Online Course Focuses on Sport & The Global Goals
July 24, 2020
The International Platform on Sport and Development (SportandDev), the Australian Government 's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Commonwealth Secretariat have launched the first free open online course in sport and sustainable development on 21 July. The lessons will help individuals and organizations design, implement and measure the impact of policies and programmes of heir work.
As noted by SportandDev, with a growing number of governments and organisations recognising sport as an enabler of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), sport is increasingly being used to address issues ranging from health and education to employment and conflict resolution. However, there have been limited opportunities to learn how to maximise sport’s positive impact.
This collaboration and support for the four week Sport for Sustainable Development: Designing Effective Policies and Programmes course came about to address this gap and is designed to meet the needs of a variety of audiences, including government officials, intergovernmental and sports organisations, public policy experts, the private sector and civil society organisations.
It explores key concepts on sport and gender equality, disability, human rights, social inclusion, peacebuilding and safeguarding and understanding how to measure the impact of policies and programs. Featuring contributions from around the world, the course also shares best practice and tips from policymakers and practitioners, helping learners to explore different approaches to sport for development from those delivering sport-centered programs daily.
Recognizing the important role that sport can play in promoting learning and meaningful engagement globally, Fiji’s Dr. Robin Mitchell, President of the Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC) and Executive Board Member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), said the course will be a vital addition to the field:
"Today, more than ever, sport is becoming an important tool to support the communication of information and to teach children, young people and adults. By harnessing the positive power of sport, we have an opportunity to shape the development of ideas, opinions and actions – both at home and abroad. I would encourage anyone interested in learning how they can use sport as a tool to support the advancement of the sustainable development agenda to sign up for this course.”
"In an era where the face-to-face delivery of sport has been disrupted and threatened, this course helps audiences to think critically and understand how to leverage sport, drive innovation and challenge the status quo," added Gunnar Hagstrom from the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and member of the International Platform on Sport and Development Steering Board.
You can register for the course here.