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Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey has underscored the transformative power of sport, saying it should be viewed not merely as competition or entertainment but as a catalyst for healthier societies, greater inclusion and sustainable development.
“For too long, sport has been viewed primarily through the lens of competition or entertainment,” Botchwey said.
“But throughout the Commonwealth, we know that sport is also an investment in people and a powerful force for healthier communities, greater inclusion, stronger economies and sustainable development.”
Her remarks came as Commonwealth sports ministers concluded the 12th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting in Glasgow, Scotland, where they agreed to deepen cooperation to expand access to funding and strengthen sport’s role in promoting peace and development.
The meeting, held ahead of the opening of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, brought together sports ministers, senior officials and representatives from 56 Commonwealth member states, alongside athletes, sporting organisations, youth representatives, civil society groups and development partners.
The ministers adopted an ambitious outcome statement reaffirming their shared commitment to using sport as a tool to promote inclusion, sustainable development and stronger cooperation across the Commonwealth.
They called for increased investment in community sport and physical activity, recognising their contribution to improving public health, supporting young people, empowering women and girls, creating employment opportunities, encouraging innovation and fostering sustainable economic growth.
The meeting also emphasised the need for dedicated funding, stronger partnerships and enhanced capacity-building initiatives to maximise sport’s development impact.
Botchwey reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s commitment to harnessing sport to expand opportunities for young people, advance gender equality, strengthen social cohesion and build a more prosperous and inclusive Commonwealth.
“The partnerships and commitments forged through this meeting will help translate that vision into meaningful outcomes for the Commonwealth’s 2.7 billion people,” she said.
Hosted by the Scottish Government, the meeting was chaired by Maree Todd, Scotland’s Minister for Sport.
Highlighting sport’s broader social impact, Todd said physical activity contributes not only to healthier lifestyles but also to improved skills, confidence, social inclusion and economic development.
“Sport not only contributes to a healthier lifestyle, but also improves skills and confidence, addresses social isolation and loneliness, enhances community cohesion, and supports economic growth,” she said.
Todd also announced Scotland’s formal endorsement of the Brighton Plus Helsinki 2014 Declaration, reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving opportunities for women and girls in sport.
The declaration, which was also signed by the Commonwealth Secretariat, promotes greater participation, leadership and decision-making opportunities for women and girls at every level of sport, reinforcing the Commonwealth’s commitment to making sport safe, inclusive and accessible for all.
Looking ahead, ministers discussed the future of the Commonwealth Games and explored ways to stage major sporting events more sustainably.
They described the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as an opportunity to rebuild confidence in large-scale international sporting events while recognising the 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games in Malta and the centenary Commonwealth Games in India in 2030 as important platforms for developing young leaders, strengthening international partnerships and deepening ties among Commonwealth nations through sport.
The outcomes of the Glasgow meeting are expected to shape discussions at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda in November 2026.