Commonwealth youth promote value of sport as a tool for development

The Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace Working Group (CYSDP) was recently given the opportunity to promote the benefits of sport as a tool for development in two major events in Samoa.

CYSDP is a network of youth practitioners in the field of Sport for Development and Peace (SDP). Its mandate is to promote the voice of young people in the Commonwealth in promoting best practices in sport for development and peace in their respective societies.

Consistent with this mission, CYSDP members were present at both the Pacific Region Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting and the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa to advocate for the benefits of sport as a tool for development to both young people and policy makers.

Youth Ministers Meeting

Supported by the Commonwealth Secretariat, CYSDP met with Youth Ministers from the Commonwealth Pacific to highlight the positive role that SDP can play in delivering national youth policies objectives. As a result, ministers recognised SDP as a proven strategy for the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals and Pacific Youth Development Framework priority areas, and pledged to develop skills for youth contribution and meaningful participation.

 

Commonwealth Youth Games

In partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat, Commonwealth Games Federation and UNICEF, CYSDP facilitated workshops for 150 athletes and officials across 17 countries. Through exploration of personal, community and Commonwealth values, as well as the definition of SDP, participants were equipped with the knowledge to develop a message of how #sportcan be of value in addressing pertinent issues in their communities.

The success of CYSDP in Samoa positions the group and its members to continue to advocate, educate and demonstrate the benefits of sport as a tool for development at future Commonwealth sporting and non-sporting events.