April 2, 2025 – Limerick, Ireland
On March 31, 2025, the University of Limerick proudly launched the UNESCO Chair in Physical Education and Sports Pedagogy for Sustainable Development, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing sustainable development through physical education and sport pedagogy. The online launch event brought together experts, educators, and stakeholders from around the world, featuring a series of insightful contributions. The event highlighted the Chair's goals of fostering global collaboration, promoting research, and empowering communities to integrate sustainability into education through physical education and sport.
The keynote speaker for the event was Professor Cora Burnett-Louw from the University of Johannesburg, who delivered an inspiring address on the intersection of sustainability and social impact in education. In addition, messages were shared by Professor Shane Kilcommins, Acting President of the University of Limerick, Philipp Müller-Wirth, Chair of the Sport Section at UNESCO, the UNESCO Chair partner Dr. Larissa Rafaela Galatti from the University of Campinas, Brazil, and a member of the UNESCO Chair team Andrea Deverell, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Futures and Innovation at the University of Limerick. Professor Elaine Murtagh, from the Department of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, served as the facilitator for the event and is a valued member of the Chair team.
Professor Ann MacPhail, Chair of the UNESCO Chair, and Professor Marco Rieckmann, Co-Chair (University of Vechta, Germany), introduced the aims and activities of the Chair during the launch. At the conclusion of the event, Professor Ann MacPhail provided some closing thoughts and outlined the way forward for the Chair's future activities.
“We are excited to embark on this new chapter for physical education and sport pedagogy,” said Professor Ann MacPhail. “The Chair offers an incredible opportunity to bring together international stakeholders to address the critical intersection of sustainability, education, and sport. Our mission is to provide a platform for research and action that will support sustainable development in education worldwide.”
Professor Marco Rieckmann, Co-Chair of the UNESCO Chair, added, “This initiative aims to foster a global network of educators, researchers, policymakers, and communities who are passionate about integrating sustainable development into education and sport. Today marks the beginning of an important journey to create positive change for future generations.” The UNESCO Chair in Physical Education and Sports Pedagogy for Sustainable Development is an international effort that seeks to establish a sustainable and inclusive approach to physical education and sport. By collaborating with global partners, the Chair will facilitate research, capacity building, and educational practices that contribute to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
The Chair will continue its work through regular activities, such as seminars, conferences, and biannual lectures, aimed at engaging key stakeholders in the ongoing dialogue about sustainability in physical education and sport.
UNESCO Chair launch address from Professor Shane Kilcommins, Acting President of the University of Limerick is available here - https://youtu.be/SJBQCpu6V4k
For more information, please contact the Physical Education, Physical Activity and Youth Sport
(PEPAYS) Research Centre associated with the UNESCO Chair – PEPAYS@ul.ie