visiting and UK Commonwealth parliamentarians on the CPA and its work in strengthening parliamentary democracy.

It’s a special occasion this year as the Commonwealth, made up of 53 member states, reaches its 70th anniversary of when it was formed. The theme will be ’A Connected Commonwealth’.

Amber and Thomas were selected by the executive committee of the Isle of Man branch of the CPA.

Amber is studying international relations and law at the University of Chester and Thomas is studying a master’s degree in criminal justice policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

As part of the selection process they had to write 200 words on what they believed they would gain from the experience and how the island might benefit from their attendance.

Amber wrote that she wanted to learn more about the ’inner workings’ of international political systems.

She said: ’I am particularly keen to see how other Commonwealth nations function and what their viewpoint is on current Commonwealth connections and how the Isle of Man can play a role in improving and developing all previous relationships.’

Thomas wished to expand his knowledge of ’democracies beyond Europe’ and his understanding of how international cooperation can ’help people in this increasingly globalised and seemingly tumultuous world’.

He said: ’I think that young people, especially now, need to do as much they can to engage in politics and an event such as this is an excellent example of how we can do just that.’

Speaker of the House of Keys, Juan Watterson, who chairs the island’s CPA branch, said: ’The theme of "A Connected Commonwealth" will not only serve to strengthen existing and forge new links but also help to encourage closer collaboration to advance social, political and economic development across the Commonwealth.

’I am sure Amber and Thomas will find the Observance of Commonwealth Day celebrations a memorable and inspirational experience.’

A service of celebration will take place on the day in Westminster Abbey, which is attended by the Queen as head of the Commonwealth.

A reception will follow, also in the presence of the Queen, at Marlborough House, headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Amber and Thomas will be invited to Tynwald to talk about their experiences with members.