Commonwealth launches Impact Report on Sport and the SDG , Says Women and Children Remain Inactive in Sports
The Commonwealth and partners unveiled the first ever Global Sport and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Baseline and Initial Impact Report, a landmark event for the sector.
The report, launched on 4 February 2026 at Canada House in London, establishes a baseline for measuring how physical education, physical activity and sport (PEPAS) contribute to achieving the SDGs globally and across the Commonwealth.
Drawing on data from 210 countries, the Global Sport and SDGs Baseline and Initial Impact Report spearheaded by the Commonwealth Secretariat and global stakeholders, establishes a shared framework to strengthen policy, investment and accountability in sport for development globally.
It showcases how sport is driving progress across key areas including health, education, economic growth, gender equality and peaceful, inclusive societies.
Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General, Dr Arjoon Suddhoo, said:
“Sport is a powerful force for sustainable development, yet its impact is too often under-measured and undervalued. This report allows us to understand where sport is making a difference, where gaps remain, and how its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals can be maximised.
Ultimately, it shows that global cooperation is key for setting the standard for impact measurement and practical action at the national level.”
The report highlights significant achievements across the globe and Commonwealth countries:
Singapore ranks highest across the Commonwealth for sport’s contribution to health, wellbeing and sustainable cities and communities.
Jamaica leads globally in providing consistent policy implementation, specialist PE teachers across levels, and regular programme monitoring. Trinidad and Tobago and Samoa rank second and third worldwide.
Malta ranks highest across the Commonwealth for sport’s contribution to economic growth and productive employment.
Malaysia leads across the Commonwealth in promoting peaceful, inclusive and equitable societies through sport.
Jamaica ranks highest across the Commonwealth and globally for advancing gender empowerment through sport.
Australia ranks highest across the Commonwealth for strengthening systems, partnerships and protecting the integrity of sport.
Globally, the report reveals that while women and girls continue to face persistent inequalities in participation, women’s representation in sports management is gradually improving.
Physical inactivity remains a major global challenge, with over 31% of adults and 82.8% of adolescents insufficiently active, and women and girls consistently less active than men and boys. Physical inactivity is now the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, contributing to 3.2 million premature deaths every year.
The report reveals that just under a third (31.98%) of national sport policies align with the SDGs, showing untapped potential for sport to accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda and create wider social and development benefits.
Dr Ben Sanders, sportanddev Executive Director and an expert who contributed to the report and the development of the Model Indicators, welcomed the publication:
“This is a huge step forward for sport and development, with real scalable data showing how sport contributes to the SDGs. It reflects a shift from an evangelical view of sport to an evidence-based one. It highlights gaps and where greater data and investment is needed for sport to better serve society. We will work with the Commonwealth and partners to progress this.”
“This is a huge step forward for sport and development, with real scalable data showing how sport contributes to the SDGs. It reflects a shift from an evangelical view of sport to an evidence-based one. It highlights gaps and where greater data and investment is needed for sport to better serve society. We will work with the Commonwealth and partners to progress this.” Says Dr Ben Sanders, sportanddev Executive Director
