Emerging from the MINEPS VI process, the report establishes a baseline for understanding sport’s contribution to sustainable development. It positions sport not simply as competition, but as a form of physical activity governed by rules and social interaction – a framing that aligns sport more directly with outcomes in health, education, gender equality, inclusion and community development.

From Rhetoric to Evidence

For decades, sport-for-development initiatives have pointed to positive social impact. What has been missing is a shared methodology to translate that ambition into evidence. The new framework addresses this gap by aligning sport policy and practice with SDG indicators, creating a bridge between activity on the ground and global development reporting.

The initiative was led by UNESCO and coordinated by the Commonwealth Secretariat, supported by a high-level steering group of more than 250 stakeholders, including UN agencies and sector experts . The scale of collaboration reflects both the complexity of the task and the growing expectation that sport must demonstrate real-world impact, not just good intent.

Why Quality Data Matters

Graham Spacey, who contributed to the methodology, has been clear that measurement alone is not enough. Reflecting on the report’s launch, he described it as “the beginning of a long journey”, stressing that the sector must now focus on the quality and usefulness of the data being collected.

“We don’t just need more data; we need quality data – and not just numbers. We need data to learn and grow to ensure that individuals, communities, and societies get the most out of sport, physical activity, physical education, and play,” Spacey said .

This emphasis on Impact Measurement and Management (IMM) signals a maturing of the sport-for-development agenda. The shift is away from anecdotal evidence towards data that can inform investment decisions, programme design and long-term policy.

A Collaborative Digital Foundation

The technical foundations of the report are equally significant. Data mining and validation were delivered by inFocus Consultancy, while Numbers and People Synergy developed the digital dashboard that visualises the findings . This digital layer is critical if the framework is to be adopted at scale, offering governments and sporting bodies a practical tool to track progress over time.

The model also points to a future where sport’s social value can be compared, benchmarked and improved, much like financial or environmental performance.

Looking Ahead: Building Capacity for Impact

The ripple effects of the framework are already being felt. Work is now underway with initiatives such as Olympism365 and Olympic Solidarity to build capacity for impact measurement across the Olympic Movement, while academic hubs are embedding this thinking into sport, events and tourism education .

As the sector looks ahead to the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, the challenge is clear. Sport has positioned itself as a catalyst for sustainable development. The next step is to prove, with credible data and consistent measurement, that it can deliver on that promise.