Safe Sport International Global Conference 2025: A Milestone Event in Johannesburg, South Africa

Illustrative Image: Safe Sport International Global Conference 2025: A Milestone Event in Johannesburg, South Africa
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Date: 26–28 November 2025
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Safe Sport International (SSI) is thrilled to announce its 6th Global Safe Sport Conference, set to take place for the first time on African soil. This landmark event represents a pivotal step in the global movement to promote safe, inclusive, and equitable sports environments across all levels—from grassroots programs to elite competition.

About the Conference

The SSI Global Safe Sport Conference is recognized worldwide as a premier forum for advancing safeguarding in sports. The 2025 edition will convene leaders, practitioners, researchers, policy advisors, and representatives from international sporting bodies, providing a unique platform to explore emerging trends, challenges, and best practices in the field of sports safety.

This year’s conference will highlight the importance of context-driven safeguarding, with a particular focus on the Global South, while fostering cross-regional collaboration with stakeholders from the Global North. By combining practical workshops, keynote addresses, panel discussions, and cultural events, SSI2025 aims to drive actionable change in how sports organizations protect athletes and vulnerable groups.

Why South Africa?

South Africa, with its rich cultural heritage, history of resilience, and dynamic sports ecosystem, is the perfect host for this transformative event. Johannesburg, particularly the vibrant Melrose Arch precinct, will provide an inspiring backdrop for dialogue, learning, and innovation.

Conference Objectives

SSI2025 seeks to:

• Showcase African Leadership: Elevate the voices, research, and initiatives emerging from Africa, demonstrating the continent’s growing influence in shaping global safeguarding standards.

• Facilitate Global Exchange: Strengthen collaboration between stakeholders from different regions, fostering knowledge sharing and mutual learning between the Global North and South.

• Build Capacity: Equip practitioners, organizations, and policymakers with the tools, frameworks, and strategies necessary to implement effective safeguarding measures.

• Elevate Research: Highlight the work of researchers in the Global South, ensuring that policies and practices reflect the unique social, cultural, and legal contexts of diverse regions.

Thematic Areas

The conference program is structured around three main thematic days:

• Day 1: Celebrating research and researchers from the Global South

• Day 2: Examining safeguarding successes and challenges in the African context

• Day 3: Exploring international safe sport priorities, frameworks, and evolving global standards

Other key themes include:

• Safeguarding across cultures: addressing policy, cultural, and legal challenges

• Amplifying youth voices and protecting women, children, and marginalized groups

• Connecting global frameworks to local contexts

• Transitioning from crisis response to long-term cultural change in sports

• Strengthening leadership and accountability in safeguarding initiatives

The conference also aligns with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, reinforcing SSI’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations in sporting environments.

Organizing Partners

SSI2025 is made possible through collaboration with:

• Sport for Social Change Network Africa (SSCN Africa)

• African Union Sports Council (AUSC)

• Afrika Desk

• Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA)

These partnerships ensure a conference that is not only globally significant but also locally impactful, amplifying the voices of African practitioners and researchers.

Participation and Opportunities

SSI invites all stakeholders—sports organizations, policymakers, researchers, and advocacy groups—to join this pivotal conversation. Opportunities include:

• Pre-registering for tickets to secure your place at the in-person conference

• Sponsorship and support, including funding participation for marginalized voices, providing venues and catering, and supporting post-conference research initiatives

• Conference catch-up access, allowing stakeholders to view recorded sessions from past events (2018–2024) via Safe Sport Connect

Conference History

• 2018, Madrid: Inaugural SSI Global Conference

• 2021–2022: Online conferences during the COVID-19 pandemic

• 2023, London: Hybrid conference with over 290 participants

• 2024: Online edition

The decision to host SSI2025 in Africa follows calls from previous conferences to bring the next in-person gathering to the Global South, promoting inclusivity and regional representation in shaping the global safeguarding agenda.

Accommodation, Transport, and Tourism

Thanks to the support of the Gauteng Tourism Authority, participants will enjoy a variety of accommodation options near the main conference venue in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg. Transport and tourism guidance will also be provided to help attendees explore South Africa’s vibrant culture and heritage.

Join the Conversation

SSI2025 is more than a conference—it is a global movement to champion integrity, inclusion, and safety in sport. By participating, stakeholders contribute to shaping policies, practices, and partnerships that protect athletes, children, women, and marginalized groups worldwide.

For the latest information, programme details, and pre-registration, visit the: Safe Sport International event webpage.