Latest news with #YouthCharter
Zawya
2 days ago
- General
- Zawya
Youth Charter Joins United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Celebrating International Day of Play: 'Choose Play – Every Day'
The Youth Charter ( proudly marks UNICEF's International Day of Play under the global theme 'Choose Play – Every Day', standing in solidarity with children and young people worldwide to champion the universal right to play. This year's theme serves as a powerful reminder to governments, corporations, educators, families, and communities to make daily choices that protect, promote and prioritise play in the lives of every child and young person. Play is not a luxury – it is essential to physical, mental, emotional and social development. It builds resilience, nurtures creativity, and strengthens inclusion, especially in times of adversity. In alignment with this, the Youth Charter continues to deliver on its Global Call to Action, launched at the UN Summit of the Future, to ensure that sport, art, culture, and digital innovation are recognised as vital tools of development and peace in the lives of children and youth. Prof. Geoff Thompson MBE FRSA DL, Youth Charter Founder and Chair, stated: 'Play is a universal language – a bridge that connects young people to opportunity, potential and hope. On this International Day of Play, we reaffirm our mission to create safe, inclusive, and accessible environments where young people everywhere can play, learn, and grow. From our Community Campuses in London to our programmes across Africa and the Caribbean, play is the foundation of our work and a right we will never stop advocating for.' As we move towards 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Youth Charter calls on partners, policymakers and people of influence to embed play into education, urban design, health, and youth policy frameworks – especially in underserved and marginalised communities. Join the Movement The Youth Charter invites individuals and organisations to: Support and share the Global Call to Action at Host local play-based events across Community Campuses and schools Advocate for investment in inclusive, safe spaces for sport and creative expression Listen to and uplift the voices of young people in decisions that affect their lives Let us all ' Choose Play – Every Day ' and commit to a world where every child and young person can live, learn and thrive. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Youth Charter. Media Contact: Youth Charter Communications Team media@ +44 (0)161 998 9555
Zawya
7 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Youth Charter Calls for Greater Cohesion in Sport for Development to Deliver United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals
The Youth Charter ( a pioneering social legacy organisation dedicated to sport for development and peace, has issued a statement urging greater cohesion, accountability, and youth inclusion in the global delivery of sport-based initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In response to the outcomes of the recent IOC 355 Sustainability Summit, the Youth Charter welcomed the ambition and progress presented through the IOC's Olympism365 programme, with over 550 projects across 175 countries. However, the Charter emphasised that meaningful impact can only be achieved through unified action, public transparency, and intergenerational collaboration. 'Potential alone is not progress. The Olympic Movement must now shift from vision to delivery—co-creating with youth, investing in communities, and reporting with integrity,' said Geoff Thompson, Founder and Chair of the Youth Charter. Key Observations Highlighted in the Youth Charter Response: Leadership without Local Alignment: Only 10% of National Olympic Committees (NOCs) have public sustainability strategies, revealing a critical gap between global vision and national implementation. Lack of Transparent Reporting: The IOC has not released a sustainability report since 2019. Without annual, independent reporting, public trust and measurable accountability are compromised. Safeguarding&Mental Health: Positive strides were announced, but implementation at scale—particularly in the Global South—remains inconsistent and underfunded. Non-binding Targets: The withdrawal of Brisbane 2032's 'climate positive' goal raises urgent questions about the enforceability of sustainability commitments. Absence of Youth Voice: Despite sport's potential to empower young people, youth were largely absent from the Summit's strategic focus and decision-making platforms. Youth Charter Global Call 2 Action – Five-Point Plan: Unified SDG Framework: Embed the UN SDGs across all Olympic bodies with measurable targets and community accountability. Annual Impact Reporting: Commit to public, independent sustainability reporting across all levels of the Olympic Movement. Youth and Community Engagement Taskforce: Establish a cross-sector platform to amplify youth voice in strategy, delivery, and evaluation. Local Ecosystem Collaboration: Strengthen links between NOCs and local education, health, and community networks to ensure inclusive implementation. Investment in Social Legacy Infrastructure: Redirect long-term funding into community-based sport infrastructure, youth employment, and safeguarding systems. 