In an international context marked by multiple crises, racism, inequalities and polarization, sport is an important part of the solution and a pillar of UNESCO’s action. With its Fit for Life sports flagship initiative, UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector aims to ensure that sport can be used systematically – by sport and non-sport stakeholders alike – to build more inclusive, resilient and peaceful societies, and to allow everyone to reach her/his full potential.
The “MINEPS VII Outcome Document: Fit for Life Alliance” endorses the implementation of the Fit for Life sports initiative on national and international scales.
It focuses specifically on
- championing gender equality in and through sports,
- youth empowerment and addressing mental health issues,
- other socio-economic outcomes related to skills, better understanding, preventive care
- financing impact investments in sport for social outcomes,
- sport for development in Africa, and
- tackling violence against girls and women.
I am proud to witness the unwavering commitment and great synergy of all our Members States and partners. Sport has transformative power, and together we will use it to make sport-for-all a reality! With the Fit for Life Alliance, we will embark together on a remarkable journey for the promotion of equality through the universal language of sport.
MINEPS VII opened with a Ministerial Conference with interventions of Ms Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences of UNESCO, H.E. Mr Farid Gayibov, Minister of Youth and Sport of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Ms Tamara Rastovac Siamashvili, Chairperson of UNESCO’s Executive Board, Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat, Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, and co-founder of the Yunus Sports Hub, Prof. Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcucka, Chair of the Human Rights Committee of the International Olympic Committee and Former UN Women Director-General, Nawal El Moutawakel, Vice-President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and many more distinguished speakers, including athletes.
Member States underscored the importance of the promotion of physical activity and sports, highlighting their achievements at national levels, and their support for the Fit for Life initiative. Positive social impact, Mental health and the promotion of gender equity in sports were three key areas of agreement.
I reiterate our willingness to work together with each of you for the promotion of international cooperation for the strengthening of sport. A sport that is inclusive, for all people, of all ages. And that leaves no one behind.
For the first time, a Multistakeholder Forum preceded the MINEPS conference (26 to 27 June), bringing together key stakeholders and experts from the private and public sectors, academics and well-known athletes such as Ms Geraldine Robert (Basketball player), and Mr Raí Viera de Oliveira (Football player). They engage in a collective discussion on the importance of measuring the impact of sport to foster participation, attract investments and improve individual and societal wellbeing. Global Esports Federation, Commonwealth Secretariat, Yunus Sports Hub, Rafa Nadal Foundation, Nike, Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, Atletas pelo Brasil and others pledged their support to implement Fit for Life.
High-level athletes, including Ms Mikaili Charlemagne (Olympic swimmer), Ms Nawal El Moutawakel (Olympic hurdler), Ms Joanna Maranhão (Olympic swimmer), Mr Andreá Dirabou (Rugby captain), Ms Emilie Gomis (former basketball player) and Mr Ryadh Sallem (rubgy fauteuil), gathered with support of Atletas pelo Brasil during one the Conference’s highlights on 29 June. Together, they analyzed the engagement of professional athletes in sport policy, the protection of the well-being of sports people and the importance of grassroots sports and the positive impact it can bring to societies. They also shared their personal stories of triumph over adversity and the impact of sports on their lives, emphasizing the potential of sports to empower individuals, instill values, and cultivate leadership skills.
Thinking of the difference this initiative could make in my country and around the world, I'm delighted to be taking part in MINEPS VII and to act as spokesperson for Fit for Life. And, to call on my sporting friends, and the entire sporting world, to promote this revolutionary initiative, a revolution for peace, for integration, for a sport that makes borders and new generations, our Future, more harmonious.
The UNESCO and UN Women Handbook on “Tackling Violence against Women and Girls in Sport” was also launched in the presence of Ms Joanna Maranhão, Brazilian Olympic swimmer and survivor of violence. She delivered a powerful speech on her personal journey and strong commitment to this cause. Ms Phumzile Mlambo was also present and made a strong call to protect girls from the dangers of abuses in sports.
UNESCO’s Global Sports Conference – MINEPS VII marks an important milestone. It sets a foundation for constructing a comprehensive evidence base on the impact of sport that can be tailored to the needs and priorities of public and private investors. Capturing the environmental and social legacy of major sports events and capitalizing on the positive influence of top athletes, the conference has built a bridge between elite and grassroots sport, so that both can better deliver to improve the lives of people.
Considering the many big sports events on the horizon until 2026 (Santiago23, Rugby 23, Paris24, Dakar26), participants agreed on the need for UNESCO to develop a label that could assess the environmental, human, and social impact of big sports events, so that it can influence the way these are managed.
The Fit for Life Alliance proposes a new vision for the role of public sport and physical education authorities: as brokers of partnerships within and beyond governments; as central agents of knowledge exchange and data production on the impact of sport; and as facilitators of sport for development investments.
