The document positioned sport as a “global mutirão” — a collective, community-driven effort rooted in teamwork and solidarity — and argued that the cultural reach and influence of sport represented an invaluable tool in the race to address climate change.

“The climate crisis is the greatest challenge — only a united team can beat it. To win, we need every player on the field,” the communique stated, capturing the urgency of the moment and the need for shared responsibility.

Sport’s global platform highlighted

The communiqué emphasised that sport was uniquely positioned to connect with citizens worldwide and inspire meaningful behavioural change. Its ability to cross borders, generations, and cultures provided, it argued, one of the most powerful communication platforms available to society.

“Sport inspires hope, uplifts communities, and reaches billions. It transcends cultures, borders and generations,” the statement read, urging leaders to embed sport into national and local climate strategies.

The release pointed to existing examples of climate leadership already emerging across the sector — from stadiums powered by renewable energy to initiatives promoting low-carbon mobility, and from athlete advocacy to community resilience programmes. But it stressed that impact could only be maximised through deeper political alignment and funding.

“Investing in sport is investing in people, and in solutions,” it stated.

Leaders across sport added momentum

The communiqué was accompanied by statements from leaders across international federations, clubs, national Olympic committees and major event organisations, reinforcing the global unity behind the call.

Fabio Azevedo, President of FIVB, highlighted the responsibility of sport to protect the environments on which it relies:

“Beach volleyball’s deep connection to nature reminds us daily of what’s at stake… empowering athletes, fans and partners to take action.”

British Triathlon CEO Ruth Daniels stressed the real-world consequences already affecting sport:

“Triathlon depends on nature… protecting those environments was essential to the future of our sport and the wellbeing of those who benefit from it.”

Meanwhile, Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, framed sustainability as a long-term, strategic commitment:

“We saw sustainability as a marathon, not a race — every mile as an opportunity to move toward a more sustainable future.”

A moment of opportunity

The communique urged governments and global institutions to formally integrate sport into climate policy, citing areas such as sustainable mobility, infrastructure resilience, youth engagement and major event planning.

“Together, we could level the playing field for a fair and resilient future.”

It concluded with a clear message of readiness:

“The world knows what teamwork can achieve. The moment for decisive action was here. Sport was ready.”

More than 300 organisations have now signed the Sports for Climate Action Framework, demonstrating unified commitment across the global sporting ecosystem.

Image: Copyright © 2024 UN Climate Change