GLOBAL INTRODUCTION OF THE GOAL WITH SOME STATISTICS

Inequality within and among nations continues to be a persistent cause for concern. Despite progress income inequality continues to rise in many parts of the world, but at different speeds, lowest in Europe and highest in the Middle East even as the bottom 40 percent of the population in many countries has experienced positive growth rates.

Inequality still persists and large disparities remain in access to health and education services and other assets.

Reducing inequalities is one of 17 Global Goals that make up the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is key for ensuring no one is left behind is an integral part for achieving other Sustainable Development Goals. 

Especially during recent months the situation has become more challenging for the poorest and most vulnerable communities as COVID-19 has deepened existing inequalities by hitting them hardest. Pandemic has significantly increased global unemployment and decreased workers’ incomes. Refugees and migrants, as well as indigenous peoples, older persons, people with disabilities and children are particularly at risk of being left behind. 

These widening disparities require sound policies to empower lower income earners, and promote economic inclusion of all regardless of sex, race or ethnicity that requires global solutions.

HOW CAN SPORT BE USEFUL TO REACH THE GOAL?

The UN has defined 10 Targets and 11 Indicators for SDG 10. One of the SDG Indicators agreed at the 47th session of the UN Statistical Commission held in March 2016 is to empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status by 2030.  Along with direct investments facilitating the mobility of people is also key to bridging the widening divide.

The right to equality and non-discrimination is a cornerstone of international law. Sport, including sport events, can amplify the message of equality, address discriminatory practices, promote the value of diversity and become a platform for human rights based inclusiveness. Since the millennium, a significant number and range of policy and practice interventions have sought to enhance the contribution of sport to sustainable development. 

Sport has been always recognised as a contributor to the empowerment of individuals, such as women and young people, and participation in it offers opportunities for the empowerment of people with disabilities by showcasing ability instead of disability, through which raising awareness and promoting respect. Sport can therefore be effectively used for the inclusion of all irrespective of age, sex, race, ethnicity, origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or economic or other status.

Reducing inequalities goal can be achieved in and through sport by raising awareness towards existent inequalities and establishing sport-related policies and programmes aimed at reducing them.