'Young people are not just spectators or beneficiaries. They are the change-makers. The time has come to engage them as equal partners in shaping sport's global impact,' added Thompson. As the world prepares for Paris 2024 and looks toward the final phase of Olympic Agenda 2020+5, the Youth Charter is calling on the IOC, National Olympic Committees, and all sport stakeholders to recommit to the true spirit of Olympism —as a force for health, peace, equity, and sustainable change. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Youth Charter. Youth Charter @ Social Media: LinkedIn: @ YouthCharter Facebook: @ YouthCharter Instagram: @ youthchartersdp YouTube: @ YouthCharter X: @ YOUTHCHARTER Youth Charter #Hashtags: #InternationalOlympicCommittee #Olympism #Fight4theStreets #YoungLivesLost #Call2Action #LegacyOpportunity4All #SportDevelopmentPeace #Empowerthenextgeneration #CommonwealthSecretariat #UNSustainableDevelopmentGoals About Youth Charter: The Youth Charter is a UK registered charity and UN accredited non-governmental organisation. Launched in 1993 as part of the Manchester 2000 Olympic Bid and the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Youth Charter has Campaigned and Promoted the role and value of sport, art, culture and digital technology in the lives of disaffected young people from disadvantaged communities nationally and internationally. The Youth Charter has a proven track record in the creation and delivery of social and human development programmes with the overall aim of providing young people with an opportunity to develop in life. Specifically, The Youth Charter Tackles educational non-attainment, health inequality, anti-social behaviour and the negative effects of crime, drugs, gang related activity and racism by applying the ethics of sporting and artistic excellence. These can then be translated to provide social and economic benefits of citizenship, rights responsibilities, with improved education, health, social order, environment and college, university, employment and enterprise.
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Youth Charter Marks 2025 George Floyd Anniversary with Global Call 2 Action: From Taking the Knee to Taking a Stand
The Youth Charter ( a leading international charity in sport-for-development and peace, has released a powerful new essay commemorating the fifth anniversary of the death of George Floyd, calling on global athletes and the wider sporting community to move beyond symbolic protest and toward unified action in support of disadvantaged youth worldwide. Titled 'From Taking the Knee to Taking a Stand', the essay urges sportsmen and women who took the knee in solidarity over the past five years to now stand together as a team, championing lasting change through sport-based education, opportunity, and peacebuilding initiatives. 'The protest was a moment. The movement must now be a mission,' said Prof. Geoff Thompson MBE, Founder and Executive Chair of the Youth Charter. 'We are calling on the sporting world to unite with purpose and action—to invest in the lives and futures of young people who have been left behind for too long.' A New Direction for the Sport-for-Development Movement The press release accompanies the Youth Charter's Global Call 2 Action, which outlines a clear roadmap for leveraging sport to address youth disaffection, poverty, violence, and inequality. The initiative calls for: Greater investment in community sport infrastructure and youth leadership programmes Stronger partnerships between sports bodies, governments, and civil society Amplifying the voices of marginalised youth across global policy forums Elevating sport's role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) A Legacy That Must Be Built The Youth Charter emphasises that the legacy of George Floyd and the athlete-led protests that followed must translate into systemic change. The call is not just to remember, but to reform. 'Taking the knee showed courage. Now we need conviction—to stand, act, and lead as one global team for peace, opportunity, and equity,' said Loretta Green-Williams, Southern Africa Coordinator for the Youth Charter. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Youth Charter. For further information, contact: contact@ Youth Charter @ Social Media: LinkedIn: @ YouthCharter Facebook: @ YouthCharter Instagram: @ youthchartersdp YouTube: @ YouthCharter X: @ YOUTHCHARTER Youth Charter #Hashtags: #InternationalOlympicCommittee #Olympism #Fight4theStreets #YoungLivesLost #Call2Action #LegacyOpportunity4All #SportDevelopmentPeace #Empowerthenextgeneration #CommonwealthSecretariat #UNSustainableDevelopmentGoals About Youth Charter: The Youth Charter is a UK registered charity and UN accredited non-governmental organisation. Launched in 1993 as part of the Manchester 2000 Olympic Bid and the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Youth Charter has Campaigned and Promoted the role and value of sport, art, culture and digital