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The Commonwealth Secretariat, in partnership with Commonwealth Sport and the Scottish Government, convened the 12CSMM on 22 July 2026 in Glasgow. sportanddev attended the meeting as an observer and valued partner of the Commonwealth for over a decade.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of an ambitious outcome statement, reaffirming ministers’ shared commitment to leverage sport to promote inclusion, sustainable development and stronger cooperation across the Commonwealth.
Ministers called for dedicated funding, stronger partnerships and capacity-building and advocated for greater investment in community sport and physical activity, recognising its role in improving health, supporting young people, empowering women and girls, creating jobs, driving innovation and supporting sustainable economic growth.
In her opening remarks, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon Shirley Botchwey, highlighted sport’s power to improve lives. She said:
"For too long, sport has been viewed primarily through the lens of competition or entertainment. But throughout the Commonwealth, we know that sport is also an investment in people and a powerful force for healthier communities, greater inclusion, stronger economies and sustainable development.
"We reaffirm our commitment to harnessing the power of sport to create opportunities for young people, advance gender equality, strengthen social cohesion and build a fairer, more prosperous Commonwealth for future generations. The partnerships and commitments forged through this meeting will help translate that vision into meaningful outcomes for the Commonwealth’s 2.7 billion people."
Hosted by the Scottish Government, the meeting was chaired by Ms Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Sport. Emphasising the contribution of sport to our communities, Ms Todd said:
"The Scottish Government passionately believes in the power of sport and the 12th Commonwealth Sport Ministers Meeting has affirmed this. Sport also drives equality outcomes, and I was pleased to make Scotland a signatory to the Brighton + Helsinki Declaration."
The signing of the Brighton Plus Helsinki 2014 Declaration by the Commonwealth Secretariat and Scottish Government marked an important step forward to advance women and girls in sport and improve access to leadership, participation and decision-making at all levels. It reinforced the Commonwealth’s commitment to making sport open, safe and inclusive for all.
The meeting considered the future of the Commonwealth Games and how major sporting events can be more sustainable. Ministers described the Glasgow Games as a key opportunity to rebuild confidence in major sporting events, recognising the 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games in Malta and the centenary Commonwealth Games in India in 2030 as platforms to support young leaders, strengthen partnerships and bring Commonwealth countries closer together through sport.
The meeting brought together sports ministers, senior officials and representatives from 56 member countries, and observers from across the Commonwealth sport movement, including athletes, sporting bodies, youth representatives, civil society and development partners.
The outcomes from the Sports Ministers Meeting will inform discussions at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda in November 2026 and other events.
