Commonwealth debate examines sport’s role in promoting equality and inclusion

The 10th Commonwealth Debate on Sport and Sustainable Development brought together ministers, senior officials, high commissioners, athletes, young people, academics, sports advocates and Commonwealth accredited organisations to explore how inclusive sporting practices can advance equality. In particular, discussions focused on how sport contributes to the relevant Sustainable Development Goal targets, especially on health and well-being, reduced inequalities and promoting inclusive societies.

Co-organised with Commonwealth Sport, the debate took place at the Secretariat’s headquarters in London ahead of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace which is observed every year on 6 April.

Marking its 10th edition, the debate saw two teams of experts to explore whether:

“Sporting equality is best achieved when Para and non-Para games are staged simultaneously.”

This motion delved into whether staging para and non-para games together as part of the same competition, while maintaining separate categories, would better support equality and inclusion as opposed to holding them separately altogether.

Opening the debate, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General (Programmes) Tanmaya Lal, said:

"Sport provides a unique opportunity and avenue for the young, especially women and girls to develop confidence, overcome social barriers and inspire those around them. Sportspersons are often role models not only in their communities but nationally or even globally. They represent courage, strength, sacrifice, determination, and the will to succeed against all odds.

The Commonwealth has a long history of sports as a bridge. The International Day of Sports for Development and Peace focuses attention on the much broader significance of sports in human society – in development, in creating jobs, establishing social inclusion, and facilitating peace."

This year’s debate came ahead of the 12th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting (12CSMM) and the 23rd Edition of the Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August. Around 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth Games Associations are expected to compete for 215 gold medals across 10 sports. It will also be the first time that Para athletes and non-Para athletes compete at the same event and time, but in separate categories.

Martin Reynolds, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Commonwealth Sport highlighted the enduring legacy and evolving future of the Commonwealth Games.

"This annual debate to acknowledge International Day of Sport for Development and Peace continues to challenge, inspire, and, importantly, hold all of us to account on the role that sport must play in building a more equitable and sustainable world. With Glasgow 2026 fast approaching, we are proud to have the largest ever Para sport programme in Games history, advancing our belief that equality in sport must be seen, supported and celebrated at the highest level."

The debate was moderated by World Champion and four‑time Paralympian Stef Reid MBE PLY. Now a respected sports broadcaster and inspirational speaker, she underscored the transformative impact of sport, saying:

“Sport matters because it changes lives. I know this because it changed mine. My own journey has been transformed by the opportunities available in para sport, opportunities that may not have existed had I been born just a decade or two earlier. I had the opportunity to play because people and organisations were already having conversations long before I was born about how to maximise the reach of sport. This debate is an important and fun way of continuing that work. Sport is powerful, and it is vital that we keep it firmly on the agenda.”

Arguing for the motion:

Jennie Wong, Project Manager and Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Lead, Loughborough University

Noel Thatcher MBE, Six-time Paralympian Great Britain

Mayank Sethi, International Relations Masters degree student, University of Birmingham

Jaiden Caldeira, Great Britain Para table tennis player

Arguing against the motion:

Rob Aubry, British Para Swimming Head Coach, Aquatics GB

Jemima Biodun-Bello, Former competitive basketball athlete

Roberto Reid, Lecturer, University of East London

Shae Thakker, Great Britain Para table tennis athlete

Since 2016, the debate has brought together ministers, officials, athletes, academics, advocates and accredited organisations to examine the emerging issues and opportunities in the world of sport.

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