technology in the lives of disaffected young people from disadvantaged communities nationally and internationally. The Youth Charter has a proven track record in the creation and delivery of social and human development programmes with the overall aim of providing young people with an opportunity to develop in life. Specifically, The Youth Charter Tackles educational non-attainment, health inequality, anti-social behaviour and the negative effects of crime, drugs, gang related activity and racism by applying the ethics of sporting and artistic excellence. These can then be translated to provide social and economic benefits of citizenship, rights responsibilities, with improved education, health, social order, environment and college, university, employment and enterprise. The Youth Charter ( is a UK registered charity and United Nations Non-Governmental Organization. Address: Youth Charter Dame Mary Glen Haig Office for Sport for Development and Peace London Stadium Learning London Stadium, London, E20 2ST
Zawya
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Youth Charter Calls for Stronger Youth-Focused Communiqué Following UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum 2025
Following active participation in the 2025 ECOSOC Youth Forum at United Nations Headquarters, the Youth Charter ( is issuing a call for a more youth-centred and action-oriented global communiqué. This call urges the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and all Member States to elevate youth engagement and strengthen support for the growing global sport for development movement as a key contributor to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year's Forum, themed 'Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda,' featured inspiring dialogue between youth leaders, UN agencies, and Member States. However, the Youth Charter notes a critical gap in the formal outputs: the underrepresentation of youth-led, grassroots, and community-based solutions—particularly those harnessing sport, culture, and the arts. A Global Youth Call2Action As a United Nations-accredited NGO, the Youth Charter reiterated its commitment to its Global Youth Call2Action, which urges governments and development partners to: - Support the integration of sport for development into national youth strategies, education systems, and community development frameworks - Adopt and replicate the Youth Charter Community Campus model, which uses place-based innovation to engage, equip, and empower young people through sport, art, culture, and digital learning - Invest in Social Coach Leadership Programmes, to train local mentors who can guide young people away from violence and disengagement toward purpose and opportunity - Ensure youth are not only consulted but co-creators in shaping policies and initiatives aimed at achieving the 2030 Agenda A Stronger Role for ECOSOC The Youth Charter is also calling for greater recognition and integration of youth-focused outcomes from the ECOSOC Youth Forum into the formal Ministerial Declaration of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). This includes adopting an annual ECOSOC Youth Communiqué, co-created by youth, to ensure their contributions are not only heard but embedded in high-level decision-making. 'If we are truly serious about 'leaving no one behind,' then young people must not be at the margins of global development discussions—they must be at the centre,' said Professor Geoff Thompson MBE FRSA DL, Founder and Executive Chair of the Youth Charter. Looking Ahead As the world moves toward the halfway mark of the 2030 Agenda, the Youth Charter will intensify its advocacy efforts to ensure that youth voices translate into youth outcomes, and that sport, culture, and creativity are recognized as essential tools in tackling inequality, disengagement, and global youth violence. The Youth Charter extends its appreciation to ECOSOC, the UN Youth Office, and all collaborating partners, and stands ready to work with global stakeholders to translate this year's Forum energy into lasting impact. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Youth Charter. For further information, contact: contact@ Youth Charter @ Social Media: LinkedIn: @ YouthCharter Facebook: @ YouthCharter Instagram: @ youthchartersdp YouTube: @ YouthCharter X: @ YOUTHCHARTER Youth Charter #Hashtags: #International Olympic Committee #Olympism #Fight4theStreets #YoungLivesLost #Call2Action #LegacyOpportunity4All #SportDevelopmentPeace #Empowerthenextgeneration #CommonwealthSecretarian #UNSustainableDevelopmentGoals #ECOSOC About Youth Charter: The Youth Charter is a UK registered charity and UN accredited non-governmental organisation. Launched in 1993 as part of the Manchester 2000 Olympic Bid and the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Youth Charter has Campaigned and Promoted the role and value of sport, art, culture and digital technology in the lives of disaffected young people from disadvantaged communities nationally and internationally. The Youth Charter has a proven track record in the creation and delivery of social and human development programmes with the