Safe Sport 2026 Conference Programme
25–27 May | University of Cape Town, South Africa
Three days of research, dialogue and collaboration that brought together the global safe sport community in Cape Town.
A Global Gathering for Safe Sport
SafeSport26 brought together diverse voices from across governance, research, athlete communities and safeguarding practice for three days of shared learning and collaboration at the University of Cape Town.
Building on the SSI 2025 Global Safe Sport Online Conference, the Cape Town programme explored how safeguarding commitments translate into systems, leadership decisions and everyday practice across sport.
Through keynote presentations, research sessions, policy discussions, workshops and stakeholder dialogue, contributors shared evidence, lived experience and practical approaches to strengthening safeguarding worldwide.
The programme was organised around three interconnected themes: Knowledge Mobilisation, African Leadership & Innovation, and Global Vision. Shared Solutions.
Programme at a glance
Day 1 — Knowledge Mobilisation
Evidence, insight and global research shaping the future of safe sport.
Day 2 — African Leadership & Innovation
Context-specific responses, locally led solutions and leadership across African sport.
Day 3 — Global Vision. Shared Solutions.
Readiness, accountability and global practice for the next decade.
Monday – Knowledge Mobilisation
Evidence, insight and global research shaping the future of safe sport
Day 1 brought researchers, practitioners and policymakers together to explore emerging evidence and strengthen the connection between research and practice.
Sessions examined how research can inform safeguarding practice, support policy development and strengthen athlete protection systems worldwide.
Tuesday – African Leadership & Innovation
Context-specific responses and local leadership
Day 2 placed African leadership, knowledge and experience at the centre of the conversation.
Sessions explored safeguarding policy development, major-event safeguarding, locally led solutions and opportunities to strengthen collaboration and capacity across African sport systems.
Wednesday – Global Vision. Shared Solutions
Readiness, accountability and global practice for the next decade
Day 3 widened the lens to the global safeguarding landscape, exploring leadership, accountability, athlete voice, trusted reporting, emerging risks and international cooperation.
The programme examined how research, policy, lived experience and practice can work together to create safer sporting environments across different contexts.
More than a conference programme
Alongside the formal programme, SafeSport26 created opportunities for delegates to connect through informal networking, wellbeing activities, receptions and the conference dinner.
These moments were an important part of the conference: creating space for relationships to develop across countries, disciplines and sectors and helping strengthen the global community working towards safer sport.
