In celebration of the 2023 Year of Youth, the 4th edition of the Commonwealth Youth Work Conference took place from 10 – 12 July 2023.  Entitled The Power of Youth Work: Forging a sustainable and peaceful common future, the event  took place in person at the University of Reading and virtually. The National Youth Agency (England) collaborated with the Commonwealth Secretariat to host the event.

Group photo of participants at the 4th Commonwealth Conference on Youth Work

Over 250 youth workers, academics, and policy makers attended in person from across the 56 Commonwealth countries. They were joined by more than 1,000 virtual attendees. Together, they celebrated youth work, shared best practice and learned from one another.

The Conference aimed to influence decision makers to appreciate the essential role of youth work across the Commonwealth. Accordingly, a focus was on what youth work offers young people, stakeholders and governments.

The 2023 conference was the first gathering of youth workers since the 3rd edition held in Malta in November 2018. During the three days, youth workers called for collective action for more recognition for the contribution of youth work. Additionally, they framed how the youth work profession can move forward post pandemic, given the changed realities for many young people.

The power of youth work

The three-day event highlighted the power of youth work to make transformative change. By harnessing social, cultural, academic, legislative and political interventions, youth work helps young people to thrive and become all that they can be.

Stuart Andrews, Minister for Sport, Gambling and Civil Society, and Minister for Equalities for the UK, summed up the importance of youth work as seen by the UK government:

“Youth work in its various forms offers a transformative platform for our youth to explore their potential, acquire new skills and become active citizens in our societies. It is a catalyst for change driving economic growth, social cohesion and sustainable development across the Commonwealth.”

The power and potential of youth workers

The conference was opened by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC. In setting the scene, she underscored the power and potential of youth workers:

“We all know that the energy, creativity, and passion of our young people are catalysts for positive change. And we all feel that, with dedication and hard work, we can enable young people to fulfil their potential and shape a better future.

“As youth workers, you are fundamental to this. Yours is not simply a profession; it is a calling – a vocation driven by a deep sense of purpose.”

The opportunity to exchange ideas about the philosophy of good youth work was a key component to the conference. Practitioners also shared what is happening across the Commonwealth and in its regions.

Conference 5 themes

The conference focused on five themes, supported by keynotes, panel speakers, discussion groups and visits to youth work projects:

  1. The celebration and promotion of Youth Work,
  2. Collaboration – locally, nationally and internationally,
  3. Collectivism and solidarity across geographies,
  4. Youth work’s role in the encouragement and development of peace, and the
  5. Development of appropriate training support and opportunities for learning.

The Commonwealth contribution

Speaking before the Conference, Layne Robinson, Head of Social Policy at the Commonwealth Secretariat, underlined that youth work is a value-added contribution that the Commonwealth makes to the world.

Indeed, the Commonwealth is one of the only global institutions that continues to promote the professionalisation of youth work. It works to highlight good youth work principles and ethics.

Commonwealth Year of Youth

This year’s event was significant as 2023 marks the Commonwealth Year of Youth and the 50th anniversary of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. Supporting youth workers is therefore crucial – ensuring that they understand their role, and are doing it as well as possible. This ensures that youth work as a profession and a sector becomes stronger.

Equally important is that youth workers project the values and ethos of the Commonwealth to young people. Young people in turn can demonstrate and reflect those ideas and values and work to build a better and more peaceful world.

Conference highlights

Practitioners working within the youth work sector valued the opportunity to connect and network. Many who attended the Conference felt inspired, equipped and empowered to continue their vital work with young people.

You can catch up on the highlights of the conference here:

Remembering Dr Henry Charles

Layne Robinson, Head of Social Policy Development at the Commonwealth Secretariat, was among those who paid tribute to Dr Henry Charles. He had recently passed away and had been expected to attend the conference and provide the keynote address.

Dr Charles was a former Regional Director of the Youth Division at the Commonwealth Secretariat. At the time of his passing, Dr Charles was the Co-Chair of the Year of Youth Advisory Committee.

He was described as a sterling colleague, visionary leader of youth work in the Commonwealth and an outstanding friend.

Conference partnership

The conference was organised by the National Youth Agency on behalf of the United Kingdom government, in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat. The conference partners also included the Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Workers Association (CAYWA) and the UK Government’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The NYA also collaborated with its national youth work partners from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.