The FIVB recently took a major step in its sustainability journey, signing the United Nations (UN) Sports for Climate Action Framework at the Volleyball House in Lausanne, Switzerland, with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry attending the occasion.
The signing marks a landmark moment for the Global Volleyball Movement’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact and accelerating climate action through sport. It also brought together IOC President Coventry and FIVB President Fabio Azevedo, alongside volleyball and beach volleyball athletes for the conclusion of the first-ever Beyond the Court programme. Find out more about the programme here.
By joining the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, co-launched by the IOC and UN Climate Change (UNFCCC), the FIVB has committed to setting targets for the reduction of carbon emissions aligned with the Paris Agreement, developing plans to achieve net-zero emissions, and measuring and reporting progress transparently. Through this pledge, the FIVB positions volleyball among the global sports leaders taking proactive action to address the climate crisis.
FIVB President Fabio Azevedo signed the Framework on behalf of the FIVB, emphasising that this milestone represents a tangible shift from principle to action.
“Joining the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework is much more than just signing a piece of paper – it is a full commitment from the world of sport,” said Azevedo. “It is the full commitment of volleyball and the Global Volleyball Movement to fight the global climate emergency, together. I invite all our athletes here today to join us in signing this important pledge.”
The Beyond the Court athletes – joined by FIVB Board of Administration member and Athletes’ Commission President Louise Bawden – subsequently stepped forward to add their signatures to the Framework, symbolising a united front across the Global Volleyball Movement in support of climate action.
Beyond its environmental significance and alignment with the IOC Sustainability Strategy, the commitment will drive innovation within volleyball, from more sustainable event design alongside LOCs to increased collaboration with partners who share the same vision. It ensures that volleyball can inspire millions of athletes and fans to take meaningful climate action.
“Volleyball is more than a sport,” concluded Azevedo. “It is a global movement, and Together as One, we can make a real difference for our planet. This signing today is a great affirmation of that.”
