Global Push for Gender Equality in Sport Gains Momentum with New Partnership

Through the new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the two partners will work with governments, federations and civil society to build coalitions and press for shifts in policy, practice and social norms that advance women’s rights and leadership. 

The agreement also ensures UN Women’s support for the IWG Global Summit 2026 in Birmingham, a flagship event expected to bring together leaders and advocates from across the world of sport. 

The MOU was signed in New York during the 80th UN General Assembly by Sarah Hendriks, Director of Policy, Programme and Intergovernmental Division at UN Women and Annamarie Phelps CBE OLY, Chair of IWG. 

Speaking at the signing, Sarah Hendriks said: “UN Women is proud to join forces with the International Working Group on Women and Sport to advance our shared commitment to gender equality in and through sport. Through this partnership, we will align the normative and programmatic strength of UN Women with the strong convening power and technical expertise of IWG, building stronger coalitions and accelerating systemic change across the global sports ecosystem. 

“Together, we can ensure that sport becomes a platform where women and girls everywhere are empowered to participate, lead and thrive – driving progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and a more equal future.” 

Annamarie Phelps said: “On behalf of the IWG network, I am delighted to have signed the MOU with UN Women today. The alignment between our two organizations is clear, and committing to deepen our relationship by collaborating more closely will help to accelerate the changes we are both trying to make.

“I am particularly pleased to have UN Women’s backing ahead of the IWG Global Summit, and look forward to their support in engaging their global contacts and contributing their latest insights to help develop the programme of content. 

“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped create this fantastic opportunity for the IWG network, and I look forward to building on our strong partnership with UN Women.”

Founded in Brighton in 1994, the International Working Group (IWG) on Women and Sport is the world’s largest network dedicated to advancing gender equality in sport and physical activity, with the vision of sport and physical activity contributing to a world where all women and girls thrive. The IWG developed and remains guardian of the Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration, which has been signed by over 600 sports organisations who have committed to its principles. The day-to-day running of the IWG rotates around the world every four years. The UK took over from New Zealand in November 2022 with support from UK Sport, Sport England and the Sport and Recreation Alliance in collaboration with Women’s Sport Trust, Women In Sport and Women’s Sport Collective. The UK will also host the 9th IWG Global Summit, scheduled to take place in July 2026 in Birmingham. The IWG is a not-for-profit organisation with funding from a mix of Grants and Trusts, Donations, Commercial Partnerships, Fundraising and Gifts.

UN Women exists to advance women’s rights, gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. As the lead UN entity on gender equality, we shift laws, institutions, social behaviours and services to close the gender gap and build an equal world for all women and girls. We keep the rights of women and girls at the centre of global progress – always, everywhere. Because gender equality is not just what we do. It is who we are.

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