overall aim of providing young people with an opportunity to develop in life. Specifically, The Youth Charter Tackles educational non-attainment, health inequality, anti-social behaviour and the negative effects of crime, drugs, gang related activity and racism by applying the ethics of sporting and artistic excellence. These can then be translated to provide social and economic benefits of citizenship, rights responsibilities, with improved education, health, social order, environment and college, university, employment and enterprise. The Youth Charter ( is a UK registered charity and United Nations Non-Governmental Organization. Address: Youth Charter Dame Mary Glen Haig Office for Sport for Development and Peace London Stadium Learning London Stadium, London, E20 2ST
Zawya
07-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
World Health Day Youth Charter Calls for Greater Emphasis on Universal Sport and Physical Activity to Improve Health and Well-Being of Young People and Communities
In recognition of World Health Day, the Youth Charter ( is issuing a renewed call for universal access to sport and physical activity as a fundamental pillar of public health, particularly in the lives of young people and the communities in which they live. With rising global concerns around mental health, childhood obesity, non-communicable diseases, and widening health inequalities, the Youth Charter believes that sport and physical activity must be prioritised as preventative, accessible, and cost-effective solutions that promote lifelong health and well-being. Geoff Thompson, Founder and Chair of the Youth Charter, said: "World Health Day reminds us that health is a human right. Sport and physical activity are vital contributors to that right, providing not only physical benefits, but also social, emotional, and mental resilience. From schools to parks, playgrounds to community centres, every young person deserves the opportunity to move, play, and thrive. This is of particular importance in the lives of Pan African young people and communities." The Youth Charter's Community Campuses and Social Coach Leadership Programme offer proven pathways to embed sport into the daily lives of youth and their communities. These initiatives provide structured opportunities for engagement, mentorship, and personal development through sport, arts, culture, and digital innovation. In alignment with the World Health Organisation's theme for World Health Day and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Youth Charter is calling on: Governments and Public Health Authorities to integrate sport and physical activity into health and education strategies. Schools and Community Organisations to ensure inclusive access to physical activity opportunities for all children and young people. Health Professionals and Practitioners to prescribe movement and physical activity as part of holistic health plans. Parents and Caregivers to champion active lifestyles at home and within their communities. This World Health Day, the Youth Charter reaffirms its commitment to a healthier, more active generation. By placing sport at the heart of health and community policy, we can tackle today's health challenges and invest in a brighter, more sustainable future for all. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Youth Charter. For media inquiries, interviews, or partnership opportunities, please contact: For further information, contact: contact@ Youth Charter @ Social Media: @ YouthCharter @ YouthCharter @ youthchartersdp @ YouthCharter @ YOUTHCHARTER Youth Charter #Hashtags: #InternationalOlympicCommittee #Olympism #Fight4theStreets #YoungLivesLost #Call2Action #LegacyOpportunity4All #SportDevelopmentPeace #Empowerthenextgeneration #CommonwealthSecretariat #UNSustainableDevelopmentGoals About Youth Charter: The Youth Charter is a UK registered charity and UN accredited non-governmental organisation. Launched in 1993 as part of the Manchester 2000 Olympic Bid and the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Youth Charter has Campaigned and Promoted the role and value of sport, art, culture and digital technology in the lives of disaffected young people from disadvantaged communities nationally and internationally. The Youth Charter has a proven track record in the creation and delivery of social and human development programmes with the overall aim of providing young people with an opportunity to develop in life. Specifically, The Youth Charter Tackles educational non-attainment, health inequality, anti-social behaviour and the negative effects of crime, drugs, gang related activity and racism by applying the ethics of sporting and artistic excellence. These can then be translated to provide social and economic benefits of citizenship, rights responsibilities, with improved education, health, social order, environment and college, university, employment and enterprise. The Youth Charter ( is a UK registered charity and United Nations Non-Governmental Organization. Address: Youth Charter Dame Mary Glen Haig Office for Sport for Development and Peace London Stadium Learning London Stadium, London, E20 2ST
