Close to 200 UNESCO member states have adopted a revised International Charter for Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport which aims to improve physical activity participation worldwide and foster stronger policy to support this.

The revision of the Charter – which was first tabled at the World Conference of Sport Ministers (MINEPS V) in Berlin in May 2013 – involved experts and practitioners from governments, sports organisations, academia and NGOs who shared insight and best practice. The revised Charter provides a framework that aims to protect the integrity of sport and supports broader policies in favour of grassroots sport.

The importance of promoting physical activity has been moving higher up the international policy agenda of late, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) also recently outlining a 10-year strategy to get Europeans moving more.

“The adoption of the revised Charter should mark a shift away from words towards action, from policy intent to implementation,” said UNESCO director-general, Irina Bokova.

“It sets the tone for a new international sport policy debate, which should now focus on the exchange of good practice, education and training programmes, capacity development, and advocacy.”

Bokova said aside from the obvious health benefits, physical activity can help to effect a wide range of positive societal changes.

She added: “This is also a strong recognition of physical education as a driver for promoting gender equality, social inclusion, non-discrimination and sustained dialogue in our societies.”