The Olympism365 Summit: Sport for a Better World, organized by the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne, concluded this Wednesday—its first day—with a striking fact that resonated among attendees: WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the crucial role of sport in preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). “70% of annual deaths are caused by NCDs. Our goal must be health promotion and prevention. That is why health and sport must work together,” he stated.
This fact underscores why sport and an event like the Olympism365 Summit: Sport for a Better World are so necessary to view sport, as Olympic medalist Pau Gasol says, not just as entertainment. “Investing in sport not just as entertainment, but as a force for equity, health, and peace, is essential,” he affirmed. Similarly, Masomah Ali Zada, a member of the Refugee Olympic Team, highlighted the importance of ensuring continuous access to sport to harness its “transformative potential.” More and more voices are joining this vision.
Two key agreements in China and Italy
Driving this “transformative” approach, the IOC announced two key commitments to enhance the impact of global sports development programs. One of them was an agreement with the China Institute of Sport Science (CISS) to implement community sports and physical activity programs in 21 Sport and Health Community Centers across seven provinces in China. This project aligns with the Sport and Health Cooperation Initiative, developed in technical collaboration between the IOC and the World Health Organization, which is already active in five countries with the support of the global NGO PATH.
Additionally, the IOC established a new collaboration with the Istituto per il Credito Sportivo e Culturale S.p.A. (ICSC), the only financial institution exclusively dedicated to sport, based in Italy. This agreement will focus on financing community sports infrastructure and participation projects, as well as evaluating the impact of sports investments.
The day, which began with an inaugural speech by IOC President Thomas Bach, continued with a plenary session titled: “Building a Better World Through Sport – Together.” This session highlighted the need for cross-sector collaboration to strengthen the role of inclusive and safe sport as a key driver of sustainable development.
Proclamations and collaboration models
Rémy Rioux, CEO of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), encouraged the establishment of a solid framework to fulfill the commitments made at the first Sport for Sustainable Development (#Sport4SD) Summit held in Paris 2024. “We need a universal effort to mobilize public and private resources like never before,” he stated.
Laura Chinchilla, IOC member and former President of Costa Rica, and Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport, emphasized the importance of identifying new opportunities and collaboration models. “Sport has the unique power to unite nations and individuals, fostering resilience and unity,” said Chinchilla. Meanwhile, Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob stressed the collaboration between governments and the Olympic Movement to maximize sport’s impact. “Sport is the best investment to strengthen the social fabric,” he affirmed.
Finally, the second plenary session, titled “Global Challenges, Local Solutions: The Role of Sport and Olympism as Enablers of Sustainable Development in a Changing World,” addressed the evolving role of athletes as advocates and promoters of local solutions.
