Biography
Dr. Henry Wallace Charles is an extraordinary youth worker and policy consultant whose transformative contributions to youth development have earned him global recognition. In his pivotal roles as Regional Director at the Commonwealth Secretariat and Senior Programme Specialist for Child Resilience at UNICEF, he has authored an impressive array of publications championing youth participation and innovative policy development. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to empowering young individuals have created a lasting impact.
Milestones & Achievements
Co-founds the Saint Lucia National Youth Council, championing young people's voice from the very start.
Appointed Regional Director of the Commonwealth Youth Programme's Caribbean Centre, based in Guyana.
Moves to London to lead the Youth Affairs Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Serves as Chief of Party for a USAID-funded youth development assessment in Haiti.
Principal architect of Trinidad & Tobago's National Youth Policy 2020–2025.
Co-Chairs the Commonwealth Secretariat's Year of Youth. Passes away on 8 July, honoured across the Commonwealth.
The Henry Charles Commonwealth Cup launches in his memory, in Saint Lucia and London.
Testimonials & Reflections
Dr. Charles transformed my perspective on leadership. He saw potential in everyone.
He taught us to believe in our power to create change and gave us the platform to do it.
A true mentor to thousands across the region. His legacy is in the leaders he shaped.