sportanddev elects new chair and deputy chair

The International Platform on Sport and Development (sportanddev) is the leading global hub for those using sport to achieve social, economic and environmental objectives. It was founded in 2003 after the Magglingen conferences and global commitments to use sport for development and peace. sportanddev has a rich history of supporting a diverse range of actors across sectors and regions.

sportanddev seeks to "share knowledge, build good practice, facilitate coordination and foster partnerships in sport and development". The sportanddev.org website provides the latest news, commentary articles, research, learning tools, networks and job opportunities in sport and development. Content is available in English, French and Arabic, with Spanish to follow in early 2024.

sportanddev is uniquely placed to coordinate and support progress in sport and development, enabling sport to contribute more efficiently and effectively to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The sportanddev website attracts over 600,000 unique annual users from 229 countries and territories. The website generates over 1,500,000 page views per year, with over 10,000 individuals & 1,000 organisations registered on the platform. We expect these figures to increase significantly with the upgraded website and availability in other UN languages stimulating growth and impact.

New chair and deputy to drive sportanddev forward

The sportanddev Steering Board is responsible for the governance of the platform. The Steering Board is composed of leading global actors in sport and international development. The board approves sportanddev's strategy and budget and oversees implementation by the Operating Team.

At the most recent in-person Steering Board meeting, hosted by the International Sport and Culture Association in Denmark, the Steering Board elected a new chair and deputy chair to guide sportanddev forward as the platform builds on its history to expand its reach and impact.

Professor Marion Keim, representing the Foundation for Sport, Development & Peace was elected as the new chair. Professor Keim has great expertise and experience in sport and development. She is the UNESCO Chair for Sport, Development, Peace and Olympic Education at the University of the Western Cape in South Africa, a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Education Commission and Secretary-General of the Association of National Pierre de Coubertin Committees of Africa.

Dr Lin Sambili, representing the Commonwealth Secretariat, was elected as deputy chair. Dr Sambili has a doctorate in sport and development from the University of Loughborough and is Project Manager for Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) within the Social Policy Development unit of the Commonwealth Secretariat. She has wide ranging experience in using sport for social change.

Professor Keim and Dr Sambili take over from Mr Ben Howard, who served as sportanddev chair for over 3 years, helping guide sportanddev in its expansion and transition to ISCA. Professor Keim said:

“It is an honour for me to lead the sportanddev Steering Board, alongside Dr Sambili. We are dedicated to ensuring the platform continues to serve actors using sport for development and peace and reshaping a more equitable and inclusive sport and development sector.

“On behalf of the Steering Board, I would like to convey our sincere thanks to Ben Howard for his sterling work in this role which has ensured the continued success of sportanddev.”

The sportanddev Steering Board guides the governance and strategy of the platform, with members making significant contributions to sportanddev and receiving a range of benefits. All applications to join the Steering Board are subject to the approval of the current Steering Board members.

For more information and to apply to join the Board, please contact Dr Ben Sanders, Senior Consultant at the International Platform on Sport and Development: [email protected]