In 2016 IFMA signed an important MOU with UNESCO towards sport inclusivity and incorporation of sustainable development. 116 member countries of UNESCO came together from 13 – 15 of July to the international conference for ministers and senior officials responsible for physical education and sport.

IFMA general secretary Stephan Fox was invited to be part of the expert panel and gave his experience in protecting the integrity of the sport especially in protecting the youth, children and other vulnerable groups.

This was a great opportunity to showcase the work IFMA has done over the previous years to gain IOC recognition and many meetings took place in Kazan with high UNESCO officials and sport ministers from around the world which of course included the host country Russia. The Sports Minister of Russia, Pavel Anatolyevich Kolobkov and the Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports HE Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul were in attendance beside many others.

IFMA will continue to use the power of sport to create a positive change towards a better tomorrow.