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| (Image Source: Sports Bytes Philippines/Youth Charter) |
In recognition of World Health Day, the Youth Charter has issued a renewed global call to make sports and physical activity a cornerstone of public health, especially in the lives of young people and their communities. With mounting global concerns such as rising mental health challenges, childhood obesity, and non-communicable diseases, the organization stressed that sports must be positioned as a preventative, cost-effective, and accessible solution to health crises — especially in underserved areas.
“World Health Day reminds us that health is a human right. Sports 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,” said Youth Charter Founder and Chairman Geoff Thompson. The Youth Charter is working to embed sports in everyday life through its Community Campuses and Social Coach Leadership Programme. These initiatives offer structured engagement and development through sports, culture, arts, and digital tools. The focus remains on mentorship, inclusion, and empowering youth to become community leaders. The Youth Charter aligned its message with the World Health Organization and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, urging coordinated action from various sectors:
• Governments And Health Authorities: Integrate sports into public health and education strategies.
• Schools And Community Groups: Ensure equitable access to physical activities for all youth.
• Health Professionals: Prescribe movement as part of complete health plans.
• Parents And Caregivers: Encourage active lifestyles at home and beyond.
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| (Image Source: Sports Bytes Philippines/Youth Charter) |
By placing sports at the heart of health and policy, the Youth Charter believes the world can address health inequalities and create more sustainable, resilient communities. Meanwhile, during the global observance of the United Nations (UN) International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) this year, the Youth Charter has issued a global Call to Action urging stronger collaboration among governments, institutions, and civil society to unlock the full potential of sports in achieving the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For over 30 years, the Youth Charter has led the charge in promoting sports as a catalyst for youth empowerment, social cohesion, and community development. On this year’s IDSDP, the organization calls for a decisive shift from policy to action — ensuring sports is not only recognized but fully embedded in national and global development strategies.
“Sports for Development and Peace is more than a slogan — it’s a proven, practical framework to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges: inequality, violence, health, education, and youth unemployment. Today, we renew our commitment and call on all stakeholders to collaborate in realising the full potential of sports as a force for sustainable development,” said Thompson. The #GlobalCall2Action is addressed to:
• National And Local Governments: Incorporate sports for development in education, health, and social policy frameworks.
• Funding Agencies And Philanthropy: Support scalable, community-based sport initiatives that align with SDG outcomes.
• Civil Society And NGOs: Collaborate on inclusive programs to reach and uplift marginalized populations.
• Youth And Community Leaders: Leverage sports to inspire civic participation and mentor the next generation of change-makers.
As part of the global observance of IDSDP, the Youth Charter reinforces its vision: to leave no one behind by building a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable world — one community, one young person, and one game at a time. For more information and updates, visit www.YouthCharter.org.
