The Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace Network (CYSDP) promotes the use of sport as a tool for achieving development objectives in youth development.
Its members, with a diversity of experiences and cultural backgrounds, aim to be: ‘The leading voice for youth in the Commonwealth towards promoting best practices in sport for development and peace in their respective societies—by targeting young people and policy makers.’
Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace Working Group
The Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace Working Group is a small group of young practitioners in the field of Sport for Development and Peace (SDP). It was established in 2013 with the support of the Youth Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat.
The CYSDP has three main strategic themes, which are to ‘Advocate, Educate and Demonstrate’ to their peers the benefits of using sport as a tool for development.
As part of their mandate, Working Group members attend sport and non-sport related forums around the world to represent and express the youth and sport stance on development issues. They also contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the SDP sector through research and writing projects, and various Commonwealth activities.
For more information, read the CYSDP position statement outlining the Working Group’s history and strategic objectives.
If your organisation is interested in being involved, download the commitment statement, fill it in and send to youth@commonwealth.int
CYSDP Working Group Membership:
| Name and role | Organisation | Region |
| Janine Thornhill, Chair | Caribbean Sport and Development Agency | Caribbean |
| Finlay Batts | WaterAid Australia | Pacific |
| Devika Malik | Wheeling Happiness Foundation | Asia |
| Tahere Siisiialafia | Pacific Youth Council | Pacific |
| Richard Loat | Laureus Sport for Good Foundation | Europe |
| John Oluwadero | Better Nigeria Initiative | Africa |
| Adeloa Taiwo | Sports for Peace and Youth Development | Africa |
Resources
The Sport for Development and Peace Youth Advocacy Toolkit provides young people advice about skills and tools to become agents of change in their communities. The toolkit also enhances understanding of and support for sport’s role in achieving critical development and peace objectives.
The Commonwealth Guide to Advancing Development through Sport is a practical tool offering detailed guidelines for policy options, strategic approaches and implementation mechanisms. The guide also includes several examples of initiatives worldwide.