The Commonwealth Secretariat advocates for the use of sport as a vehicle for development and peacebuilding.
Our work focuses on how sport can be used to contribute to national development objectives and the UN Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda – a global agenda and blueprint that aims to end poverty, protect the planet and make sure all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
Helping countries maximise the benefits of sport
When used effectively sport can contribute to improving health and education, creating employment, stimulating economic development and realising human rights and gender equality.
We provide expert advice and training to officials, help draft policies and offer support for monitoring and evaluation.
A global leader
The Commonwealth is recognised as a leader in helping countries to boost the positive role of sport in society.
We lead international efforts to measure the impact of sport and play a key role coordinating with international organisations, governments and the sports movement.
The potential for sport to make positive contribution to society is well recognised. This potential has been acknowledged in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that recognises sport as an important enabler to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Commonwealth is leading global efforts to more effectively measure the contribution that sport policies and programmes make to these agreed global goals.
Our work will help countries and sporting bodies to assess if the positive contribution of sport to society is being realised and better target future strategy and investment. It will also help future strategy and investment in sport to be evidence based and data driven.
To help member countries' develop policy and strategy, the Commonwealth Secretariat carries out wide ranging consultation and analysis to produce discussion papers, guidelines and toolkits.
Publications:
- Impacts of Covid-19 on community sport and Sport for Development discussion paper
- Economic impact of Covid-19 on sport discussion paper
- Sport and the Sustainable Development Goals Indicator Framework (Cat 1 V4.0)
- Sport and the Sustainable Development Goals Indicator Framework (Cat 2 V4.0)
- Measuring the contribution of sport, physical education, and physical activity to the SDGs (toolkit V4.0)
- Enhancing the Contribution of Sport to the Sustainable Development Goals
- Pacific Sport Contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals
- Sport for Development and Peace and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
- The Commonwealth Guide to Advancing Development through Sport
- Strengthening Sport for Development and Peace National Policies and Strategies
- Sport for Development and Peace Youth Advocacy Toolkit
- Measuring the Alignment and Intentionality of Sport Policy to the Sustainable Development Goals
- Policy Guidance to Commonwealth Governments on Protecting the Integrity of Sport
- Strengthening Sport-Related Policy Coherence
- States’ Obligations Under International Human Rights Conventions
Commonwealth Sports Ministers meet every two years before the Commonwealth Games and Summer Olympic Games. Each meeting focuses on priority sport policy issues and progress made on collaboration and joint work.
Previous meetings
- 10th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting
- 9th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting
- 8th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting
- 7th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting
- 6th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting
The Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sport (CABOS) is an independent body providing advice on sport policy issues, particularly as it relates to Sport for Development and Peace (SDP), and protecting the integrity of sport.
CABOS reports to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meetings and, through the Commonwealth Secretariat, to member governments and key stakeholders.
A key component of CABOS' role is to advise on sport integrity issues.
Read: Policy Guidance to Commonwealth Governments on Protecting the Integrity of Sport
Download: Policy Templates: Against the Manipulation of Sports Competitions
2019 Annual CABOS meeting
The 2019 CABOS meeting was held between 7-9 October 2019 in the Republic of Mauritius. Learn more
2018 Annual CABOS meeting
The 2018 CABOS meeting was held between 12-14 September 2018 at Marlborough House, London.
2017 Annual CABOS meeting
The 2017 CABOS meeting was held between 11-13 October 2017 on the Gold Coast - the location of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Established in May 2013, the Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace working group is composed of 10 youth practitioners working in the field of sport for development and peace.
