Doha, Qatar – 5 November 2025
Sheikha Alya in the middle, Ms. Isabelle Picco and Mr. Pär Liljert on either side of H.E. Alya
At the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), held in Doha under the theme “Copenhagen to Doha: Tackling vulnerability and exploitation linked to sport, supporting safe and inclusive pathways for youth to realize their dreams,” global leaders, diplomats, and sport representatives gathered to address one of the most pressing challenges in modern sport, the exploitation and trafficking of young athletes.
The high-level dialogue, co-organised by the Permanent Mission of Monaco, the State of Qatar to the United Nations, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Mission 89, brought together diverse voices from governments, the United Nations system, international sport federations, and civil society to develop collective strategies for prevention and protection.
Opening and Framing the Dialogue
The session began with opening remarks from Sheikha Alya, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations and Co-Chair of the Group of Friends of Sport for Development and Peace; Ms. Isabelle Picco, Permanent Representative of Monaco to the United Nations and fellow Co-Chair; and Mr. Pär Liljert, Director of the IOM Office to the United Nations.
Ambassador Claudia Fuentes Julio on the far right. Sheikha Alya, Ms. Isabelle Picco, and Mr. Pär Liljert on either side of H.E. Alya
Their introductions underscored the importance of multilateral collaboration and the role of sport as a unifying platform for advancing social development and protecting vulnerable populations.
Research and Evidence: Mission 89’s Global Thematic Report
Ms. Lerina Bright, Executive Director of Mission 89, presented the findings of the organization’s Global Thematic Report on Sport Trafficking, which serves as the foundation for the campaign “The Line We Don’t Cross.”
The report highlights data and case studies on trafficking in, through, and around sport, with particular attention to how young athletes are exposed to risk through deceptive recruitment practices and unregulated migration routes.
High-Level Perspectives: Policy, Governance, and Action
Following the presentation, Mr. Stephan Fox, President of the Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport (AIMS), President of United Through Sports (UTS), and Secretary General of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA), contributed remarks emphasizing the governance and ethical dimensions of safeguarding in sport. His interventions focused on accountability within sport institutions and the importance of embedding safeguarding measures into federation structures.
Governmental perspectives were provided by Melrose Karminty, Minister of Social Welfare of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and Ms. Diahann Gordon Harrison, Special Rapporteur on Human Trafficking from Jamaica. Both reflected on the need for inclusive policy frameworks and stronger national mechanisms to address trafficking, particularly where social vulnerability and poverty intersect with sport migration.
At the international level, Ambassador Claudia Fuentes Julio, Permanent Representative of Chile to the UN in Geneva and Chair of Alliance 8.7, outlined the connection between anti-trafficking efforts in sport and the broader implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) , specifically SDGs 4, 5, 8, 10, and 16, which address education, gender equality, decent work, reduced inequalities, and strong institutions.
Sport leadership representation came from Mr. Samuel Eto’o, President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) and Member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee. His support reinforces the athlete’s perspective into the policy dialogue, reinforcing the role of sport federations in shaping transparent and protective environments for youth development.
Moderated Discussion: Shared Approaches and Cooperation
The interactive dialogue was moderated by our CEO, Ms. Julia Govinden. Participants from governments, international organisations, and sport federations exchanged insights on:
- Preventing trafficking and exploitation in athlete development pathways
- Gender-specific vulnerabilities and safeguarding practices
- The role of sport in promoting community integration
- Policy alignment between sport and migration frameworks
- The importance of international cooperation through platforms such as Alliance 8.7
The discussion emphasised collaboration across sectors and the use of data-driven research, advocacy, and education to strengthen protective measures at all levels of sport governance.
Lerina Bright on the far left, Stephan Fox President of UTS in the middle, and Julia Govinden CEO of UTS on the far right
Commitments and Next Steps
In the closing segment, presented by UTS CEO Julia Govinden the event concluded with a collective commitment to continue strengthening multilateral frameworks, integrating safeguarding standards into sport systems, and supporting inclusive pathways for youth through education and ethical recruitment. According to the event organisers, post-summit actions include the distribution of a summary report with recommendations to Member States and UN bodies, as well as the integration of outcomes into ongoing initiatives linked to the Pact for the Future and SDG acceleration processes.
United Through Sports: A Shared Purpose
For United Through Sports, participation in this dialogue reaffirmed its core mission, to unite sport, education, and social impact. By fostering partnerships that span continents and sectors, the organisation continues to support inclusive opportunities that protect, empower, and inspire young people around the world.
The discussions in Doha brought clarity that collective action across sport and society is essential to ensuring that every child and young athlete can pursue their dreams safely and with dignity, a vision that embodies what it truly means to be United Through Sports.
