“Fit for Life in Emergencies: UNESCO Chairs in Sport & Physical Activity”

As the world faces an increasing number of crises, the role of sport in emergency contexts has never been more critical. Recognizing this urgent need, the UNESCO Chair on Governance and Social Responsibility in Sport successfully organized the first expert meeting titled “Fit for Life in Emergencies: UNESCO Chairs in Sport & Physical Activity.” The event took place from February 10–13, 2025, at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in Doha, Qatar, emphasizing the necessity of sport as a tool for resilience, healing, and long-term recovery, aligning with UNESCO’s Fit for Life initiative.

The meeting was co-funded by the Qatar National Research Fund, the Delegation of the European Union to Qatar, UNESCO’s Doha Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, the Generation Amazing Foundation, the International Centre for Sport Security, and the College of Science and Engineering at HBKU. It brought together experts, UNESCO Chairs, NGOs, and sports organizations to explore innovative strategies for leveraging sport and quality physical education in crisis settings while safeguarding sports ecosystems affected by natural and human-made disasters.

“This expert workshop takes place at a time when the world faces unprecedented humanitarian challenges. The ability of sport and quality physical education to foster resilience, inclusion, and recovery is no longer a secondary pursuit—it is a necessity,” remarked Salah Khaled, UNESCO Representative for the Gulf States and Yemen. “By bringing global experts together, we are not just discussing ideas; we are laying the foundation for concrete action that can make a difference where it is needed most.”

Nasser Al Khori, Executive Director of the Generation Amazing Foundation, highlighted the transformative power of sport, stating: “We are at a turning point where sport is no longer seen as a luxury in crisis response but as an essential tool for fostering hope, dignity, and resilience. This meeting underscores Qatar’s commitment to sport for development and peace, showcasing how our initiatives can create a lasting impact, especially for marginalized and vulnerable communities.”

“Sport is a powerful tool for social inclusion, resilience, and peacebuilding. The European Union firmly believes in sport’s unifying power, especially in times of crisis. Through initiatives like Fit for Life in Emergencies, we reaffirm our commitment to using sport as a tool for diplomacy and humanitarian response,” stated H.E. Dr. Cristian Tudor, Ambassador of the European Union to Qatar. “By collaborating across sectors, we can ensure that sport continues to bring hope and meaningful support to those affected by emergencies.”

One of the key highlights of the four-day meeting was a sport for development activation at the Al Thumama complex for Palestinian medical evacuees from Gaza in Qatar, held on Qatar National Sport Day. This initiative demonstrated how sport can provide a sense of normalcy, promote mental and physical well-being, and rebuild trust in communities affected by conflict and displacement.

Through a series of structured discussions, experts examined critical governance challenges, innovative approaches to delivering sports programs in emergencies, and strategies for measuring impact. The discussions focused on ensuring that sport remains an accessible and vital mechanism for inclusion, peacebuilding, and sustainable recovery—particularly for refugees, displaced persons, individuals with disabilities, and migrant communities.

Dr. Christos Anagnostopoulos and Dr. Efstathios Christodoulides, Co-Chairs of the UNESCO Chair on Governance and Social Responsibility in Sport at HBKU and UCLan Cyprus, respectively, emphasized the significance of academic engagement, stating: “The global landscape is shifting, and with it, the role of sport in emergencies must evolve to incorporate social responsibility and governance as essential dimensions. The outcomes of this four-day meeting will not only shape future research and policy but also empower the next generation of leaders to harness sport and quality physical education as tools for social change in critical situations.”

Expected outcomes of the meeting include the development of a jointly drafted Blueprint for Action, providing strategic guidance on governance, implementation, and impact measurement for sport-in-emergency programs. This blueprint will be presented at UNESCO’s CIGEPS meeting in Santiago, Chile, in September 2025.

Additionally, a new continuous professional development program will be launched to equip stakeholders specializing in sport with the expertise to navigate emergency situations effectively.

The Fit for Life in Emergencies expert meeting sets the foundation for international collaboration and immediate action. As crises become more complex, the insights and commitments shaped in Doha will guide global efforts to ensure that sport remains a symbol of hope, resilience, and recovery for the world’s most vulnerable communities.