FISU joins the International Conference of NGOs in Official Partnership with UNESCO

The event, under the central theme “Building Capacity for Action”, took place from 17 to 19 December 2024 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

Marking a significant milestone, the International University Sports Federation (FISU) participated in the conference for the first time as a recognised NGO with consultative partnership status at UNESCO.

Opening highlights and conference discussions

The conference’s opening ceremony featured distinguished speakers, including: Xing Qu, Deputy Director General of UNESCO; H.E. Ambassador Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the UNESCO General Conference; and Nick Newland, President of the International Conference of NGOs.

The three-day event provided a platform for engaging discussions on key topics such as: UNESCO’s Partnership Programme, Education for Peace, Human Rights, Education for Sustainable Development, Gender Equality

These discussions aimed to foster collaboration and capacity-building among UNESCO’s diverse network of NGO partners.

The conference concluded with renewed energy and commitment among participants to build capacity and drive impactful action worldwide, with FISU poised to play a critical role in this collective effort.

FISU’s involvement and contributions

As a newly recognised NGO with UNESCO consultative status, FISU’s representation at the conference marked a pivotal opportunity to align its initiatives with UNESCO’s global priorities. FISU was represented by Ivo Carvalhosa, who used the opportunity to strengthen ties with UNESCO’s “Fit for Life” project team.

Ivo Carvalhosa highlighted the potential for leveraging FISU’s Healthy Campus Well-being Certification Programme to promote the “Fit for Life” initiative within universities worldwide. This collaboration aims to enhance the well-being of youth through sports, aligned with shared goals of inclusivity, sustainability, and integrated policy-making.

FISU also had the opportunity to propose an amendment to 2024 ICNGO final document of recommendations, by considering providing further recognition within UNESCO’s ecosystem, of the benefits for mankind of physical activity and sports as a Health, Inclusion and Well-being catalyst.

About “Fit for Life”

“Fit for Life” is UNESCO’s flagship sport-based initiative designed to support inclusive policy-making and tackle critical issues such as Physical Inactivity, Mental Health Challenges, and Inequality. Powered by a global compact of partners, the program uses data-driven sports interventions to drive positive change and enhance the wellbeing of young people across the globe. FISU’s engagement with “Fit for Life” underscores its commitment to fostering health, education, and equality through university sports and reinforces its alignment with UNESCO’s vision for a better future.

More information about Fit For Life:

Written by Ivo Carvalhosa