Sport has always been more than just a game. Growing up in the Pacific region, I saw first-hand how athletes from our small, vibrant islands turned their passion for sport into opportunities to transform not only their lives but also their communities. A rugby player¡¯s success wasn¡¯t just a personal triumph¡ªit inspired entire villages, boosted local economies and instilled a collective sense of pride. Today, the impact of sport resonates even louder, crossing gender boundaries, diversifying across disciplines and creating ripples of change globally.
But beyond the inspirational anecdotes, a deeper truth emerges: sport is a powerful tool for challenging systemic inequalities and promoting inclusion. It is an undertapped force capable of addressing some of the world¡¯s most urgent issues¡ªpoverty, gender inequality and social exclusion.
Sport as an agent of change
According to the United Nations , progress on almost three quarters of the indicators for (Achieve gender equality) is either stagnant or regressing. Gender discrimination not only hampers women's access to opportunities but also exacerbates violence and systemic inequality. Similarly, global income disparities persist, with almost 700 million people¡ª. These are not isolated statistics; they reflect entrenched inequalities that perpetuate cycles of exclusion and conflict.
Sport, however, offers a pathway to break these cycles.
An inclusive approach to sport can create transformative opportunities for marginalized communities. The 2015 report of the Commonwealth Secretariat, ¡°Sport for Development and Peace and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development¡±, underscores how structured programmes amplify opportunities for underrepresented populations. Female athletes who rise to prominence challenge patriarchal norms. Initiatives such as the (2023¨C2028) in Fiji highlight sport as a critical avenue for addressing gender-based violence. By fostering teamwork, breaking stereotypes and providing platforms for empowerment, sport becomes a catalyst for societal change.
Beyond national-level transformation, sport is renowned for its capacity to foster bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Economic contributions of sport
Sport is not just a social tool; it is also an economic powerhouse.
Recent studies show that, by some measures, the sport industry is expected to reach . Today, it is estimated to contribute around 1 per cent of global gross domestic product.
In countries such as Kenya, sport tourism generates millions annually, with events such as marathons attracting international participants and boosting local businesses. Similarly, in Jamaica, the success of athletes such as Usain Bolt has led to increased investment in sports infrastructure and tourism, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
In Rwanda, the Government has integrated sport into its development plan, emphasizing sport¡¯s role in fostering youth empowerment, social cohesion and economic growth. By investing in sporting infrastructure, such as the Kigali Arena (now BK Arena), to host international events, the Government has boosted tourism, and is creating jobs in event management, hospitality and related sectors. The BK Arena has become a symbol of the commitment of Rwanda to leveraging sport for economic development, attracting global attention and fostering regional collaboration.
In India, through the "" initiative, the Government is investing heavily in grass-roots sports development. This programme aims to identify and nurture young talent while promoting fitness and well-being across the country. The initiative has also spurred infrastructure development, creating jobs and stimulating local economies.
In South Africa, recognizing the potential of sport to address youth unemployment, the Government has launched initiatives to integrate sports training into education and job creation programmes. These efforts aim to equip young people with skills that are transferable beyond the sports field.
Examples abound.
Global diplomacy through sport
Beyond national-level transformation, sport is renowned for its capacity to foster bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Over the years, sport diplomacy has served as a bridge between nations, fostering cultural exchange and unity.
The European Commission has been actively promoting grass-roots sport diplomacy as a means of engaging non-European Union (EU) countries in sports projects that promote European values, build international relationships and support social inclusion. By leveraging grass-roots sports, the EU aims to create a stronger position on the global stage while addressing social challenges through community-driven initiatives.
In the Pacific region, the programme exemplifies how sport diplomacy can drive regional development. By providing pathways for Pacific athletes to compete internationally, the programme strengthens regional ties and creates economic opportunities for participating nations.
Sport diplomacy moves beyond the competitive element of sport to leverage sport¡¯s spirit of collaboration and shared commitments. It exemplifies how nations can work together to tackle global issues such as inequality, education gaps and even the climate crisis.
Overcoming challenges to realize sport's potential
Despite its promise, challenges remain that prevent sport from being fully utilized as a tool for development and peace. These include insufficient funding, lack of infrastructure, unequal access to opportunities and limited awareness of the transformative potential of sport.
To address these barriers, the provides a comprehensive framework to guide global efforts.
The Action Plan outlines four key objectives to maximize the contribution of sport to sustainable development and peace:
- A strengthened global framework on sport for development and peace: This involves fostering collaboration among stakeholders, including governments, civil society and the private sector, to align efforts with the SDGs. The plan emphasizes the need for a unified approach to ensure that sport-based initiatives are coherent and impactful, including by drawing on the , adopted in 2017 by the Sixth International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
- Policy development for mainstreaming and integrating sport for development and peace in development programmes and policies: Â鶹´«Ã½ Action Plan advocates for the incorporation of sport into national and international development policies. By embedding sport in broader development strategies, countries can leverage sport¡¯s potential to address issues such as poverty, gender inequality and social exclusion. This includes promoting innovative funding mechanisms and multi-stakeholder partnerships to support sport-based programmes.
- Resource mobilization, programming and implementation: Recognizing the financial constraints faced by many countries, the United Nations Action Plan calls for increased investment in sport infrastructure and programmes. It encourages the establishment of sustainable funding models and the mobilization of resources from diverse sectors to ensure that sport is accessible to all, particularly marginalized communities.
- Research, monitoring and evaluation: To measure the impact of sport on development and peace, the Action Plan emphasizes the importance of robust data collection and analysis. This includes strengthening national statistical capacities and developing indicators to track progress. By generating evidence-based insights, stakeholders can refine their approaches and demonstrate the value of sport as a development tool.
We must act now to embed sport into development policies and strategies.
By aligning efforts with the principles of the Action Plan, governments, organizations and communities can overcome barriers and unlock the full potential of sport as a force for positive change.
Celebrating sport¡¯s role in development
The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), celebrated annually on 6 April, serves as a global reminder of sport¡¯s potential. This year¡¯s theme, ¡°¡±, aligns with the , to be held in Doha, Qatar, from 4 to 6 November 2025, by highlighting the intersections between sport, inclusion and the eradication of poverty. IDSDP 2025 aims to inspire collective action towards achieving the SDGs by leveraging sport to put people at the centre of national development efforts.
A call to action
We must act now to embed sport into development policies and strategies. This will require collaboration across sectors, resource mobilization and a collective commitment to dismantling systemic barriers.
For those of us who have witnessed the transformative power of sports¡ªfrom the Fijian rugby legends to community-driven soccer initiatives¡ªthe path forward is clear: sport isn¡¯t just entertainment; it¡¯s a vehicle for lasting change.
Let us continue to champion the cause, ensuring that sport reaches its full potential in shaping an inclusive, equitable and sustainable future.
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