The Global Observatory Advisory Council 

The Global Observatory for Gender Equality & Sport Advisory Council is established to serve as a consultative body to foster collaboration among stakeholders promoting the mission of the GO. Advisory Council membership is open to academic institutions, sport associations, governmental agencies, NGOs, and corporate entities around the world therefore bringing diversity, credibility, visibility and universality to the GO. Its members enrich the GO strategic direction, advise on key initiatives, contribute to, participate in, or sponsor the work of think tanks, expert groups, research and publications, and specific programs.  

Objectives

The GO Advisory Council members will contribute: 

  • Strategic Guidance: Provide expert advice on advancing gender equality in sports. 
  • Collaboration Facilitation: Promote partnerships between sectors to support GO’s initiatives. 
  • Consultation on Key Services: Advise on services GO should offer to its members and the broader sports community. 
  • Thought Leadership: Lead dialogue on emerging challenges in gender equality within sports. 
  • Resource Sharing: Encourage the exchange of research, best practices, and case studies. 
  • Strategic Communications: Promote the visibility and agenda of the Global Observatory and the thematic of gender equality and sport across sectors and networks. 

The Advisory Council will play a vital role in shaping the future of the GO`s contribution to gender equality in sport and ensuring a mission that is informed by a diversity of stakeholders.

We invite committed actors from academia, sports, government, NGOs, and business to join us on this journey as members of the GO Advisory Council. 

Current Members of the GO Advisory Council

FÉDÉRATION AÉRONAUTIQUE INTERNATIONALE

FAI, the World Air Sports Federation, is the world governing body for air sports and for certifying world aviation and space records. FAI was founded in 1905 and is a non-governmental and non-profit-making organisation recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).  

FAI is committed to advancing gender equality in air sports by fostering inclusivity, ensuring equal opportunities, and supporting initiatives that empower women and underrepresented groups, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5. 

FAI activities include Aerobatics, Aeromodelling, Airships, Amateur-Built and Experimental Aircraft, Balloons, Drones, Gliding, Hang Gliding, Helicopters, Manpowered Flying, Microlights, Paragliding, Paramotors, Power Flying, Skydiving and all other Aeronautic activities and Space records. 

WORLD BASBALL SOFTBALL CONFEDERATION

Headquartered in Pully, Switzerland – adjacent to Lausanne, the Olympic Capital –The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) is the international governing body for the sport of Baseball/Softball including all the related disciplines, with 190 National Federations and over 65 million athletes, attracting approximately 150 million fans to stadiums worldwide annually. The WBSC has been a signatory of the IWG Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration since 2017 and ensures gender balance in leadership through its Statutes and its 2022-2028 Strategic Plan. The WBSC’s Women’s Baseball Development and Diversity & Inclusivity Commissions advocate for gender equality, while Baseball5, as a fully mixed-gender discipline, breaks barriers. Through education, advocacy, and policy, the WBSC commits to fostering a more inclusive future for all in Baseball/Softball.

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GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY

Griffith University is a leading university located in Queensland, Australia. Griffith is deeply committed to values of social justice, sustainability, and equity. This is reflected in its research agenda, community engagement, and inclusive policies. Griffith has a strong international reputation and is ranked among the top 2% of universities worldwide. It also actively collaborates with governments, industries, and international organizations on projects that address global challenges.   

In the realm of gender equality and sport, Griffith University has taken proactive steps to promote inclusivity and equity. The Sport and Gender Equity (SAGE) research hub at Griffith University leads innovative and impactful research aimed at advancing gender equity in sports. This multidisciplinary hub connects scholars, practitioners, athletes, and advocates to address the complexities of gender inequities and diversity, including intersections with culture, race, Indigeneity, sexuality, disability, and age. SAGE focuses on contributing to knowledge and practices that promote opportunities for women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals to lead in all aspects of sport. 

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LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY

Loughborough University is a leading UK institution renowned for its excellence in sport, engineering, and research-led teaching. Located in Leicestershire, it is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and globally recognized for its impact in sport science and innovation. The university is home to world-class facilities and has a strong commitment to advancing gender equality in sport through research, policy, and practice. Its collaborative and inclusive approach supports students and researchers in shaping the future of sport and society. In March 2025, Loughborough launched the Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub, aiming to revolutionize the women’s sports ecosystem by driving research across areas such as health, technology, culture and environments.

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AIESEP

Founded in 1962, AIESEP is an international, non-governmental, non-profit, professional association which aims to promote high quality research worldwide in the areas of physical education, physical activity and sport pedagogy across the lifespan. AIESEP has a multilingual and multicultural membership, comprising universities, colleges, institutions and individual members from across the globe.

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SEIJO UNIVERSITY

Seijo University is located in Tokyo, Japan. Seijo’s commitment to research and community outreach is reflected in initiatives like the International Research Center for Sport and Gender Equality (SGE), which advances inclusive practices in sport both in Japan and internationally. Established in 2023, SGE serves as a pivotal research hub in Japan, focusing on the intersection of sports and gender/sexuality studies. The center aims to promote gender equality through sports by engaging in international collaborations. Additionally, SGE is involved in initiatives like the “ASEAN-Japan Actions on Sports: Gender Equality” project, which seeks to create safe and inclusive sports environments for women and girls across ASEAN countries.

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LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

The Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Kinesiology, part of the College of Human Sciences & Education, is dedicated to advancing the understanding of physical activity, sport, and health to optimize quality of life for all people through excellence in teaching, research, and engagement. The school emphasizes inclusive practices and evidence-based approaches, including work that promotes equality for women and men in physical activity and sport. Through hands-on learning and interdisciplinary research, LSU contributes to advancing opportunities for girls and women and supportive environments for all in sport and health promotion.

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UNIVERSITY SIDI MOHAMMED BEN ABDELLAH – FES

Founded in 1975 and located in the ancient city of Fez, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University of Fez is a multidisciplinary public institution and one of the oldest universities in Morocco. It currently has more than 99,000 students, supervised by 1,735 teachers and 675 technical and administrative staff, spread across eight faculties, four schools, and a sports science institute. With over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programs and a variety of innovative and multidisciplinary training options, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University of Fez offers academic programs tailored to all profiles and designed to equip graduates with professional skills that can be used in the workplace.

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We invite academic institutions, sport associations, governmental agencies, NGOs, and corporate entities around the world to join the Advisory Council and to contribute to enriching the strategy, advising on key initiatives and developing GO activities around the world.

 

Advancing the empowerment, health and overall well-being of women and girls in all their diversity