Pres. Bio Attends International Summit on Sport for Sustainable Development in Paris

Paris, France, July 25, 2024 – His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio attended the International Summit on Sport for Sustainable Development and extended his gratitude to French President Emmanuel Macron and President Thomas Bach of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for spearheading the significant initiative.

The summit brought together over 60 Heads of State and Government, as well as leaders of international organizations, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. The discussions focused on leveraging sport as an accelerator of sustainable development for future generations.

The summit culminated in a series of ambitious commitments across five key focal areas:

1. Education and Employment
2. Health and Nutrition
3. Equality and Inclusion
4. Financing and Impact Measurement
5. Sustainability and Legacy

Among the significant announcements made were:

• USD$10 Billion Investment: A coalition of public development banks and other financial institutions committed USD$10 billion to invest in community-based, inclusive, and sustainable sports infrastructure by 2030. This investment aims to create safe, accessible, and environmentally friendly sports facilities that can be used by all members of the community, promoting physical activity and social cohesion.
• FIFA’s Commitment: The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) pledged to install 1,000 sustainable football pitches in schools worldwide. This initiative supports the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals by encouraging physical education, fostering teamwork, and providing safe spaces for children to play.
• IOC’s Budget Increase: The International Olympic Committee announced a 10% budgetary increase dedicated to Olympic Solidarity, amounting to USD$650 million for the 2025-2028 period. This funding will support athletes and sports programs in developing countries, ensuring a more inclusive and diverse participation in future Olympic Games.
• NBA’s Initiative in Africa: The National Basketball Association (NBA), in partnership with the French Development Agency and other partners, pledged to construct 1,000 basketball courts in Africa over the next decade. This initiative aims to promote basketball, provide opportunities for young athletes, and foster community development through sports.

Following the summit, President Bio expressed his gratitude to the organizers. He wrote on the social media platform X, “I extend my gratitude to my dear friend and colleague, President Emmanuel Macron, and to the President of the IOC, Thomas Bach, for spearheading this important Summit which has underscored the pivotal role of sport as a catalyst for sustainable development.”

President Bio’s participation and acknowledgment reflect Sierra Leone’s commitment to integrating sport into the broader agenda of sustainable development. He emphasized the potential of sport to enhance education, health, equality, and overall societal well-being. By participating in the summit, Sierra Leone aligns itself with global efforts to harness the power of sport to address pressing social and environmental challenges.

The Summit’s Broader Impact

The International Summit on Sport for Sustainable Development underscored the global recognition of sport as a powerful tool for sustainable development. The commitments and initiatives announced at the summit demonstrate a collective effort to harness sport’s full potential for the benefit of future generations. The summit highlighted the importance of collaborative action and strategic investments to create a sustainable and inclusive future through sport.

As the commitments made at the summit begin to take shape, countries like Sierra Leone stand to benefit significantly from the enhanced focus on sport and sustainable development. The initiatives will not only improve sports infrastructure and opportunities but also contribute to broader goals of social inclusion, economic development, and environmental sustainability. President Bio’s active involvement signals a promising future for sport as a key driver of positive change in Sierra Leone and beyond.