Join us to explore how innovative sport partnerships can deliver measurable social impact and advance the Sustainable Development Goals. This event marks exactly one month until the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 kicks off, highlighting a key moment to emphasise the importance of sport as a powerful tool for advancing gender equality and social impact.

  • Date and time: Tuesday, July 22 · 1:15 – 2:45pm EDT. Doors open at 1:00pm
  • Location: Permanent Mission of the Republic of Singapore to the United Nations, 318 East 48th Street, New York, NY 10017, United States
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Unlocking the power of sport for sustainable development

Sport has the power to significantly accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly gender equality (SDG 5), good health and well-being (SDG 3), and strategic global partnerships (SDG 17). ChildFund Rugby, World Rugby, and UN Women have demonstrated this potential through the Pass It Back initiative, a globally recognised sport-for-development approach celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025. To date, Pass It Back has empowered over 82,000 young people across 36 countries, with over half being female.

Coinciding with the global momentum of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England, the largest ever held, this official side event at the 2025 UN High-Level Political Forum will showcase how strategic collaboration across sport bodies, governments, and civil society can drive real, community-led change. The session will emphasise the critical role of sport in advancing gender equality, ending violence against women and girls, and supporting youth leadership at scale.

Event agenda

  • Opening Remarks: Kim Nortman, Moderator
  • Welcoming Remarks: Representative of the Singapore Government (Co-sponsor)
  • Presentation: Building 10 Years of Impact through Pass It Back
  • Panel Discussion: Inclusive Sport – Driving Gender Equality, Ending Violence, and Building Partnerships
  • High-Level Government Roundtable Moderated by Chris Fajardo
  • Audience Q&A
  • Closing Remarks

Frequently asked questions

  • Can I attend in person? Yes! In-person attendance is welcome. Please register in advance so your name can be added to the list provided to security.
  • Will the event be live streamed? Yes, a livestream will be available. Please register to access the link and further updates.
  • Is registration required? Yes. Whether attending in person or online, registration is required to ensure access and receive event materials.
  • Who should attend? This event is open to representatives from governments, sport organisations, the private sector, civil society, and development partners who are interested in how sport can advance the SDGs.
Register to attend virtually
Register to attend in person