Dakar, 31 October 2026 – With the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games under way, leaders gathered in the city on 30 and 31 October to discuss what sport can do long after the final event has finished.
The Sport for Development Summit brought together political leaders, sports officials and development partners under the theme “Sport for Development: From Olympic Momentum to Lasting Legacy.” Discussions focused on how investment in sport can support young people, create jobs and strengthen communities across Africa.
One of the summit’s central discussions brought together Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, IOC President Kirsty Coventry, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, Prince Albert II of Monaco and International Finance Corporation Managing Director Makhtar Diop. They considered how sporting infrastructure, education and economic opportunities could contribute to a lasting legacy for Senegal.
President Faye spoke about his country’s ambition to make Dakar 2026 a catalyst for youth development and economic growth. Coventry highlighted the Olympic Movement’s commitment to education, inclusion and sustainable development through sport.
United Through Sports President Stephan Fox also joined a panel discussion on inclusion, equity and equal opportunities. He stressed that a lasting sporting legacy must reach beyond the sports featured at the Games.
“It is not just about including the sports featured at the Games. We need to include all sports and athletes of all abilities.” Stephan Fox
UTS brought Youth Ambassadors to the forum, giving them the chance to hear directly from leaders working on sport and development. Their participation offered a closer look at how decisions made today could shape opportunities for their generation.
As Africa hosts its first Olympic sporting event, the summit turned attention to what comes next: ensuring Dakar 2026 leaves opportunities that continue for young people and communities across Senegal and the continent.
