The Commonwealth Sports Ministers convened in Glasgow, Scotland, on the eve of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, marking a significant milestone in international sports cooperation. The 12th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting brought together top officials from 56 member countries to discuss how sport can drive development, inclusion, and peace across the Commonwealth.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of an ambitious Outcome Statement reaffirming the ministers’ shared commitment to leveraging sport for social and economic benefits. The discussions focused on promoting inclusion, sustainable development, and stronger cooperation through sport, recognizing its role in improving health, empowering women and girls, and driving economic growth.
Harnessing Sport for Social and Economic Development
The ministers emphasized the need for dedicated funding, stronger partnerships, and capacity-building to support community sport and physical activity. They recognized sport’s role in improving health, supporting young people, empowering women and girls, creating jobs, driving innovation, and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Commonwealth Secretary-General the Hon Shirley Botchwey, highlighted sport’s power to improve lives. She stated, ‘For too long, sport has been viewed primarily through the lens of competition or entertainment. 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.’
Advancing Gender Equality and Inclusion
The meeting also marked an important step forward with the signing of the Brighton Plus Helsinki 2014 Declaration by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Scottish Government. This declaration supports action to advance women and girls in sport and improve access to leadership, participation, and decision-making at all levels. Its adoption reinforced the Commonwealth’s shared commitment to making sport open, safe, and inclusive for everyone.
Ms Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Sport, emphasized the contribution of sport to communities. She said, ‘The Scottish Government passionately believes in the power of sport. It 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.’
Future of the Commonwealth Games and Sustainable Delivery
The meeting considered the future of the Commonwealth Games and how major sporting events can be delivered in more sustainable ways. Ministers described the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as a key opportunity to rebuild confidence in major sporting events. They also recognized the 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games in Malta and the centenary Commonwealth Games in India in 2030 as platforms to support young leaders, strengthen partnerships, and bring Commonwealth countries closer together through sport.
The outcomes from the Sports Ministers Meeting are expected to inform discussions at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda in November 2026, the 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games in Malta, and the centenary Commonwealth Games in India in 2030.
