Climate change will not only have an impact on sports but also already has on the wildlife of the so called “big cats”. Therefore the TAFISA World Congress 2023 participants took part in a “Catwalk” by the Catmosphere Foundation. The route led the group along Düsseldorf’s Rhine riverbank. During the trip the walkers showed masks with their favorite big cats, such as leopards, tigers or lions. The awareness is growing that climate change is imminent and the scientific data is clear.

PD Dr. Karim Abu-Omar from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg pointed it out during the day’s first session on the impact of climate change to the Sport for All movement: “Of course, every person gains a better quality of life with personal health. But there cannot be healthy people on a sick planet. That is why we have to find a balance." The fourth day of the 28^th TAFISA World Congress focused on humanity’s challenges: climate change and the increasing number of armed conflicts throughout the world. In the corresponding session the speakers agreed on that sport can make an impressive impact on fostering peace in the world.

On the way to the follow-up TAFISA World Congress 2025, the IOC, the WHO, the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) and TAFISA presented their various action frameworks, which are aligned with the TAFISA Mission 2030. Jean-Francois Laurent (TAFISA), Katrin Grafarend (DOSB), Ollie Dudfield (IOC) and Dr. Fiona Bull (WHO) agreed that goals can only be achieved by combining forces. Dr. Bull said: “We have solutions for global and sustainable grassroot sports but we still have to fight for implementation. Especially towards the political leadership in the respective countries.” The delegates have been involved by expressing their personal opinions in world café discussions. The results of the interactive session were included in the Congress summary.

The Congress participants finally agreed on a “Call to Action” which asks for concerted action towards governments at all levels, the private sector, media, NGOs, global and regional institutions, across all sectors, to combine our complementary strengths and resources. The Congress finally came to a close with a colorful Closing Ceremony starring gymnast and singer Lucas Fischer, the “Residenz Münster” dance club and Bonn-based German brass band “Druckluft”.