Those interested in utilising Sport for Sustainable Development in their local communities are invited to sign-up for a free online course.
The massive open online course (MOOC) - Sport for Sustainable Development: Designing effective policies and programmes - has been a major success since its launch in July 2020, with over 5,600 learners from six continents and 185 countries getting involved.
It’s designed to teach individuals and organisations how to implement sport for development in their policies and programmes, and is suitable for members of the public, as well as sector professionals, public sector officials, civil society, private sector actors, and academics.
Empowering communities
Layne Robinson, Head of Social Policy Development for the Commonwealth Secretariat, said:
“The Commonwealth Secretariat firmly believes that sport is a fantastic vehicle for peaceful, equitable and sustainable development across the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries; particularly as nations look to build back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This online course is a wonderful resource that allows stakeholders to build their own programmes; empowering communities and professionals to use sport to transform lives in their localities and work towards the realisation of the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Developed by The Commonwealth Secretariat, the International Platform on Sport and Development (sportanddev), and the Australian Government, the course has proved popular with learners. Some 97 percent of learners surveyed indicated the course met or exceeded their expectations and 73 percent have applied it to their real-life projects.
Sustainable development
The course features contributions from around the world and was designed in conjunction with an expert reference group and academic team. It empowers learners to explore aspects of programme design and implementation and understand how to measure the impact of policies and programmes.
Commonwealth Secretariat is helping lead efforts to measure the impact of sport on the SDGs around the Commonwealth by developing a series of indicators. It also explores key concepts on sport and gender equality, disability, human rights, social inclusion, peacebuilding and safeguarding, with practical insights from experts.
The course is deliberately interactive and includes engaging video and audio content, as well as encouraging learners to share their on-ground experiences and insights at every stage.
Register for the Sport for Sustainable Development online course on FutureLearn
Learn more about our Sport for Development and Peace work
Media contact
- Amy Coles Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
