Event : 29 April 2026
On April 29th 2026, Ibn Tofail University hosted the 24th edition of “Parlons Développement” the Let’s Talk Development initiative under the theme “Sport and Environment: Playing as a Team for the Planet.” The event provided a platform for reflection and dialogue on a crucial contemporary challenge: how to reconcile a passion for sport with the preservation of the environment.
This edition of Let’s Talk Development was co-organized by the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS), the World Bank, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with Ibn Tofail University, the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, and the Hassan II International Center for Environmental Training.
Bringing together experts, academics, students, and environmental stakeholders, the event highlighted the growing need to integrate sustainability into sporting activities and major sporting events. Through insightful discussions and exchanges, participants explored the environmental impact of sports practices and the opportunities to promote greener and more responsible approaches.
The meeting focused on three main objectives. First, it aimed to raise awareness about the effects of physical and sporting activities on ecosystems and natural resources. Second, it encouraged participants to anticipate future challenges by reflecting on the sustainable organization of major international sporting events, including preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Finally, it sought to pass on values of responsibility and citizenship by using sport as a powerful tool to inspire environmental commitment among young people.
The discussions emphasized that environmental protection requires collective action and shared responsibility. Just as success in sports depends on teamwork, preserving the planet demands the active participation of individuals, institutions, and communities.
The event also highlighted the contribution of sport to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13, SDG 12, and SDG 17. By promoting sustainable practices and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, the initiative demonstrated how sport can become a catalyst for positive environmental change.
By fostering dialogue between experts and students, this edition of Let’s Talk Development reaffirmed that protecting the environment is truly a “team sport.” Every action, no matter how small, contributes to building a more sustainable and responsible future for generations to come.