© UN Photo / Tobin Jones
Basketball in Mogadishu, Somalia

During UNESCO's General Conference, held from 3 to 18 November 2015, its Member States adopted a revised version of the International Charter of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport of UNESCO. The Charter is an international standard setting instrument promoting access to sport by all, inclusivity, gender equality, safety, sustainability, integrity, quality physical education, as well as the important role of sport for peace and development.

On the occasion of the launch of the revised Charter in France, the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs (IRIS) and UNESCO wish to renew the debate on the role and societal impact of sport, as well as means of translating the Charter into measurable action.

The International Charter for Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport is a rights-based reference that orients and supports policy- and decision-making in sport.

Adopted in 1978, the original Charter was perceived as innovative at the time - as it was the first rights-based document to state that “the practice of physical education and sport is a fundamental right for all”.

Based on the universal spirit of the original Charter, and integrating the significant evolutions in the field of sport since 1978, the revised Charter introduces universal principles such as gender equality, non-discrimination and social inclusion in and through sport. It also highlights the benefits of physical activity, the sustainability of sport, the inclusion of persons with disabilities and the protection of children.

This unique text is the expression of a common vision by all stakeholders, whether they are professional or amateur athletes, referees, public authorities, law enforcement, sports organizations, betting operators, owners of sports-related rights, the media, non-governmental organizations, administrators, educators, families, the medical profession or other stakeholders.

The Charter promotes access to sport by all without any discrimination. It sets ethical and quality standards for all actors designing, implementing and evaluating sport programmes and policies.