UN Member States adopt declaration recognizing sport as contributor to inclusive urban development in New York; 19 of 36 countries report sport impact

Sport recognised as a driver of sustainable urban development in new UN declaration

The role of sport in building more inclusive, healthier and sustainable cities has been reinforced following the adoption of a new political declaration by United Nations (UN) Member States at the High-level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York. As a UN Observer, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) actively participated in the consultation process, advocating for the recognition of sport as a contributor to sustainable urban development.

UN Member States adopt political declaration recognising sport as a contributor to inclusive economies and sustainable urban development under the New Urban Agenda.

At the UN High-level Political Forum, 19 of the 36 countries reporting on progress highlighted sport as a tool to advance health, education, social inclusion, tourism and more sustainable cities.

National examples from countries including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Italy and Senegal demonstrate how sport is increasingly being integrated into urban planning, public policy and sustainable development strategies.

This recognition aligns with the IOC’s Olympic Impact ambition to make sport an everyday part of life for more people and communities. The HLPF outcomes reinforce the IOC’s role as an advocate and convener, helping ensure that sport remains embedded in global discussions on sustainable development while supporting governments in translating policy into action.

The final text adopted by Member States includes two significant commitments referencing sport:

“Promote inclusive urban economy by… expanding access for youth to quality education, social and professional skills development, vocational training, apprenticeships, employment and decent work, productive inclusion, and sport , to achieve increased productivity and shared prosperity in cities and human settlements.”

“Advance social inclusion and end poverty and hunger in urban contexts, by… promoting safe, inclusive, accessible, green, and quality public spaces that are friendly for families, including through culture and sport as drivers of social and economic development.”

The declaration follows a high-level review of the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, the UN’s 20-year blueprint for sustainable urban development. Throughout the consultation process, the IOC provided evidence from Olympic Games legacies and its partnership with UN-Habitat on sport for sustainable urban development , highlighting how investment in sport can support healthier communities, stronger social cohesion and more inclusive public spaces.

National reports showcase sport’s impact beyond competition

The growing recognition of sport was also reflected in the Voluntary National Reviews presented during the HLPF. Of the 36 countries reporting on progress, 19 included meaningful references to sport, illustrating how countries are increasingly viewing sport as more than competition or elite performance. Instead, it is being recognised as a practical tool to create healthier populations, more inclusive public spaces, stronger communities and more sustainable cities.

Saudi Arabia provided one of the most comprehensive examples, highlighting sport as a pillar of its Vision 2030 agenda. The report showcased the Sports Boulevard project in Riyadh, a 135-kilometre network of green corridors for walking, cycling and other physical activities that is reshaping urban spaces while encouraging healthier lifestyles. It also outlined the expansion of community sports programmes, initiatives to increase women’s participation and investments in sports facilities, demonstrating how sport is being integrated into urban planning and quality-of-life policies.

Bahrain similarly presented sport as a cornerstone of national development through its Strategic Plan for the Sports Sector 2024-2026. The country highlighted investments in community infrastructure, school sport, women’s participation and inclusive opportunities through the Paralympic movement, while also positioning major sporting events as a driver of tourism and economic growth.

Italy emphasised sport’s contribution to sustainable development through both international policy and local action. The country referenced the G7 Pescara Declaration, which recognises sport as a driver of progress across education, health, social cohesion and employment. At regional level, local authorities highlighted initiatives supporting tourism, well-being and environmental sustainability, including projects linked to the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

Senegal demonstrated how sport is supporting sustainable urban development in the lead-up to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games . Its report highlighted the integration of sport into local planning in the city of Pikine through the IOC and UN-Habitat collaboration, using sports infrastructure and public spaces to strengthen social inclusion and community well-being. Senegal also identified sports tourism as part of its strategy to boost economic growth and employment.

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Key facts UN Member States adopt political declaration recognising sport as a contributor to inclusive economies and sustainable urban development under the New Urban Agenda. At the UN High-level Political Forum, 19 of the 36 countries reporting on progress highlighted sport as a tool to advance health, education, social inclusion, tourism and more sustainable cities. National examples from countries including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Italy and Senegal demonstrate how sport is increasingly being integrated into urban planning, public policy and sustainable development strategies.

Commitment “Promote inclusive urban economy by… expanding access for youth to quality education, social and professional skills development, vocational training, apprenticeships, employment and decent work, productive inclusion, and sport , to achieve increased productivity and shared prosperity in cities and human settlements.”

Commitment “Advance social inclusion and end poverty and hunger in urban contexts, by… promoting safe, inclusive, accessible, green, and quality public spaces that are friendly for families, including through culture and sport as drivers of social and economic development.”