UN Resolution on promoting sustainability through sport

UN Resolution on promoting sustainability through sport

Sport’s role in a sustainable world has received a new recognition with the approval of a Resolution by the United Nations Environment Assembly held in Nairobi, Kenya, 8-12 December 2025

Member States are encouraged to integrate sustainable development into sports-related national strategies, physical education curricula and the management of sporting programmes. The recognised role of sports in not only to engage people in healthy activities with a minimal impact on the environment, but also to inspire positive behaviours for athletes and fans, leveraging on the widespread appeal of sports and the role model played by élite athletes.

Read the resolution text here

The United Nations, with its Agencies and Conventions, together with other International Organisations, have joined forces with the International Olympic Committee to launch two initiatives of which the IOF has been a signatory and committed partner since their launch: the “Sports for Climate Action” and the “Sports for Nature” the latter having just celebrated its third Anniversary on 16 December 2025.

Both initiatives provide the IOF, via its Environment and Sustainability Commission, with a collaborative environment and a source of inspiration and knowledge towards the achievement of its Main goal, “to become a global and sustainable sport”.

The new UN Resolution will be a new important encouragement to Governments worldwide to recognise and support the commitment of the IOF and National Federations in this direction.