UN resolution calls for sport to drive sustainability and environmental change

Football superstar Christiano Ronaldo. PHOTO/UGC/CR7Facebook.

By PATRICK MAYOYO

newshub@eyewitness.africa

The Seventh United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) passed a landmark resolution urging governments worldwide to leverage the power of sport to advance sustainability and environmental resilience.

The resolution, which underscores the UN’s ongoing commitment to sustainable development, highlights the potential of sport not only as a tool for promoting physical health and social inclusion but also as a catalyst for environmental action.

The decision was made after deliberations at the UNEA-7, which brought together Member States, civil society representatives, environmental experts, and key figures from the global sports community.

This year’s assembly is particularly significant as it emphasizes the role of sport in shaping a more sustainable future for the planet. With sport’s far-reaching influence and broad appeal, the UN is positioning it as a powerful platform for addressing climate change, encouraging sustainability, and raising awareness about pressing environmental issues.

Sport has long been recognised for its ability to promote unity, education, and health. Its power to bridge social divides and unite people from different cultures and backgrounds has been celebrated globally. In the past decade, however, the conversation around sport has increasingly focused on its potential to help tackle broader global challenges, particularly those related to sustainability.

The United Nations has long acknowledged sport’s role in development. In 2016, the General Assembly passed Resolution 71/160, recognising sport as a means to promote education, health, development, and peace.

This was followed by Resolution 79/8 in 2024, which further acknowledged the role of sport in contributing to sustainable development goals, particularly in the areas of education, social inclusion, and environmental responsibility. The resolutions collectively highlight that sport is not only a social tool but also a means to drive policy change and raise awareness on sustainability issues.

The UNEA-7 resolution encourages Member States to incorporate sustainability into sports-related national strategies, physical education curricula, and community-based sporting initiatives. It stresses that sustainability should be woven into the fabric of sports policy at the local, regional, and national levels, aligning with broader national development plans.

The resolution includes several key action points for governments:

1. Integration of Sustainable Practices: Governments are urged to adopt policies that promote sustainability through sport. This includes enhancing the management of sports events to reduce waste, ensuring the construction of sustainable sporting infrastructure, and encouraging nature-based solutions to environmental challenges.
2. Capacity Building and Awareness: UNEA-7 calls for increased capacity-building efforts to educate and support sports organisations and local authorities in implementing sustainable practices. This includes creating and disseminating informational resources and running public awareness campaigns on the importance of sustainability in sport.

3. Development of Partnerships: Member States are encouraged to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders, including environmental groups, sports federations, and international organisations, to promote sustainability in the sports sector. This calls for cross-sectoral partnerships to share knowledge, resources, and expertise in creating environmentally-friendly solutions.

4. Supporting Developing Nations: A key feature of the resolution is a focus on supporting developing countries in their efforts to promote sustainability through sport. The mobilisation of resources for capacity building and infrastructure development is seen as critical for these nations, which often face greater challenges in implementing sustainable initiatives due to limited financial resources.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between sports organisations and environmental stakeholders. Since 2003, UNEP has worked alongside various international sports bodies, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC), FIFA, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), to develop strategies for promoting sustainable practices in sport.

Christiano Rolando with President Donald Trump at Whitehouse. PHOTO/Whitehouse.

These partnerships have led to initiatives such as the “Sport for Climate Action” framework, which encourages sports organisations to commit to carbon neutrality and environmentally responsible event planning.

At UNEA-7, the resolution calls on the Executive Director of UNEP to continue supporting Member States in their efforts by providing technical assistance, organising training sessions for sports organisations, and raising global awareness about the environmental impacts of sport.

UNEP will also be tasked with updating the long-term strategy for sport and the environment by 2027 to ensure that the UN’s efforts remain relevant and adaptive to the rapidly changing global environment.

Sports organisations are already beginning to take significant steps toward sustainability. For example, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics made strides in reducing waste, incorporating renewable energy, and using recycled materials in the construction of venues. Similarly, FIFA’s initiatives around the 2022 World Cup in Qatar included carbon-offset projects and a focus on sustainable construction methods.

However, the resolution emphasises the need for broader, systemic change across all levels of sport. It encourages sports federations and event organisers to adopt policies that prioritise environmental stewardship, from local youth leagues to global competitions.

These include reducing the carbon footprint of events, incorporating sustainable waste management practices, and encouraging participants and fans to engage in environmentally friendly behaviours.

As part of the resolution, UNEA-7 has set a timeline for reporting progress. By 2027, UNEP will update the long-term strategy for sport and the environment, taking into account the latest developments in sustainability and the evolving challenges of climate change.

The Executive Director of UNEP will report on the implementation of the resolution at the next UNEA session, ensuring accountability and transparency in the process.

The passing of this resolution marks a significant moment in the global push for sustainability. It highlights the transformative potential of sport to influence societal norms, promote environmental consciousness, and drive collective action toward a more resilient and sustainable planet.

The integration of sustainability into sport is not just a lofty ideal, it is an urgent necessity in the face of climate change and environmental degradation.

By capitalising on the global reach and unifying power of sport, the United Nations aims to set a new precedent for how international efforts to protect the planet can be achieved through cross-sector collaboration.

The latest resolution by the UNEA represents a bold step toward harnessing the full potential of sport to build a more sustainable and resilient future for all.