As a renewed demonstration of its commitment to sustainability, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has signed a letter of intent to join the Partnership Platform for the Localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This platform is led by UN-Habitat and the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, and aims to strengthen the implementation of the 2030 Agenda at the local level through strategic partnerships. The announcement was made during the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development held in Italy.

At the event, IOC member and former President of Costa Rica, Laura Chinchilla, presented a series of proposals aimed at enhancing the impact of sport on the localization of the SDGs. In her speech, Chinchilla highlighted the urgency of moving faster, given the currently low global implementation of the goals, and emphasized that this alliance will help translate the potential of sport into concrete and sustainable solutions for communities.

Sport as a driver of local change

The IOC’s proposals, developed in collaboration with UN-Habitat, are built around four strategic areas. These include integrating sports policies into territorial planning, awareness campaigns about the benefits of physical activity, training for decision-makers, and the development of high-impact sports infrastructure projects. Chinchilla stated that these actions aim not only to improve health and social well-being, but also to stimulate local economies and strengthen community ties.

The initiative has both financial and political support on a global scale. The Coalition of Public Development Banks has pledged an investment of $10 billion for sustainable sports initiatives through 2030, while the IOC will increase its budget in this area by 10%, reaching $650 million between 2025 and 2028. Examples such as the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which achieved a net economic impact of $9 billion and a 55% reduction in carbon emissions, demonstrate the potential of sport as a tool for social transformation. In addition, initiatives such as Olympism365 and the Olympic Refuge Foundation expand this vision globally, reinforcing the role of sport in inclusive development and sustainability.