Conference Archive

Within a framework of continuous interaction with the United Nations System and with other primary international organisations to support the knowledge and implementation of adopted conventions and resolutions, and other relevant international tools, the mission of Sport 4 Impact forum is to contribute to build a stronger communities through a strategic utilisation of sport at local level in view of achieving the United Nations SDGs.

The third national Stephen Lawrence Day, which takes place on Thursday 22 April 2021

On 22 April 1993, Stephen Lawrence was murdered in a racially motivated attack, carried out by a group of white men.

As the 28th anniversary of Stephen’s murder approaches, his mother, Baroness Doreen Lawrence pays tribute to her son.

His murder unapologetically exposed the deeply rooted institutional racism – something insidious, sometimes subtle, but always with harmful effects – still alive in the policing and justice system today.

On this day of reflection, we must look upon institutional racism, and what we must all do to fight it. It is a day to consider how far we have come and how much further we have still to go. It is a day to acknowledge the role of every individual in driving real societal change and forging a space of inclusivity and equality.

In this context, it has become even more important to keep Steven Lawrence’s legacy in the national consciousness and to continue fighting against the institutional racism that the Macpherson report highlighted 21 years ago.

This Day will force us to confront the disturbing – but honest – truth of the institutionalised racism persisting in British society.

Courageous conversations and adventurous approaches: Creative thinking in tackling inequality - Supported by the Scottish Funding Council. The theme of this conference spoke to the reality of EDI work in both HE and FE - a growing focus for attention internally and externally, ambitious, analytical, forward-looking, practical and increasingly complex. As EDI becomes more embedded in institutional values and strategy and becomes more of a measure for the student experience, institutional interest in creative responses to tackling inequality is growing.

The 2020 Tackling Gangs, Violence and Weapon Crime Conference went online this year, with the YC Chair, Geoff, presenting the YC Community Campus Model. Tackling Gangs, Violence and Weapon Crime Conference brings together the key stakeholders involved in tackling gang, violence and weapon crime in the UK. With keynotes from senior bodies and case study examples of best practice, attendees will get the latest information and be able to benchmark and gain new insights and strategies on how to best tackle gang crime.

The Youth Charter continued its global programme of work contributing to the pre-assembly seminar workshop series prior to the 75th session of the UN General Assembly. A panel of global activists were brought together to discuss the role of sport and the arts in providing community empowerment and social, cultural and economic self reliance. The virtual session was hosted by the University of San Diego and featured Geoff Thompson who presented the Youth Charter UN journey and Community Campus global model benchmarked by the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

More than 30 years ago, the United Nations agreed the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Among various rights, it enshrines all children’s right to health, play and education. But how do these three interact, and what role can the Commonwealth play in capitalising upon the reinforcing benefits of these rights?

YC Founder, Geoff Thompson, chaired the 3rd Combatting Gangs, Violence and Weapon Crime Conference, at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, where he also presented the ongoing work of the agency.

YC presented #HE4Good proposal at the CUC (Committee of University Chairs) Autumn Plenary at The Royal Society in London.

YC presented and participated in the PACE (Parent and Child Empowerment) Conference in East London.

The Youth Charter participated in the Human Development & Capability Association Conference “Connecting Capabilities” hosted by University College London.

YC Founder, Geoff Thompson, chaired the Why Sport “Getting Wales Moving” Conference in Cardiff and presented the Community Campus Model and Social Coach Leadership Programme.

The Youth Charter attended the Sudan Future Conference at the International Maritime Organisation’s headquarters in London’s

The Youth Charter participated in the Global MindED Conference in Denver, with Geoff leading a panel discussion on “Global Higher ED Equity: What can countries and continents learn from each other”.

The Youth Charter attended the 1st UN Habitat Assembly: UEL Side Event, with the YC Community Campus discussed as a potential model for the delivery of the UN Habitat’s Safe Spaces programme.

The YC Community Campus Model and Social Coach Leadership Programme was presented at the General Federation of Trade Unions Biennial General Council Meeting at Holiday Inn, Wembley, where Youth Service Cuts, Youth Violence and the Young Lives Lost was discussed.

YC Founder, Geoff Thompson, chaired the Why Sport “Creating Active Communities” Conference was held in Manchester and presented the Youth Charter Community Campus Model.

YC Founder, Geoff Thompson, chaired and presented at the 2nd Combatting Gangs, Violence and Weapon Crime Conference, which was held in Manchester. Discussing the Youth Charter 26 Year journey following the tragic murder of 14-year-old schoolboy Benji Stanley on streets of Manchester and the youth violence that continues.

The Youth Charter a presented at UNISON’s Black Members Conference which discussed the Windrush Scandal and the impact of knife crime on young black people.

The participated at the Soccerex Global Convention at Manchester Central where agencies and individuals involved in the beautiful game come together to discuss and debate the future of football. Youth Charter Executive Chair, Geoff Thompson, launched the Code 4 Youth and was interviewed by Hawksby and Jacobs of Talk Radio and the agency’s work with the Soccerex Team celebrating their 20th year.

The Youth Charter launched the Soccerwise report at the Soccerex Global Convention in Manchester with the Class of ‘92 and guests from South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire. The ‘Beautiful Game’ has played a major role in the work of the Youth Charter. This ground breaking report attempts to chart that incredible journey from the gangster activity of Moss Side to all five continents and how education, health and human development through a soccer ball can be achieved. The Youth Charter’s work is presented with case studies with some of the biggest names in the game and biggest clubs in the world.