The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has made a submission to the independent review of aid effectiveness– this is the first independent review of the Australian Government’s international aid program in 15 years.

The review will examine whether the current systems, policies and procedures for the international aid program maximise effectiveness and efficiency.

The ASC‘s submission highlights Sport for Development as an effective and cost-efficient development tool.

Sport for Development is a growing international field that envisions that sport is not just an end in itself, but also an effective tool to help improve the lives of children, families and communities. Sport for Development practices are now embedded in the core business of most UN agencies, donor governments, international sports federations and international NGOs.

The Australian Government supports the ASC’s Australian Sports Outreach Program to deliver Sport for Development programs and this is being shaped by conventions, platforms and working groups that aim to sustain and progress the quality of such initiatives being undertaken worldwide.

The ASC submission makes the following key recommendations:

1. Embed Sport for Development initiatives in strategies to contribute to Australia’s efforts in helping countries meet the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and mitigate natural disasters

2. Commit to supporting sports systems’ capacity to provide high quality sport and play activities

3. Commit to support more evidence-based practices, using sport as a tool for reducing poverty in developing countries.

The ASC, through its partnership with AusAID and other government agencies continues to contribute to this important area of Sport and Development.

To view the full list of submissions made to the independent review of aid effectiveness, click here.