On Monday, 10 January, International Handball Federation (IHF) President Dr Hassan Moustafa took part in the ANOCA Sustainability and Climate Action Conference, a virtual seminar held by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).

With climate change being one of the defining issues of our times, as the impact on the world being distinctively clear, sports in general and handball in particular can act as catalysts to improve the conditions and reduce the effects on our planet.

The theme of the ANOCA Sustainability and Climate Action Conference was to educate and inspire for sustainability and climate change in sport, with several workshops, held by renowned experts, being put to topic.

After the opening remarks by ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf, a message from Dr Thomas Bach, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), was broadcast.

“Sustainability, indeed, is key for the future of our world and for the future of sport. The sport is considered an important enabler to achieve these United Nations sustainability goals. Therefore, this conference comes at the right time and I wish the best outcome for all the people in Africa and, in particular, of the African Olympic movement,” said Dr Bach.

Different topics, varying from the IOC Sustainability Strategy, to corporate governance and sustainability, and a case study of the IOC Headquarters, as a green building, were discussed in the mid-morning session.

The importance of climate action in sports was also underlined after the first break, with case studies – the sustainability of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and the Danish Olympic Committee – following on the agenda.

The Spanish Olympic Committee also offered a mentorship programme for the ANOCA members, with the seminar ending with topics varying from “Waste Management and Climate Action” to the need of adapting the African Olympic Committees to build climate-ready sport systems.

To watch the full ANOCA Sustainability and Climate Action Conference, click here.