Sport for Development and Peace
The Commonwealth Secretariat advocates for the use of sport as a vehicle for development and peacebuilding.
Our work focuses on how sport can be used to contribute to national development objectives and the UN Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda - a global agenda and blueprint that aims to end poverty, protect the planet and make sure all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
Helping countries to maximise the benefits of sport
When used effectively sport can contribute to improving health and education, creating employment, stimulating economic development and realising human rights and gender equality.
We provide expert advice and training to officials, help draft policies and offer support for monitoring and evaluation.
A global leader
The Commonwealth is recognised as a leader in helping countries to boost the positive role of sport in society.
We lead international efforts to measure the impact of sport and play a key role coordinating with international organisations, governments and the sports movement.
Publications and resources
To help member countries' develop policy and strategy, the Commonwealth Secretariat carries out wide ranging consultation and analysis to produce discussion papers, guidelines and toolkits.
Sport, exercise and physical activity section on the Commonwealth Coronavirus Response Centre
Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meetings
Commonwealth Sports Ministers meet every two years before the Commonwealth Games and Summer Olympic Games. Each meeting focuses on priority sport policy issues and progress made on collaboration and joint work.
Find out more about Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meetings
Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sport
The Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sport (CABOS) is an independent body providing advice on sport policy issues, particularly as it relates to Sport for Development and Peace (SDP), and protecting the integrity of sport.
Youth SDP working group
Established in May 2013, the Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace (CYSDP) working group is composed of 10 youth practitioners working in the field of sport for development and peace. Learn more about the CYSDP
Latest news
Free course on sport for sustainable development opens for the second round
Registrations are now open for the second round of an online course, designed to harness sport for sustainable development.
Event: Fifth annual Commonwealth Debate on Sport and Sustainable Development
Ahead of the 2021 International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, the Secretariat will host its annual Commonwealth Debate on Sport and Sustainable Development on 30 March.
Ministers welcome Commonwealth interventions to rebuild hard-hit sport sector
Commonwealth collaboration is vital to the recovery of the sport sector after COVID-19.
Commonwealth to unveil ‘4D strategy’ on reviving sport at ministerial forum
A four-dimensional strategy will be unveiled at a major ministerial forum.
Commonwealth and partners launch first online course for using sport for sustainable development
A new free online course will help people and organisations harness the potential of sport.
Commonwealth ministerial forum on impact of COVID-19 on sport
Ministers will meet on 23 July to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the sport sector.
Exercise can be good for you and your country especially during a crisis like COVID-19
Blog by Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General.
Sport policy during the coronavirus pandemic
The Commonwealth has launched a sport section on its Commonwealth Coronavirus Response Centre.
Sport is an important team player in the fight against coronavirus
This year the coronavirus has redefined International Day for Sport for Development and Peace celebrations.
Blog: Bridging the gap for environmental sustainability through sport
Blog by Joie Leigh, former International Hockey Player for the United Kingdom.
International framework on measuring sport’s contribution gains traction
A new framework is the first international initiative to support data collection on sport’s impact on the SDGs.
Sport policy boosts countries’ fitness in more ways than one
Well-designed sport and physical activity strategies can make valuable contributions to achieving the SDGs.
Sport reforms in Mauritius attract Commonwealth expert
Experts met in Mauritius to draw inspiration from sport reforms the country's undertaken with the Secretariat’s support.