ConnectSport CIC aligns each of the stories that it publishes against goals or missions contained within two key frameworks, one global and the other focused on the UK.
We reference these frameworks to help create a common language, and data standards for the UK’s sport for development movement which can appear diffuse and disparate as it comprises a wide variety of organisations across multiple sectors. A non-exhaustive list includes local charities, voluntary organisations and community groups; charitable foundations connected to professional sports clubs; local authority or public health programmes; faith-based initiatives; national charities and networks; governing bodies in sport; social responsibility programmes and ESG (environmental, social, governance) initiatives supported by corporate and private sector organisations.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs)
In 2016, the United Nations declared sport to be an “important enabler” of sustainable development. It listed 17 global goals, or ‘Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDGs) in its Agenda 2030, ranging from ‘Good health and wellbeing’ (no 3) to ‘Gender equality’ (no 5), and from ‘Sustainable cities and communities’ (no 11) to ‘Climate action’ (no 13). There are a further 169 targets behind the SDGs. Read more.
The 2025 Sustainable Development Goals Report finds that only 18% of SDG targets are on track and 48% show "insufficient progress". Find out more.
ALSO: Read about the Olympism365 strategy, which is the International Olympic Committee's new (June 2025) strategy to strengthen the role of sport as an enabler of sustainable development.
COMMONWEALTH BASELINE REPORT
In February 2026, ConnectSport CIC supported the official launch of the Global Sport and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Baseline and Initial Impact Report by The Commonwealth. This landmark report is the first global baseline study measuring how physical education, physical activity and sport contribute to the SDGs. The report provides a foundation for ongoing analysis and advocacy, helping people better understand how sport contributes to sustainable development and how it can be used to create social, economic and environmental benefits. Read more.
UK GOVERNMENT ‘MISSIONS’
As part of its manifesto for the 2024 General Election, the incoming Government announced ‘5 Missions for a better Britain’. These were to 1) Kickstart economic growth; 2) Make Britain a clean energy superpower; 3) Take back our streets; 4) Break down barriers to opportunity; 5) Build an NHS fit for the future.
ConnectSport welcomes new ideas, initiatives and frameworks which help to move the sector forward collectively. Get in touch at hello@connectsport.co.uk
SIGN UP FOR THE CONNECTSPORT NEWSLETTER
Receive weekly news and get ConnectSport updates direct to your inbox