The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed strong support for the Political Declaration unanimously adopted during the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) held in New York. This declaration reinforces the significant role of sport in advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls.
Paragraph 11 of the declaration highlights that United Nations Member States acknowledge the vital contributions of women and girls—including adolescents—in shaping their societies. It calls for greater inclusion of women in decision-making roles and recognizes the importance of ensuring their equal access to safe, affordable, and inclusive digital technologies, quality education (including physical and sports education), healthcare services, and lifelong learning. The paragraph also underscores the need to eliminate all forms of violence and discrimination and to safeguard the full range of their human rights and freedoms.
This recognition continues a longstanding tradition by the CSW of acknowledging the positive impact of sport on gender equality.
Harnessing Sport for Gender Equality
At a high-level ministerial roundtable hosted by the Mission of Qatar, IOC Member Laura Chinchilla emphasized the powerful role sport can play in promoting gender equality and social progress. She encouraged UN Member States to strengthen their collaboration with the sports sector to support the development of women and girls.
Chinchilla also outlined the ongoing work of the IOC and the broader Olympic Movement in narrowing gender disparities both in athletic competition and in leadership roles. She emphasized partnerships with governments, international organizations, financial institutions, private companies, and civil society to create safer and more inclusive access to sport for women.
In her remarks, Chinchilla noted that the sports industry has experienced steady growth—averaging over 5% annually for the past 20 years—and is projected to expand further. Despite its proven benefits, she said, sport remains underutilized in many national development strategies. She urged policymakers to partner with the sports community and invest in inclusive, equitable sporting environments for women and girls, describing sport as a cost-effective tool with high potential for empowering women, especially when supported by development finance institutions.
Sport’s Contribution to Sustainable Development
Since 1995, sport has been featured in numerous key policy frameworks promoting women’s and girls’ rights, such as the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Beijing+5, and previous CSW Agreed Conclusions. These documents consistently recognize the role of sport in building leadership, promoting economic independence, and fostering social inclusion among women and girls.
The reference to sport in the CSW69 Political Declaration represents another important step in acknowledging its importance in sustainable development. As countries, international agencies, and other stakeholders push forward with gender equality initiatives, sport continues to stand out as a powerful driver of progress around the globe.
From 10 to 21 March, representatives gathered at the United Nations Headquarters for this year’s CSW session. Discussions focused both on the achievements made since the 1995 Beijing Declaration and on preparing for the upcoming Second World Summit on Social Development, scheduled to take place in Doha from 4 to 6 November 2025.
Paragraph 11 of the declaration highlights that United Nations Member States acknowledge the vital contributions of women and girls—including adolescents—in shaping their societies. It calls for greater inclusion of women in decision-making roles and recognizes the importance of ensuring their equal access to safe, affordable, and inclusive digital technologies, quality education (including physical and sports education), healthcare services, and lifelong learning. The paragraph also underscores the need to eliminate all forms of violence and discrimination and to safeguard the full range of their human rights and freedoms.
This recognition continues a longstanding tradition by the CSW of acknowledging the positive impact of sport on gender equality.
Harnessing Sport for Gender Equality
At a high-level ministerial roundtable hosted by the Mission of Qatar, IOC Member Laura Chinchilla emphasized the powerful role sport can play in promoting gender equality and social progress. She encouraged UN Member States to strengthen their collaboration with the sports sector to support the development of women and girls.
Chinchilla also outlined the ongoing work of the IOC and the broader Olympic Movement in narrowing gender disparities both in athletic competition and in leadership roles. She emphasized partnerships with governments, international organizations, financial institutions, private companies, and civil society to create safer and more inclusive access to sport for women.
In her remarks, Chinchilla noted that the sports industry has experienced steady growth—averaging over 5% annually for the past 20 years—and is projected to expand further. Despite its proven benefits, she said, sport remains underutilized in many national development strategies. She urged policymakers to partner with the sports community and invest in inclusive, equitable sporting environments for women and girls, describing sport as a cost-effective tool with high potential for empowering women, especially when supported by development finance institutions.
Sport’s Contribution to Sustainable Development
Since 1995, sport has been featured in numerous key policy frameworks promoting women’s and girls’ rights, such as the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Beijing+5, and previous CSW Agreed Conclusions. These documents consistently recognize the role of sport in building leadership, promoting economic independence, and fostering social inclusion among women and girls.
The reference to sport in the CSW69 Political Declaration represents another important step in acknowledging its importance in sustainable development. As countries, international agencies, and other stakeholders push forward with gender equality initiatives, sport continues to stand out as a powerful driver of progress around the globe.
From 10 to 21 March, representatives gathered at the United Nations Headquarters for this year’s CSW session. Discussions focused both on the achievements made since the 1995 Beijing Declaration and on preparing for the upcoming Second World Summit on Social Development, scheduled to take place in Doha from 4 to 6 November 2025.
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