With an impressive list of commitments, the Summit highlighted sports’ commitment to sustainable development.
On Thursday, July 25, French President Emmanuel Macron and International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach hosted the inaugural Sport for Sustainable Development Summit. Held at the Carrousel du Louvre, the event brought together 500 participants, including heads of state, government leaders, international organizations, athletes, and representatives from the sports movement, to explore the role of sport in advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
President Macron and President Bach opened the summit by highlighting the transformative power of sport in fostering global unity and addressing critical challenges such as health, equality, and environmental sustainability. “Sport is more than just sport,” Bach emphasized. “It’s health, inclusion, respect, solidarity, and peace. By leveraging the unifying power of sport, we can address some of the world’s most pressing issues.”
The summit aligned with the Paris Pact for the Planet and People and the upcoming Future Summit in September 2024, reinforcing France’s commitment to sustainable development.
“Our goal is to win, as a team, this game against fate and for future generations,” President Macron said. “Sport uniquely brings people together, transcends borders, and inspires collective action.”
One of the summit’s highlights was FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s announcement of significant initiatives, including constructing 1,000 mini-football pitches worldwide and a $2 billion investment in football development for the 2023-2026 cycle.
“We want to unite in peace, passion, and joy,” Infantino stated, invoking Nelson Mandela’s belief in soccer’s unifying power. “Football is more than a game; it’s a global language that can break down barriers and foster understanding,” said Infantino.
Over 60 heads of state and government endorsed the Paris Agreement for Sport and Sustainable Development at the summit. This agreement outlines five key priorities: education and employment, health and nutrition, equality and inclusion, sustainability and legacy, and financing and impact measurement. The commitment underscores the collective recognition of sport as a vehicle for social change and sustainable development.
To support global sports development, the IOC revealed a 10% budget increase for Olympic Solidarity, totaling $650 million for the 2025-2028 cycle. “This increase will enable us to reach more athletes and communities worldwide,” said Bach. “It’s an investment in the future of sport and its ability to drive positive change.”
LA28 Chairperson Casey Wasserman committed $160 million to youth sports in Los Angeles, emphasizing the importance of early engagement in sports. “Youth sports are critical for developing healthy, active lifestyles and building community,” Wasserman said. “Our investment will provide opportunities for young people to participate in sports, regardless of their background or financial situation.”
The NBA pledged to build 1,000 basketball courts in Africa over the next decade, a move that aims to promote physical activity and provide safe spaces for youth. “Basketball can transform lives and communities,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “By investing in infrastructure, we can create lasting impact and inspire the next generation of athletes.”
Public development banks and institutions united under the Sustainable Development through Sports Coalition committed $10 billion by 2030 to community-based sports infrastructure. “Investing in sports infrastructure is essential for creating inclusive, healthy communities,” said Rémy Rioux, CEO of the French Development Agency. “Our collective commitment will provide the resources needed to develop sports facilities that are accessible to all.”
The summit also announced the creation of the first Impact Fund for Development through Sport, which aims to channel private investment into sports-related projects with social and environmental benefits. “This fund will enable us to scale up initiatives that use sport as a tool for development,” explained Mari Pangestu, Managing Director of Development Policy and Partnerships at the World Bank Group. “It’s an innovative approach to financing that leverages the power of sport to drive sustainable development.”
A new report by the World Bank Group and the AFD unveiled at the summit highlighted sports’ contribution to sustainable development. It provides data and case studies that illustrate the impact of sports programs worldwide. “Sport is a powerful tool for achieving the SDGs,” said Emmanuel Moulin, Director-General of the French Treasury. “Our report provides evidence of how sports initiatives can drive progress in education, health, and economic development.”
Participants pledged to implement consistent evaluation methods, underscoring the establishment of a French Institute for Research on Sport and Sustainable Development. “This institute will play a crucial role in measuring the impact of sports initiatives and ensuring that we are on track to achieve our goals,” said Roxana Maracineanu, French Minister of Sports. “It’s about accountability and making informed decisions based on solid evidence.”
Supported by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group, the Sport for Sustainable Development Summit set the stage for ongoing collaboration and progress in integrating sport into global development efforts. The event underscored the collective resolve to harness sport’s unifying power for a sustainable future. “This summit allowed us to move forward to meet our common challenges, particularly in investing in the next generation of athletes,” President Macron concluded.
As the world looks forward to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the summit’s outcomes highlight sport’s potential to drive sustainable development and create a lasting legacy of positive change. “Sport has the power to inspire, unite, and transform,” Bach reiterated. “Together, we can leverage this power to build a better, more sustainable world.”
