Global Code of Conduct

Global Code of Conduct & Ethics

Effective Date: January 1st, 2026 Last Updated: February 5th, 2026

Applicability: This Code of Conduct applies to all participants in Global Youth Congress (GYC) programs, including online courses, virtual competitions, regional live events, and international travel programs. Acceptance of this Code is a mandatory condition of registration.

1. Our Core Philosophy: The Global Winning Spirit

At the Global Youth Congress, we believe that how you compete and collaborate is just as important as the results you achieve. Every student is expected to embody our Global Winning Spirit, defined by five pillars:

  1. Dynamic Leadership: Taking initiative and guiding others with empathy.

  2. Fairness Mastery: Respecting rules, judges, and opponents with absolute integrity.

  3. Multicultural Integration: Actively seeking to learn from and connect with diverse cultures.

  4. Caring Spirit: Looking out for the well-being of peers and the community.

  5. Faithful Courage: Standing by values and overcoming obstacles with resilience.

2. General Professional Expectations

2.1. The English Language Policy

To foster a truly inclusive environment where every participant, regardless of origin, can understand and be understood:

  • The Rule: English is the official language of the Global Youth Congress.

  • The Expectation: Participants are expected to speak English during all official events, workshops, competition sessions, and mixed-group social activities. This is an act of inclusion, ensuring no one feels isolated by a language barrier.

2.2. Professionalism & Punctuality

  • Time Management: "Early is on time, on time is late." Participants must be present and ready for all scheduled sessions 5–10 minutes prior to the start time.

  • Attire:

    • Live Events: Students must adhere to the specific dress code of the day (e.g., Western Business Attire for presentations).

    • Online Events: Students must appear on camera dressed appropriately for a classroom setting (no pajamas, appropriate tops).

  • Digital Distractions: During sessions (online or live), personal devices should be used only for the task at hand. Scrolling social media or gaming during workshops is prohibited.

2.3. Identification & Security

  • Live Events: Official GYC Badges/Credentials must be visible at all times. Sharing, swapping, or counterfeiting badges is strictly prohibited and grounds for immediate dismissal.

  • Online Events: Students must use their real legal names (or school-verified preferred names) on Zoom/Virtual platforms to ensure verifiable attendance.

3. Academic Integrity, IP & Responsible AI

As an organization dedicated to innovation, we embrace technology—but never at the cost of human critical thinking.

3.1. Fair Use of Artificial Intelligence

AI is a tool for thought, not a replacement for it.

  • Green Light (Allowed): Using AI to brainstorm, structure ideas, analyze data sets, challenge your arguments (Socratic method), or create visual prototypes (labeled as AI).

  • Red Light (Prohibited): Using AI to write your final scripts, essays, or speeches. Outsourcing decision-making to AI. Presenting AI-generated work as your own.

  • "Substantial Transformation" Rule: Any output generated by AI must be substantially transformed by human effort. Submitting raw or slightly modified AI text is considered plagiarism.

3.2. Plagiarism & Intellectual Property (IP)

  • All work presented—whether a speech, a business plan, or a video—must be the original work of the student team.

  • Copyright & Trademark: The infringement, misappropriation, or unauthorized use of third-party copyrights, trademarks, or trade dress is strictly prohibited.

4. Safety, Boundaries & Safeguarding

4.1. Zero Tolerance for Harassment, Abuse & Molestation

GYC maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for any form of abuse, molestation, bullying, harassment, or discrimination based on race, gender, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, or disability. This applies to:

  • Verbal/Physical interactions at live events.

  • Digital interactions (chat logs, social media comments, Discords, WhatsApp groups).

  • Non-Retaliation: Any student who retaliates against another for reporting a violation will face immediate disciplinary action equal to or greater than the original offense.

4.2. Physical, Verbal & Rooming Boundaries (Live Programs)

  • Physical & Verbal Boundaries: Inappropriate physical contact (including, but not limited to, lap sitting, prolonged embraces, or massages) and inappropriate verbal interactions (including sexually explicit jokes or the oversharing of intimate personal information) are strictly prohibited.

  • Rooming Policy: Students may strictly enter only their assigned room. Entering the sleeping quarters of another student is prohibited.

  • Intimacy & Sexual Activity: Public displays of affection (PDA) must remain professional. Sexual intercourse and all forms of sexual activity between participants are strictly prohibited during the program, regardless of consent or age.

  • Search & Seizure: GYC Staff reserve the right to search a student's room, luggage, or person given reasonable suspicion of a violation of health and safety rules (e.g., possession of drugs, alcohol, or weapons).

