World Aquatics reaffirms its commitment to people, the planet and the future of aquatic sports through Sustainability BlueprintWorld Aquatics is pleased to unveil its Sustainability Blueprint – a bold, comprehensive and actionable strategy that reflects the International Federation’s firm commitment to reducing the organisation’s environmental footprint, promoting social responsibility and embedding action into all areas of its operation. It also serves as an actionable roadmap to inspire a global movement for sustainable development through aquatics. 

To explore the Sustainability Blueprint in detail, please click here. 

Rooted in World Aquatics’ Vision and Mission, and shaped by stakeholder input from athletes, national federations, partners and industry leaders, the Blueprint establishes a clear path forward: to ensure aquatic sport thrives in harmony with nature – now and for generations to come. 

The strategy is anchored by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and structured around three Key Pillars – Organisation, Events and Community. It sets out 57 time-bound targets, all designed to embed sustainability into the fabric of World Aquatics’ operations and influence. 

“As an International Federation, World Aquatics holds both the privilege of a global platform and the responsibility to lead by example in promoting sustainability – environmental, social and governance – across our work and within our global community,” said President of World Aquatics Husain Al Musallam. “We are united in our commitment to harness the power of aquatic sports and our worldwide reach to help build a better future.” 

Meeting the challenges of today  

The climate crisis presents real and increasing risks to aquatic sports. Rising water temperatures and levels, extreme weather events, water scarcity and pollution threaten training facilities and competition venues, while the increased risk of drowning endangers the well-being of athletes and communities. 

In response, the Blueprint outlines opportunities to innovate through smarter infrastructure, circular resource use, renewable energy, inclusive practices and local community engagement. 

President Al Musallam stated; 

“Water covers over 70% of our planet, connecting people worldwide through our shared need for it, our use of it and the joy we find in and around it. Yet today, we must also work together to better understand and protect water, avoid or reduce any negative impacts on people, nature and the climate and ensure that aquatic ecosystems and all who depend on them can thrive.” 

Taking action now 

While a formal sustainability strategy was being created, World Aquatics has long been undertaking meaningful work that contributes to sustainable development.  

This includes the establishment of a baseline carbon footprint, through support from the International Olympic Committee and Deloitte, as well as the signing of the United Nations’ Sports for Climate Action Framework, an initiative aimed at encouraging the global sports community to contribute to worldwide climate action goals. 

Further, on World Drowning Prevention Day during the Olympic Games Paris 2024, World Aquatics launched its landmark Discover Water programme. This initiative equips young children with essential water safety skills, helping to create safer access to aquatic sports. More on this can be found here.  

The Sustainability Blueprint launched provides a cohesive framework and clear direction to accelerate and expand these efforts. 

To find out more about the ways that World Aquatics is already taking action, please click here.

A strategy shaped by the aquatics community 

The development of the Blueprint took over a year and involved extensive engagement with stakeholders across the global aquatics ecosystem. It responds directly to feedback from these discussions.  

Education and discussion sessions about the Blueprint, delivered to National Federations in recent months, have been very well received, and World Aquatics plans to build on this momentum through further collaboration with its community and beyond. 

A shared responsibility and movement  

World Aquatics recognises its unique role as a global organisation, event owner and community leader. It will continue to work closely with a variety of stakeholders to deliver on its targets and inspire a broader focus on sustainability across the aquatics ecosystem. 

World Aquatics recognises that this is not a journey with a fixed destination. It is a long-term commitment to help safeguard the health of our environment and ensure aquatic sports remain accessible, safe and inspiring for future generations. 

“Our goal is to ensure that today’s athletes, and tomorrow’s, have safe, healthy environments to train, compete and enjoy aquatic sports,” added President Al Musallam. “We acknowledge our commitment to this vital task and join a growing number of sports in a collaborative effort to take leadership in sustainable development. Through this Blueprint, we take that commitment further, assessing our unique responsibilities to both people and the planet.” 
-ENDS- About World Aquatics  

Driven by the vision of a world united by water for health, life and sport, World Aquatics is the international governing body for aquatic sports. Founded in 1908, World Aquatics is an independent organisation formed of 210 National Federations and five Continental Organisations. 

World Aquatics oversees six aquatic sports – swimming, water polo, diving, artistic swimming, open water swimming and high diving – and is recognised as the leading global authority of these sports by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). For more information, please visit: www.worldaquatics.com.