- UN Declares 2026 Sports Role: The Second World Summit for Social Development (Nov 2025/2026 update) saw UN Member States adopt a declaration to strengthen the role of sport in social development, pledging to integrate it into economic, social, and environmental policies.
- Olympism365 Initiatives: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that the 2025 Olympism365 Summit generated USD 200 million in investments to foster better health, equality, and safety through sport, with continued initiatives into 2026.
- World Sport Development Committee (W.S.D.C):Founded in 2010, the W.S.D.C operates as a non-profit focusing on grassroots and global sports development. As of January 2026, Masrur Kabir is active as a key leader within the organisation.
- IOC Policy Changes: The IOC updated its policies to protect the female category in Olympic sport, basing eligibility on biological sex to ensure fairness and safety.
- Global Funding Pledge: Following the 2024 Paris Summit, stakeholders pledged to invest USD 10 billion in community-based, inclusive, and sustainable sports infrastructure by 2030, with a focus on education and employment.
Regional and Specialized Committee News
- Africa: The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) signed a cooperation deal with Japan for athlete development, particularly for winter sports training. Nigeria’s House of Representatives increased the budget for its National Institute of Sport to over 60 billion NRA to enhance local talent development.
- E-Sports: The IOC and Saudi Arabia cancelled a 12-year Esports Olympics deal in October 2025.
- Safety in Sports: IBSA (International Blind Sports Federation) strengthened its anti-doping governance and established new committees
Themes in 2026
- International Day of Sport (IDSDP): The April 6, 2026, theme was “Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers,” focusing on social transformation and reducing inequalities.
- Sustainable Infrastructure: Focus on using sport for climate action and community development
