Dear colleagues,
As you are well aware, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and climate change have emerged as some of the most important global trends shaping the world around us. These forces are not only transforming economies and societies but are increasingly influencing the world of sport.
Participants at our conference are particularly interested in understanding how these global trends apply to sport—or conversely, how sport, through its multidisciplinary nature, can actively contribute to advancing these goals.
We invite you, as plenary speakers, to consider the powerful role that sport can play in supporting sustainable development across multiple dimensions. Its influence goes far beyond physical activity and health; sport contributes to education, inclusion, gender equality, economic development, and environmental protection.
Key Areas Where Sport Contributes to Sustainable Development:
- Health and Well-being – Encouraging physical activity, reducing obesity, and improving mental health.
- Education and Skill Development – Promoting teamwork, leadership, and lifelong learning through school and community sports.
- Gender Equality and Inclusion – Empowering women, girls, and marginalized groups through equal participation in sport.
- Economic Development – Strengthening local and national economies through sports tourism and the wider sports industry.
- Peace and Social Cohesion – Using sport as a tool to build tolerance, peace, and community integration.
- Sustainable Infrastructure and Environmental Awareness – Promoting eco-friendly sports venues and sustainable practices.
Top 5 Global Trends in Sport and Development (2020s):
- Digitalization of Sport – The rise of fitness apps, artificial intelligence, wearable technologies, and e-sports.
- Sustainability and “Green Sport” – Eco-initiatives in event management, recycling, and reducing carbon footprints.
- Inclusive Sports – Increased visibility and opportunities for people with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community, and ethnic minorities.
- Sport for Community Development – Grassroots projects that use sport to support education, prevent violence, and reduce poverty.
- Mental Health and Well-being – Growing use of sport to promote mental health, particularly among youth.
We encourage you to highlight these evolving trends in your plenary presentations, offering insights from various disciplines and practical perspectives. Your contribution will be instrumental in helping attendees explore how sport can be a powerful driver for sustainable development.
