By Ayomide Otitoju
The Youth Charter has called on Commonwealth leaders, governments and sporting institutions to ensure that the 2026 Commonwealth Games delivers a lasting legacy of hope and opportunity for young people across member states.
The appeal comes amid renewed global discussions on historical justice and reparations linked to the transatlantic slave trade, including a landmark resolution led by Ghana at the United Nations, which seeks recognition of slavery as one of the gravest crimes against humanity and encourages restorative measures and development-focused initiatives.
Reacting to the developments, Youth Charter Founder and Chair, Geoff Thompson, said the upcoming Games present a strategic opportunity to shift global discourse towards investment in future generations.
He noted that while the past must be acknowledged, meaningful justice should be reflected in the opportunities created for young people, describing Glasgow 2026 as a pivotal moment for the Commonwealth to move from grievance to hope.
The organisation is proposing that the Games serve as a launch platform for a Commonwealth Youth Legacy Initiative, anchored on its Community Campus model. The framework integrates sport and physical activity, education and digital learning, youth leadership development, entrepreneurship and employability programmes, as well as arts, culture and community engagement.
Developed over three decades of work in sport for development and peace, the model follows a structured pathway of engagement, equipping and empowerment, aimed at preparing young people for careers, enterprise and community leadership.
According to the Youth Charter, the Glasgow Games present a unique opportunity to link sport, education and economic inclusion through initiatives such as Commonwealth Community Campuses, educational bursaries, entrepreneurship incubators connected to the global sport and creative economy, and digital learning networks across member countries.
The proposed initiatives are expected to support the delivery of key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in education, health, gender equality, economic opportunity and reducing inequalities.
Thompson emphasised that the true legacy of sport should be measured by its impact on lives rather than medals or infrastructure, urging the Commonwealth to prioritise investment in youth leadership, creativity and entrepreneurship.
With more than 60 per cent of Commonwealth citizens under the age of 30, the organisation said youth development represents a critical driver of social progress and economic growth.
The Youth Charter is now calling for collaboration among governments, sporting bodies, academic institutions and private sector stakeholders to deliver a Commonwealth Youth Legacy Programme tied to Glasgow 2026. It also proposed the adoption of a Commonwealth Youth Legacy Declaration, committing member states to expanding opportunities for young people through sport, education and enterprise.
Thompson added that Glasgow 2026 has the potential to transcend sport and serve as a catalyst for reconciliation, empowerment and sustainable development across the Commonwealth.
