The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, are a global roadmap for sustainable development by 2030. They were adopted by all 193 UN member states in 2015 and comprise 17 goals with 169 sub-goals. These goals address key challenges such as poverty, hunger, inequality, climate change and the loss of biodiversity. The SDGs apply worldwide and require all countries to act together for a better future.

Despite some progress, many SDGs are still a long way from being implemented. Climate change is progressing faster than countermeasures can be implemented and take effect. Many goals, including the fight against poverty or the promotion of sustainable consumption, are not being achieved. In some regions, hunger and poverty are on the rise again, mainly due to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts and the climate crisis. There is an urgent need for action, particularly with regard to sustainable consumption, the expansion of renewable energies and the protection of ecosystems.

Sport has a special role to play in supporting the SDGs. It reaches people worldwide and raises awareness of sustainable issues. Sport can build bridges between cultures, promote gender equality and drive social inclusion. Platforms such as sporting events can spread messages on climate action (SDG 13), gender equality (SDG 5) or the promotion of healthy lifestyles (SDG 3). Organizations in the sports sector can strategically anchor sustainability and expand their influence through partnerships. Nevertheless, it should not be forgotten that sporting events also entail risks. Just one example is the challenge of potentially high resource consumption, particularly at major events. Energy requirements, waste volumes and water consumption can be considerable. It is therefore crucial that sustainability measures are planned authentically and comprehensively. Only through a balanced approach can sporting events be designed responsibly.