The summit of women’s sport

Lisa Wainwright MBE CEO, Sports and Recreation Alliance

Thirty-two years ago, a remarkable group of women gathered in Brighton with the ambition to create a global movement that would champion women in sport and drive lasting change. Last month, it was a privilege to see that movement return to the UK as Birmingham welcomed more than 950 delegates from across the world for the IWG Global Summit 2026. For the Sport and Recreation Alliance, hosting the UK secretariat and bringing the Summit to Birmingham represented far more than delivering a world-class international event. It was a strategic investment, made on behalf of our members, that demonstrated the Alliance’s unique role in convening the sector, influencing policy, sharing evidence and building partnerships that will shape the future of sport and recreation and the critical issue of gender equality.

Over three inspiring days, the Summit brought together an exceptional line-up of global leaders, including Kirsty Coventry, President of the International Olympic Committee, Lord Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, Chris Boardman, Dame Katherine Grainger and Dame Denise Lewis, alongside leading researchers and policymakers. Their contributions reinforced a clear message that meaningful progress for women and girls in sport depends on leadership, collaboration and sustained action.

The quality of the discussion throughout the Summit was exceptional with delegates and members exploring practical solutions, fresh evidence and innovative approaches to participation, leadership, governance and investment, demonstrating the power of bringing together diverse voices to support organisations and drive change.

Over three inspiring days, the Summit brought together an exceptional line-up of global leaders

The Summit also showcased the Alliance’s core purpose in action, strengthening our position as a recognised convening organisation in sport policy, and in doing so, creating new opportunities to influence thinking well beyond the Summit itself and deepen relations with global leaders. This was an investment in the future capability of our sector, members, and our collective influence.

It was also a privilege to deliver a keynote address on the final day and to see so many Alliance members contributing throughout the programme. Their expertise highlighted the strength of UK sport and recreation and demonstrated the vital role our sector plays in delivering positive social impact. Although the Summit has concluded, our work continues. We now have a unique opportunity to build on the momentum created in Birmingham by turning new partnerships and shared learning into practical action that improves opportunities for women and girls. As we hand over the secretariat to the Brazil Olympic Committee ahead of Rio 2030, we do so knowing that the legacy of Birmingham will be measured not only by what was achieved during those three days, but by the lasting change it inspires in the years ahead.