Under the theme When the Playbook Changes: Leading Sport in a New Reality, the Forum brought together International Federations (IFs), Olympic leaders, host cities, athletes and industry representatives to explore how sport must adapt to changing expectations, emerging technologies and commercial opportunities.

Rethinking the Future of Olympic Sport

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry set the tone by encouraging greater collaboration across the Olympic Movement as it develops its Fit for the Future strategy.

“If we stand still, we simply become irrelevant,” Coventry warned, highlighting the importance of adapting to changing expectations while protecting sport’s fundamental values.

IOC Executive Director Christophe Dubi and Sports Director Pierre Ducrey subsequently engaged directly with International Federations on the Olympic programme, Games delivery and the evolving responsibilities of governing bodies.

Representatives from LA28, French Alps 2030 and Brisbane 2032 also outlined preparations for future Olympic Games, emphasising sustainability, operational efficiency and long-term legacy.

Artificial Intelligence and New Commercial Models

The growing influence of artificial intelligence provided another important discussion point.

Professor Andy Miah and Sanjit Atwal, Co-Founder of Halfspace, challenged federations to strengthen their internal capabilities, data management and organisational understanding before investing in emerging technologies.

“AI is not your strategy,” Atwal told delegates, emphasising the importance of protecting organisational data, understanding existing AI applications and developing the skills required to use technology effectively.

The relationship between established sporting structures and emerging commercial formats was illustrated by HYROX Co-Founder Moritz Fürste and World Triathlon Secretary General Jon Wyatt.

Their discussion explored how innovative sporting formats can combine commercial growth with the governance, safeguarding and technical expertise provided by International Federations.

Climate Resilience and the Value of Hosting

The inaugural SportAccord City Forum examined how cities, regions and sporting organisations can develop stronger partnerships delivering lasting economic, social and environmental benefits.

Climate resilience emerged as an increasingly important consideration, with Marsh highlighting the growing risks posed by extreme weather to sporting events.

Discussions reinforced the importance of integrating climate risk management into event planning rather than treating sustainability as a separate operational consideration.

Cape Town was also announced as host of the 2028 SportAccord Convention, reflecting the organisation’s expanding international reach.

Participation at the Heart of Sport’s Future

Participation emerged as a defining theme throughout the Forum.

Representatives from World Masters Sport, the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI), World Rugby and the City of Vancouver explored how sport can remove barriers, strengthen community engagement and encourage lifelong participation.

SportAccord CEO Kelly Fairweather emphasised the importance of collaboration across the wider sporting community.

“The Federations are at the heart of this, but they are part of a much bigger ecosystem,” Fairweather explained, reinforcing the importance of connecting sport with other sectors to expand participation and deliver broader societal benefits.

International Federations Driving Sustainable Change

SportAccord President Uğur Erdener reinforced the organisation’s collaborative approach, stating:

“The SportAccord Forum is for the International Federations and by the International Federations.”

This commitment to collective leadership also reflects the growing importance of measuring how International Federations translate their sustainability ambitions into meaningful action.

Global Sustainable Sport’s Sustainable, Purposeful and Impactful (SPI) Index currently recognises 27 SportAccord member federations on its Purpose Podiums, reflecting their publicly evidenced sustainability activities and impact.

These comprise 21 members of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF), one member of the Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations (AIOWF) and five members of the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF).

Their inclusion demonstrates how sustainability leadership is developing across international sport, although significant opportunities remain to strengthen governance, participation, environmental performance and the communication of measurable impact.

As the international sporting community prepares for the next SportAccord Convention in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 9–13 May 2027, the challenge will be turning these important conversations into meaningful action.

The future of international sport will increasingly depend not simply on how organisations adapt to change, but on how effectively they demonstrate their purpose, strengthen their resilience and deliver lasting value for society.