The Global Observatory for Gender Equality & Sport+ Conference 2026 brought together participants from all over the world in Lausanne on 29 September to explore how evidence, measurement and investment can help translate commitments on gender equality in sport+ into meaningful action.

Under the theme Measure To Matter, the conference convened representatives from governments, international and national sport organisations, academia, civil society and the sport for development sector, creating a space to connect evidence with policy, practice and lived experience.

Throughout the day, keynote conversations, panel discussions and interactive sessions explored three central areas:

• From data to policy to impact: examining how evidence can strengthen governance and support the translation of international commitments into national priorities and action.
• Measuring what matters for girls: looking beyond participation numbers to better understand girls’ experiences, empowerment, health, leadership and long-term engagement in sport.
• Investment and gender budgeting: exploring how financial decisions can advance — or constrain — progress towards gender equality, and how resources can be directed more effectively.

Across these conversations, a recurring message emerged: measurement matters when it leads to action. Data can identify gaps and track progress, but meaningful change also requires listening to lived experiences, investing in what works and ensuring that evidence informs decisions at every level.

Alongside the main programme, interactive breakout sessions created opportunities for participants to engage with practical approaches and tools, while dedicated networking moments encouraged exchange and new connections across sectors and regions.

Poster Exhibition

The conference also featured a dedicated Poster Exhibition, showcasing research, initiatives, policies, programmes and practical approaches related to gender equality in and through sport. The poster walk provided a space for participants and authors to exchange directly, share experiences and explore emerging evidence and ideas from different contexts.

The 2026 Conference reinforced the importance of bringing diverse actors together — not only to generate and discuss evidence, but to consider how it can be transformed into better policies, stronger investment and more meaningful outcomes for girls and women in sport.

The GO Gender Equality & Sport+ Conference 2026 Report will be published soon. Stay tuned.

Conference Report 2025 : Connecting for Change

The 2025 Gender Equality and Sport+ Conference reaffirmed the organisation’s leadership in advancing gender equality through sport, highlighting accountable governance, inclusive data, cross-sector collaboration, and athlete-centerd approaches. Across three days of dialogue, participants emphasised that equality frameworks must move beyond intent toward measurable action, driven by athlete voice, inclusive research, innovation, and a deeper focus on women’s health and well-being.

Conference Report 2024 : From Research to Action

With the powerful theme, From Research to Action, the conference aimed to share key insights from research and best practices in the field. It provided simultaneously an essential platform for key stakeholders in the sports ecosystem to connect and stimulate collaboration in their pursuit of gender equality across all areas and levels of sport. Participants included influential government officials, leaders from international sports federations, UN agencies, esteemed academics, advocacy groups, and private foundations, all coming together to share the latest research and best practices.

Conference Report 2023

The meeting focused on confirming the data strategy of the Global Observatory to advance measurement of progress on gender equality and sport. It was held in close collaboration with UNESCO on 23 -24 November 2023 in Paris.

Conference Report 2022

Open Fields, Open Questions: Inclusive Gender Equality meeting and conference held on 30 January – February 2023 in Lausanne (postponed from November 2022). Read the Recommendations for Research and Action drawn from the conference and closed meetings.