Preamble
 

The UNESCO Youth and Sport Task Force (Task Force) Code of Conduct provides guidance to the Task Force Members (Members) in making informed, consistent, and ethical decisions related to their work as the Members of the Task Force.

The Code of Conduct reflects the core values of UNESCO and of the Task Force, including but not limited to inclusion, integrity, transparency, and accountability, and should be central to all programmes and activities represented by the Task Force.

Members must commit to taking prompt and effective action to address any behaviour that deviates from or violates these principles.

General Principles
 

Members must comply with the following:
 

1. Strive to incorporate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the activities and programmes, and keep the SDGs in mind through the planning and development process;
    

2. Ensure inclusion by guaranteeing the accessibility and inclusivity of the activities and programmes of the Member’s and their organizations regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, philosophical or political opinions, ability, or any other factor;
    

3. Respect diversity by working effectively with people from all backgrounds and showing respect for and understanding of diverse points of view;
    

4. Uphold good governance at all times, where decisions that are made and implemented are “participatory, consensus-oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive, and follows the rule of law”[1];
    

5. Ensure political neutrality at all times when engaging in or hosting activities related to the Task Force and ensure power and authority is not abused;        
    

6. Take into consideration environmental impact when carrying out any Task Force activities;
    

7. Practice transparency by ensuring that all decisions related to the Member’s organization or the Task Force as a whole comply with rules and regulations and are well documented and accessible;
    

8. Be accountable by engaging in responsible decision-making that takes into consideration the impact of the decision on all stakeholders (e.g. participants, the organization, communities, or the environment);
   
   Safeguarding Participants
   
   Members must ensure that:
    

9. They are familiar with International Safeguards for Children in Sport (2014) and implement these procedures in their practices to guarantee no harm to participants;
    

10. Members understand their roles and responsibilities in keeping children and young people safe by and commit to their own ongoing learning and development in safeguarding participants;
     

11. Members are vigilant and aware of possible signs of abuse including among children and young people who have complex learning difficulties or specific communication needs;
     

12. Members provide the opportunity for all participants in Task Force activities to learn about appropriate relationships and recognize unacceptable behaviour;
    
    Representation
     

13. The Members shall not state that they are employees of UNESCO, but may use the title “Youth and Sport Task Force Member”;
     

14. The Members must not communicate to any person unpublished information concerning UNESCO or the Task Force except with direct written permission by UNESCO;
     

15. The Members are not permitted to use the official seal of UNESCO or the Task Force unless with direct written permission from UNESCO. 

[1] As defined by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (2009)

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