United Kingdom (Commonwealth Union)_ Youth work practitioners, academics, and policymakers from various Commonwealth countries are convening at the University of Reading in the UK, both physically and virtually, for the 4th Commonwealth Conference on Youth Work. The conference, held under the theme “The Power of Youth Work: Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future,” aims to bring together professionals involved in youth work to discuss and promote its role in personal, social, and educational development. The event, taking place from July 10th to 12th, is organized by the National Youth Agency (NYA) on behalf of the Commonwealth Secretariat, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Workers’ Associations (CAWYA) and with support from the UK Government’s Department of Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS).
The NYA has partnered with national youth work organizations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to organize the conference, which will be accessible for free through the conference website. The Power of Youth Work conference will delve into youth work theory and practice, exploring how it supports the education and development of youth across the world. It will also examine ways in which youth workers can learn, innovate, and build networks to advance the field globally. The conference will feature esteemed leaders and innovators in youth work, highlighting the intersection of youth work with political, economic, and social policies, and emphasize its crucial role in fostering tolerant and sustainable communities.
Leigh Middleton, Chief Executive, National Youth Agency, expressed delight over the initiative. He said, “We’re delighted to be hosting this year’s Commonwealth Conference for Youth Work, which will showcase a range of esteemed leaders and innovators in youth work. The breadth of expertise and innovation being showcased demonstrates how youth work intersects with political, economic and social policies and its essential role in building more tolerant and sustainable communities.”
With over 40 distinguished youth practitioners and researchers throughout the Commonwealth delivering presentations and interactive breakout sessions, the conference aims to inspire, equip, and empower delegates to enhance their practice. The opening plenary will be delivered by Professor Momodou Sallah, Professor of Teaching and Learning at De Montfort University, who will explore the contexts and challenges faced by youth work worldwide, drawing upon his international research and experiences in connecting global and local realities to enrich the lives of young people. Professor Sallah has also been involved in community development work, including leading a World Bank-funded initiative to establish The University of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology (USET) in Gambia.
In addition to the engaging presentations, a special address by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, will focus on the collective efforts made during the Year of Youth activities to renew and strengthen youth work, engagement, and empowerment. Throughout the conference, a wide range of topics will be covered, including youth participation and leadership, the economic and social value of youth work, health and wellbeing, youth-led research, youth work for marginalized communities, gender and equality, and youth and peacebuilding.
Promoting inclusivity, Liz Johnson, a decorated athlete who achieved gold medals in the Paralympics, European Championships, and World Championships as part of the British Para Swimming Team, will share her experiences as an athlete mentor for the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust. Johnson’s work as a disability advocate and her co-founding of ‘The Ability People’ to combat discrimination by employers align with her passion for showcasing disability role models in all sectors.
The conference will also explore the role of academics, educators, and researchers in the field of youth and community work, with presentations from members of the Professional Association of Lecturers in Youth and Community Work (PALYCW). The discussions will delve into building a skilled and qualified workforce through partnerships with voluntary organizations, universities, and other entities. Various presentations will shed light on youth participation models that lead to improved outcomes for young people, as well as strategies for peacebuilding and sustainability. The conference presentations will be accessible online for free, with virtual participation available for most sessions, and recordings will be available for a period after the event, allowing broader access and extended engagement.
