Introduction to Sport for Social Change

In this section we explain the key features, statistics, benefits and challenges of Sport for Social Change (SSC) to build a solid foundation before addressing the categories of Plus Sport and Sport Plus initiatives.

The concept appears under several names, including Sport for Social Change, Sport for Good, and Sport for Development. While we primarily use “Sport for Social Change,” the other terms are widely accepted and refer to the same idea. When quoting sources, we retain the original term used by the author.

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers.”
— Nelson Mandela, Laureus World Sports Awards, Monte Carlo, May 25, 2000

According to the UN General Assembly Resolution 71/160 (December 2016) recognizing sport as a means to promote education, health, development and peace, “Sport for Development and Peace refers to the intentional use of sport, physical activity and play to attain specific development and peace objectives, including, most notably, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

Sport for Development and Peace is not new. In 1894, Pierre de Coubertin considered the reconstruction of the modern Olympic Games to bring nations closer together through sport, stating, “I remained convinced that sport is one of the most forceful elements of peace and I am confident in its future action.” In the contemporary world, the approach is often associated with the inspiration of Nelson Mandela. The United Nations further recognized sport’s diplomatic, integrative, educational and peace-building potential through a resolution adopted by the General Assembly in 2003. This also led to the 2015 reaffirmation of the 1978 UNESCO International Charter for Physical Education and Sport.

Timeline — Selected developments

• 1978: UNESCO Charter — sport & physical education recognized as a fundamental human right.
• 1979: Women and girls have the right to participate in sport.
• 1989: Every child’s right to play becomes a human right.
• 1991: Commonwealth Heads of Government acknowledge sport’s role in eliminating poverty and promoting development.
• 2001: UN Office of Sport for Development and Peace established.
• 2003: UN Inter-Agency Task Force confirms sport as a tool for development and peace; UNGA A/RES/58/5.
• 2004: SDP International Working Group (SDP IWG) formed; UNGA A/RES/59/10.
• 2005: UNGA A/RES/60/8.
• 2006: UN Secretary-General sets out UN Action Plan on SDP; UNGA A/RES/60/9.
• 2007: First African Convention recognizes sport’s contribution to education; EU White Paper on Sport notes growing social & economic role.
• 2008: Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities enters into force; IOC–UN framework expanded; UN trust fund on SDP established.
• 2013: 6 April proclaimed the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.
• 2014: SDP IWG addresses gender-based violence in and through sport.
• 2015: Sport recognized in the SDGs as an important enabler of sustainable development.
• 2016: UNGA A/RES/71/160.
• 2017: Adoption of the Kazan Action Plan; UN Office on SDP closed; IOC Commission for Public Affairs and Social Development through Sport established.

The UN labels sport as “an important enabler of sustainable development.” Initially, the focus was on reducing inequalities and enhancing employment; since 2015, the UN has also emphasized sport’s role in combating climate change. In short, sport and development form a “perfect team.”

Since the inception of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2000, sport supported progress on all eight goals:

1. Eradicating extreme poverty and hunger
2. Achieving universal primary education
3. Promoting gender equality and empowering women
4. Reducing child mortality
5. Improving maternal health
6. Combating HIV and AIDS, malaria, and other diseases
7. Ensuring environmental sustainability
8. Developing a global partnership for development

In UNGA Resolution 70/1 (Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, 2015), sport’s role was reaffirmed: “Sport is also an important enabler of sustainable development… promoting tolerance and respect, and contributing to the empowerment of women and young people, health, education and social inclusion.”

Examples of SDGs where sport contributes strongly:

• Goal 3: Good health and well-being
• Goal 4: Quality education & lifelong learning
• Goal 5: Gender equality and empowerment
• Goal 11: Inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities
• Goal 16: Just, peaceful and inclusive societies
• Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals

At the heart of sustainable development are five overarching themes—the 5Ps—which represent the interconnected dimensions of the 2030 Agenda. Building on the classic pillars of social inclusion, economic growth and environmental protection, the Agenda adds two critical components: Partnership and Peace. The 5Ps framework helps us see how each SDG supports the others.

• People: end poverty and hunger; enable dignity and equality in a healthy environment.
• Prosperity: ensure fulfilling lives; social, economic and technological progress in harmony with nature.
• Planet: protect from degradation; sustainable consumption and production; urgent climate action.
• Peace: foster peaceful, just and inclusive societies—no sustainable development without peace, and no peace without sustainable development.
• Partnership: strengthen global solidarity focused on the poorest and most vulnerable, with participation of all countries, stakeholders and people.