4.3. Staff-Student Boundaries & "Rule of Two"

  • The Rule of Two (No One-on-One Encounters): Adults (staff, judges, mentors, chaperones) and minor students must never be alone together in an isolated, private, or enclosed environment. All interactions must occur in observable, open, or group settings.

  • Electronic Communication Boundaries: All digital communication between staff/adults and students must remain strictly professional and tied to official GYC platforms. Private texting, direct messaging on personal social media, personal emails, or connecting on online gaming platforms is strictly prohibited.

  • Outside Interactions Prohibited: Any interaction between GYC staff/adults and minor students outside of officially sanctioned program activities is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, private tutoring, babysitting, meeting for coffee, visiting a staff member’s home, or personal travel.

4.4. Digital Citizenship & Cyber Privacy

  • Strict Data Privacy: The unauthorized acquisition, use, or disclosure of non-public Personally Identifiable Information (PII), biometric data, or confidential information of peers or staff is strictly prohibited.

  • Recording: Students may not record, screenshot, or photograph other students or staff without explicit permission.

4.5. Safeguarding & Reporting Procedures

  • Reporting Channels: If a student feels unsafe, threatened, or witnesses a violation, they (or their parents) should immediately contact the designated Safeguarding Officer or email safeguarding@theglobalyouthcongress.com.

  • Anonymous Reporting: Reports of suspected misconduct, policy violations, or abuse can be made formally or anonymously via our designated safeguarding channels.

  • Scope of Reporting: These procedures apply to adult-to-child misconduct, as well as child-to-child sexualized or abusive behaviors. GYC staff are mandatory reporters to legal authorities.

5. Health, Legality & Medical Protocols

5.1. Prohibited Substances & Constructive Possession

The possession, consumption, or purchase of the following is strictly prohibited for all students during any GYC program:

  • Alcohol.

  • Tobacco and E-Cigarettes/Vapes.

  • Cannabis products (including CBD and THC).

  • Illegal drugs or controlled substances.

  • Weapons of any kind.

Constructive Possession: Students found in a room or area where prohibited substances are present or being used will be held equally responsible. The only defense is to leave the area immediately and report the violation.

5.2. Medical Malpractice Exclusions & Medication Administration

  • No Medical Services: GYC staff and students are strictly prohibited from rendering medical services, treatment, diagnosis, or medical advice (except for basic emergency first aid/CPR if certified).

  • Supervised Medication Administration: Students are responsible for carrying their own personal medication. Parents/guardians must provide a formal, written letter in the student's medical kit detailing specific dosages, medications, and symptoms (e.g., "If student has a headache, take 1 pill of [Medication] up to 3 times a day after meals"). GYC staff will only supervise the student self-administering their medication based strictly on these written parental instructions.

  • Telehealth & Professional Medical Queue: For any medical concerns or emergencies beyond the pre-approved parental instructions, GYC staff will rely solely on the assessment of a certified medical professional (e.g., via our provided telehealth service or local emergency medical services). Staff will act strictly upon the professional medical queue provided by that doctor.

5.3. Loco Parentis (Live Events)

During travel programs, accompanying educators act in loco parentis (in the place of a parent). Students must follow the instructions of their accompanying educators and GYC staff immediately and without argument regarding matters of safety, health, and logistics.

6. Disciplinary Actions

Violation of this Code of Conduct will result in disciplinary measures. GYC reserves the right to determine severity and may bypass lower disciplinary steps for serious infractions.

  1. Verbal/Written Warning: For minor infractions.

  2. Competition Penalties: Deduction of points from the team's overall score.

  3. Parental Notification: Formal contact regarding behavioral issues.

  4. Financial Liability: Students/Parents are liable for any damage caused to property. Costs must be paid immediately.

  5. Expulsion/Program Removal: For serious offenses (violence, harassment, abuse, substance violations, theft).

    • Travel Consequence: Expulsion results in the student being sent home immediately at the family's sole expense (including flights and chaperone escorts).

    • Refund Policy: No refunds of tuition or travel fees will be issued for expelled students.

7. Intellectual Property & Media Release

  • Media Release: By participating, students grant GYC the perpetual right to use photographs, video recordings, and quotes of the student for marketing and educational purposes.

  • Student Work: GYC retains a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display, publish, and use any academic work (projects, speeches, business plans) submitted during the competition for promotional or educational use.

8. Governing Law

These terms shall be governed by the Federal laws of the United States and the laws of the State of Delaware.

By registering for and participating in any Global Youth Congress program, the student and their guardians acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Global Student Code of Conduct.