The 11th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting (CSMM) concluded on 25 July in Paris with a resounding call for greater inclusion and protection of vulnerable persons in sports.
Promoting an inclusive and equitable society through sports
Inclusion was at the forefront of discussions at the meeting, where ministers unanimously endorsed the Commonwealth Sport Declaration on Reconciliation and Partnership with Indigenous Peoples. The document was presented by Chief Ava Hill on behalf of the Commonwealth Games Federation.
CSMM was opened by a traditional prayer led by Canadian lawyer and Cree Grand Chief, Wilton Littlechild. Chief Littlechild detailed the injustices that he and other Indigenous children faced in Canadian residential schools and how sport became instrumental in facilitating peaceful co-existence and reconciliation in communities.
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During the meeting, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, emphatically advocated for transparent and accountable governance frameworks with zero tolerance for discrimination and abuse.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General said:
“We know sport has the remarkable power to motivate, to inspire and connect, and to bring the world alive for so many people. But to fully harness its extraordinary benefits, we must ensure that everybody is able to share in them. Nobody should be excluded. Not because of colour, gender, disability or ethnicity. Fair and equal access and treatment, with participation and rights protected, should be a minimum standard for everyone.”
“The Commonwealth takes a stand for the rights of Indigenous Peoples in sport, because inclusion is the foundation upon which our efforts as sport ministers must be built.”
Advocating for gender parity and disability inclusion in sports
The focus of the ministerial meeting was timely as it was held on the eve of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which notably is the first Olympics to have gender parity. Ministers committed to ensuring equal access, participation, and leadership opportunities for women and girls in sports. They also agreed to promote a culture across the Commonwealth that values and supports female participation in sports at all levels, with the aim of ensuring gender parity.
In her opening address, the Chair of Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting, the Hon Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity of Canada, said:
“As an athlete and Paralympian, I can speak first-hand on the good that sport can do. Sports can empower individuals and communities; it breaks down barriers and creates positive changes. Sports changed my life."
“We as Commonwealth nations, are linked by our shared values and perspectives. Yet, we are strengthened by our differences and unique experiences. By gathering together and committing to work side by side, we can bring the positive power of sport to everyone in the Commonwealth.”
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The Secretary-General’s Envoy for Sports, Enterprise and Development, Ambassador Amina Mohamed, addressed the delegates emphasising that “sport is not merely a form of entertainment or competition” but a powerful tool for social cohesion, development and economic growth.
She continued:
“Sport is a valuable asset that significantly strengthens the economic, social, and cultural bonds within the Commonwealth. By collaborating, breaking down silos, improving connectivity, and promoting regulatory coherence, we can enhance trade logistics and facilitation, leverage digital technologies and e-commerce, empower women and young people as entrepreneurs, and seize the long-term benefits of green trade and energy transition.”
The outcomes of the CSMM will play a vital role in setting the stage for discussions on using sport for development and peace at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled for October 21-25, 2024, in Apia, Samoa.
Read the Ministerial Outcome Statement for 11CSMM
Read the Commonwealth Sport Declaration on Reconciliation and Partnership with Indigenous Peoples
