…The Youth Charter invites international federations, donors and city leaders to collaborate on developing a legacy framework for sport for development at the World Championships
https://www.digital.zenithbank.com/ZEQ/ZEQ-jan-2026/index.html#p=1As the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships inspire millions of people around the world, the Youth Charter urges organizers, governments and partners to ensure the event leaves a lasting social legacy, not just world records.
For over 30 years, the Youth Charter has championed the power of sport, arts, and culture to address inequality and provide opportunities for young people to thrive. Today, the organization is calling for every World Championship to integrate sport and physical activity for development into its legacy plans.
The main priorities are:
• Participation for all – accessible programs like Kids’ Athletics and the Youth Charter Community Campuses.
• Healthy Future – linking sport with air quality, climate action and well-being.
• Inclusion and safety – environmental protection, gender equality and role models such as the refugee athlete team.
Professor Geoff Thompson, MBE, President of the Youth Charter, said:
“Major events should offer more than memories. Tokyo 2025 is an opportunity to create pathways for every young person to be inspired and thrive through sport.”
The Youth Charter invites international federations, donors and city leaders to collaborate on developing a Sport for Development legacy framework at the World Championships to ensure that inspiration translates into concrete action, everywhere.
