The Brazil Olympic Committee has been selected to host the International Working Group (IWG) on Women & Sport Secretariat for 2026–2030, marking the first time the Secretariat will be based in South America. This historic appointment will culminate in the 10th IWG Global Summit on Women & Sport, to be held in Rio de Janeiro in July 2030.
A historic milestone for gender equity in sport has been announced. The Brazil Olympic Committee (COB) has been selected to host the International Working Group (IWG) on Women & Sport Secretariat for the 2026–2030 quadrennial, marking the first time in the IWG’s history that the Secretariat will be based in South America. This decision follows a highly competitive international bid process and reflects Brazil’s growing leadership in advancing women and girls in sport across the region and globally.
As part of this prestigious four‑year tenure, Brazil will also host the 10th IWG Global Summit on Women & Sport, to be held in Rio de Janeiro in July 2030. The Summit will bring together governments, sport organisations, global agencies, researchers, and advocates from around the world to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate action toward gender equity in sport and physical activity.
Building on the legacy of the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and looking ahead to Brazil hosting South America’s first FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027, the country is uniquely positioned to amplify the IWG’s mission during this quadrennial. Under COB’s leadership, the Secretariat will be responsible for driving the IWG Strategic Plan, coordinating global operations, managing the IWG Insight Hub, and deepening collaboration with key international partners including UN Women and UNESCO. Central to this work will be the continued promotion and implementation of the Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration, a global framework for advancing gender equality in sport.
Outgoing IWG Chair Annamarie Phelps, CBE OLY, highlighted the strength of Brazil’s vision, noting that the bid demonstrated a deep understanding of the global landscape for women in sport and a clear commitment to equity across the Americas. She emphasized the importance of continuity and momentum, as the Brazilian Secretariat builds on the partnerships, shared learning, and collective progress established by the UK Secretariat.
The Secretariat will benefit from strong leadership within Brazil, with Yane Marques, Olympic medallist and Vice‑President of the Brazil Olympic Committee, serving as Co‑Chair. Marques underscored the opportunity this role presents to expand and strengthen the work of women in sport, deepen global exchange, and elevate conversations around gender equity not only within Brazil, but across Latin America and beyond.
The transition to the Brazil‑led Secretariat will officially take place following the 9th IWG Global Summit in Birmingham, UK, in July 2026. As the world’s largest network dedicated to advancing gender equity and equality in sport and physical activity, the IWG—often described as a “network of networks”—continues to play a vital role in connecting local, national, and global efforts. Hosting the Secretariat and the 2030 Global Summit represents a powerful opportunity for South America to shape the future of women and girls in sport worldwide.
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