The inaugural edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games was first held in Edinburgh, Scotland.

However the Vice-Patron, Life Vice-Presidents, the Executive Board, representatives of an Organising Committee (OC) of a Commonwealth Games and observers invited by the President may deliberate but do not have voting powers at the General Assembly.

[13] The President of the Commonwealth Games Federation is responsible for chairing the Executive Board and the General Assembly.

Other duties include inviting the Head of the Commonwealth for the opening and closing declaration of the games and overseeing the preparations for upcoming events.

Previously before the XVI Commonwealth Games in 1998, the President was a ceremonial role, taking on the duties of the Vice-Patron.