The Commonwealth Secretariat, in collaboration with global partners, has launched the first-ever Global Sport and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Baseline and Initial Impact Report, aiming to provide a clear framework for measuring the contribution of sport to sustainable development worldwide. The report was unveiled on 4 February 2026 at Canada House in London.
Drawing on data from 210 countries, the report establishes a shared baseline for assessing how physical education, physical activity, and sport contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. It highlights areas where sport is already making a positive impact, as well as key gaps that must be addressed to maximise its development potential.
Key findings from the report include:
- Health & Wellbeing (SDGs 3 & 11): Singapore ranks highest across the Commonwealth for sport’s contribution to public health and sustainable communities.
- Education (SDG 4): Jamaica leads globally in implementing consistent physical education policy, supported by specialist teachers and monitoring systems.
- Economic Growth (SDG 8): Malta tops Commonwealth rankings for sport’s role in employment and economic opportunities.
- Reducing Inequalities (SDG 10): Malaysia leads the Commonwealth in promoting peaceful and inclusive societies through sport.
- Gender Equality (SDG 5): Jamaica also leads both Commonwealth and global rankings for advancing gender empowerment through sport.
- Strong Institutions (SDGs 16 & 17): Australia ranks highest in strengthening governance, partnerships, and institutional integrity in sport.
Despite these positive outcomes, the report underscores persistent challenges. Physical inactivity remains a major global issue, with over 31% of adults and almost 83% of adolescents insufficiently active. Levels of inactivity are consistently higher among women and girls than among men and boys, signalling a major gap in sports participation. Physical inactivity also ranks as the fourth leading global risk factor for mortality, contributing to an estimated 3.2 million premature deaths annually.
The report also reveals that only 31.98% of national sport policies currently align with the SDGs, indicating significant opportunity for governments, organisations, and stakeholders to strengthen policy, investment, and accountability for sport’s role in sustainable development.
According to sportanddev Executive Director Dr Ben Sanders, the publication represents a critical step forward in shifting global perspectives on sport from anecdotal benefits to evidence-based impact measurement. He says the report highlights where sport is making a difference and where greater focus is needed to ensure it serves broader social goals effectively.
The Global Sport and SDGs Baseline and Initial Impact Report is positioned as an important policy tool for governments, development agencies, sports organisations, and researchers seeking to leverage sport to help achieve the SDGs, particularly in areas such as health, education, gender equality, economic growth and inclusive societies.
