Games vice-chair joins global conference line-up
A key figure in delivering the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is set to address Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce 's Global Trade Conference next month.
Professor Geoff Thompson, deputy chair of the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee, has been added to the line-up for the conference, which is taking place at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire on Thursday 15 September.
He will participate in a session focusing on investment opportunities in the West Midlands - which includes a panel discussion on Birmingham 2022 's legacy.
Professor Thompson has a 35-year track record in the social and human development of young people and communities.
As a five-time world karate champion and experienced sports administrator and politician, he has a broad skill set that has helped advise, develop and deliver social and human project and programme initiatives across the world.
Professor Thompson has also undertaken a number of public and private sector appointments.
He is the founder and chair of the Youth Charter, a UK-based international charity which uses the ethics of sport, arts, cultural and digital activities to tackle the problems of educational non-attainment, health inequality, anti-social behaviour and crime in some of the most troubled parts of the world.
Other roles include board member of the London Legacy Development Corporation, advisory board member of the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, USA, advisor to the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation, chair of the operational board of the Professional Footballers ' Association and chair of the London Youth Games.
Professor Thompson (pictured) said: “The Global Trade Conference provides an ideal opportunity to realise the social, cultural and economic legacy benefits of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“The young people volunteering, apprenticeship skills and innovation that have been developed as a result will see employability, entrepreneurship and impact to the City and throughout the world. ”
Also returning for the conference are RSM duo Joe Brusuelas and Simon Hart, who will be providing an overview of the global economy.