Sustainable Goals Through Sport (SGS) Project Launches with Kick-off Meeting in Budapest
The Sustainable Goals Through Sport (SGS) project officially launched with a kick-off meeting held in Budapest, Hungary on 26–27 February 2026. Hosted by Budapest Association for International Sports (BAIS), the meeting brought together project partners from across Europe and Africa to align on the project’s vision, governance, work plan, and next steps for implementation.
The SGS consortium brings together a diverse group of organisations with expertise in sport, youth engagement, and sustainability. Alongside ENGSO Youth and the project coordinators, Budapest Association for International Sports (Hungary), the partnership includes, Center for Sustainable Solutions Ireland, RHD Kenya, Association Jeunesse En Action GNO FAR (Senegal), and Sustainable Society Accelerator (Croatia). These organisations will work together over the next 2 years, to achieve the project’s objectives.
The first day of the meeting focused on strengthening collaboration among partners and building a shared understanding of the project’s objectives and structure. Partners introduced their organisations, shared expectations for the project, and discussed how their expertise will contribute to achieving the goals of SGS.
A project overview presented by BAIS highlighted the project’s vision, target groups, and its connection to the legacy of the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games Dakar, emphasising how sport can be a powerful tool to raise awareness about sustainability and social responsibility among young people.
Partners also reviewed the project’s work plan and timeline, discussing key milestones and the first activities that will be implemented in the coming months. Particular attention was given to the initial research phase, which will help identify current practices and opportunities for promoting sustainability through sport.
On the second day, partners discussed strategies for communication, dissemination, and stakeholder engagement, which is led by ENGSO Youth. The discussions focused on identifying key audiences and communication channels to ensure the project’s activities and results reach sport organisations, policymakers, and young people.
The kick-off meeting provided a valuable opportunity for partners to connect, exchange ideas, and establish a strong foundation for collaboration. As the SGS project moves forward, the consortium will begin implementing the first activities and planning the mobility opportunities aimed at strengthening the role of sport and young people in advancing sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The project partners are excited for the next phases of the project and to engage youth, sport organisations, and communities in building a more sustainable future through sport in Europe and Africa.