PARIS 2024 CALL TO ACTION

The IPC and UNESCO have a long-standing cooperation focused on using sport as a driver of social inclusion. Both are committed to leveraging sport to reduce inequalities and empowering the most marginalised groups, especially persons with disabilities.

UNESCO’s Fit for Life initiative offers a framework to develop and evaluate cross-sectoral policies that promote disability inclusion in sport. At the 7th International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport (MINEPS VII), Member States agreed to make inclusion of persons with disabilities a core part of Fit for Life.

Ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the IPC and UNESCO co-organised a high-level conference to inspire governments to make innovative policy changes and encourage investment from all sectors.

Who was involved?

The IPC, UNESCO, and Heads of State, Ministers of Sport, Inclusion and Equality, and other governmental authorities, and Development Banks.

What was done?

A total of 32 Ministers and Vice Ministers from 29 countries, alongside Paralympic athletes, Para sport experts, and civil society organisations attended the con­ference to accelerate global progress on disability inclusion through Para sport and physical education.

What made it special?

By hosting the conference on the eve of the Paralympic Games, the IPC and UNESCO created a powerful alignment between the world’s third largest sport event and political commitment. This strategic timing maximised visibility and political momentum, transforming the energy of the Paralympic Games into a platform for global policy change. The Call to Action elevates the role of Para sport as a tool to dismantle barriers, change perceptions, and drive structural reform in sport, education, and media systems.

Anchoring the consensus-based roadmap into UNESCO’s existing flagship framework Fit for Life, promoted to and with its Member States will help accelerate inclusion in sport, education, media and beyond.

What changed?

The Paris 2024 Call to Action provides a concrete framework for governments and stakeholders to deliver on Article 30 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 13 and 16. Moreover, the Call to Action gives governments the opportunity to advance the objectives agreed upon at MINEPS VII around disability inclusion in sport.

What was learned?

Leveraging the engagement of major sport events, both international and national, is a powerful mechanism to enhance an agenda and build coalition. Effective translation of the Call to Action into national policies, cross-sector coordination, and measurable commitments is essential and requires champions to lead the way and demonstrate the potential. The IPC and UNESCO are already tracking implementation, such as in the Caribbean with local partners; the Americas Paralympic Committee and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF).