As discussions begin on the framework that will succeed the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a new opinion piece calls for sport to be formally recognized as a key driver of sustainable development.
The article argues that while sport has proven its value in promoting health, education, gender equality, social inclusion and peace, its contribution was only briefly acknowledged in the original Agenda 2030. It urges governments and international organizations to move beyond simply linking sport to existing goals and instead integrate Sport for Development and Peace into the next global development agenda.
The author proposes two parallel actions: developing stronger evidence and policy recommendations for decision-makers, and launching a global awareness campaign involving athletes, sports organizations and other stakeholders to highlight sport’s transformative social impact. With formal UN negotiations on the post-2030 agenda expected to begin next year, the piece calls for the sport sector to act proactively and ensure its role is fully recognized in future global development policies.
