This Manifesto outlines the path for creating the fifth pillar of SIGA’s Universal Standards on Sport Integrity – Environment, Sustainability, and Social Responsibility in Sport.
This new pillar complements the existing standards on Sport Governance, Financial Integrity in Sport, Integrity in Sports Betting, and Youth Development and Protection in Sport.
Together, these pillars represent SIGA’s holistic approach to sport integrity. To ensure rigorous adherence to these standards, SIGA’s Independent Rating and Verification System (SIRVS) will be used, providing transparent and thorough oversight.
The Manifesto highlights SIGA LATIN AMERICA’s unique regional perspective and commitment, aligned with SIGA’s global vision for sport integrity. The document reaffirms the commitment to preserving biodiversity, addressing climate change, and promoting sustainable practices in the sports industry.
The objectives include:
* Developing SIGA’s Universal Standards for Environment, Sustainability, and Social Responsibility in Sport;
* Ensuring compliance with SIGA’s Universal Standards through SIRVS and providing support during the implementation process;
* Promoting sustainability literacy within the sports community;
* Organizing summits, scientific forums, and encouraging academic and innovative projects;
* Building a network of key public and private partners in Latin America;
* Recommending the adoption of SIGA’s Universal Standards by organizers of national and international sports competitions and incorporating these standards into licensing processes for participation in sports competitions;
* Contributing to COP30 in Belém, Brazil (2025).
Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, SIGA’s Global CEO, emphasized the importance of the Manifesto: “The launch of this Manifesto during Sport Integrity Week 2024 marks a decisive moment for SIGA and for Sport. This Manifesto is the precursor to the creation of a new set of Universal Standards that, along with the existing four, will play a crucial role in ensuring global sport is governed by best practices and reaches the highest levels of integrity and good governance.”
“The fact that this initiative originates in Brazil, the cradle of the Amazon and the stage for major international competitions, is significant. Just as Brazil is known for exporting sports talent worldwide, I believe that, in the field of Sport Sustainability and through direct collaboration with SIGA, Brazil, and Latin America in general, will become global references in this crucial area,” he said.
Rodrigo M. Weinhardt, Chair of SIGA’s Standing Committee on Environment, Sustainability, and Social Responsibility, stated: “During this Sport Integrity Week 2024, SIGA presents its Sustainability Manifesto, created and developed by a highly dedicated team committed to the cause. This document represents a milestone for global sport!”
“I am sure there are many people, minds, and hearts around the world who share this mission and vision. What we hope now is for this Manifesto to become a catalyst, inspiring and attracting more and more people to join us on this journey. Through sport, we have the power to promote change and make a difference for a more sustainable and conscious future!” he emphasized.
Claudia Santos Alencar, President of SIGA’s Standing Committee on Environment, Sustainability, and Social Responsibility, added: “We are all called to embrace this fundamental commitment to sport: SIGA LATIN AMERICA’s Manifesto for Sustainable Sport. Environmental responsibility requires us to minimize our impact, promoting conscious practices in every action. This commitment to sustainable development aligns with the demands for environmental transparency and accountability, reflecting the leadership sport needs. With concrete actions and a spirit of integrity, we are moving towards sport that unites, inspires, and preserves the planet’s future.”
Gustavo Perrone Nabinger, co-owner of Clube Laguna SAF, emphasized: “Laguna Esporte is the first vegan club in Brazil, the second in the world, and the first to emerge as an ESG-oriented company in Brazilian football. This reflects the importance we place on sports sustainability, a powerful vehicle for conveying the relevance of this issue. Through sport, we can speak about the importance of changing habits and raising awareness of the threats impacting the environment. We no longer have time to ignore this emergency.”
Source: GMB