On July 25, sports ministers from the 56 Commonwealth member countries, along with representatives from partner organizations, civil society and policymakers, will converge in Paris, France, for the Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting. This significant gathering will be chaired by the Government of Canada and will operate under the theme ‘Building Inclusive and Resilient Societies through Sports’.
The meeting, which marks the 11th iteration of the Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting, is strategically scheduled to occur just one day before the commencement of the Paris Olympics 2024. This timing offers a unique opportunity for ministers and senior officials from across the Commonwealth to highlight the crucial role of sports in promoting sustainable development, fostering community cohesion, and advancing human rights.
Throughout the meeting, attendees will engage in discussions on a variety of pressing sporting issues. Topics will include the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in sports, reimagining the Commonwealth Games, leveraging artificial intelligence in sports for development and peace and evaluating the contribution of sports in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These discussions aim to address current challenges and explore innovative solutions within the realm of sports.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland KC, emphasized the multifaceted benefits of government investment in sports. “The benefits of governments investing in sports transcend all aspects of society. Not only does access to sports promote a healthy population, but it plays an instrumental role in conflict resolution and peacebuilding,” she said head of the meeting. “The upcoming Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting offers our member countries a platform to share best practices in the field of sport for development and peace. It is an opportunity to find innovative ways to guarantee every one of the 2.7 billion people living in our Commonwealth benefits from the power of sports. Our priority is to continue highlighting the importance of sports policy as a means of promoting the international development agenda.”
The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity of Canada, expressed her enthusiasm for the meeting. “Everyone should have the opportunity to experience sport that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive,” she remarked. “As the first Canadian to chair a Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting, I am excited to collaborate with other countries and learn from their experiences, as we harness the power of sport to build strong and resilient societies.”
A pivotal element of the meeting will be the consideration of recommendations from the Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sport (CABOS), a 14-member group comprising sports experts and leaders. These recommendations will provide valuable insights and guidance for the ministers. Additionally, the Commonwealth Games Federation will present its strategic priorities for the future, offering a vision for the evolution of the Commonwealth Games.
The outcomes of this meeting are expected to play a significant role in shaping the agenda for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa later this year. The discussions and resolutions from the Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting will contribute to the broader objectives of the Commonwealth in leveraging sports as a tool for development and peace.
This gathering represents a critical moment for sports leaders to come together and address key policy areas, share best practices, and forge a collective path forward. By focusing on inclusivity, resilience, and innovation, the Commonwealth Sports Ministers aim to enhance the impact of sports on global development and ensure that the benefits of sports are accessible to all members of the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting in Paris will serve as a vital forum for fostering collaboration and advancing the role of sports in society. Through this platform, ministers and senior officials will work towards building more inclusive and resilient societies, ultimately contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals and the promotion of human rights across the Commonwealth.
