Lausanne, Switzerland — The International Boxing Association (IBA) participated in the World Cup Diplomacy Summit 2026 – A Global Dialogue, hosted at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
Representing the IBA, Director of International Relations Alisa Shcherbachenya joined the plenary discussion “Promoting Grassroots Participation and Pathways for Future Athletes and Leaders,” together with experts and representatives from international organizations, academia, humanitarian institutions, and the sports industry.
The Summit convened diplomats, government officials, UN representatives, sports leaders, academics, and private-sector stakeholders to discuss how sport can contribute to diplomacy, social inclusion, sustainable development, and international collaboration.
Speaking during the session, Ms Shcherbachenya highlighted the need to create greater opportunities for women and youth, particularly in communities with limited access to sport. She emphasized the role of international federations in supporting grassroots development through education, capacity-building programmes, and assistance for National Federations.
She also addressed the increasing importance of athlete leadership, noting that athletes today play a vital role beyond competition as ambassadors, advocates, and community influencers. Developing leadership skills and providing educational opportunities throughout athletes’ careers, she noted, remains essential for the future of sport.
During the discussion, Ms Shcherbachenya presented several IBA initiatives designed to expand participation and strengthen boxing worldwide, including the Financial Support Program for National Federations, educational projects, and the Fair Chance Team programme, which provides athletes affected by humanitarian or social circumstances with an opportunity to continue competing internationally.
As part of her engagement at the Summit, Ms Shcherbachenya also contributed to the preparation of UNITAR’s forthcoming White Paper on Sport Diplomacy, which will bring together expert recommendations and best practices on leveraging sport for positive social and diplomatic impact.
The event underscored the growing recognition of sport as a powerful platform for fostering inclusion, dialogue, cooperation, and sustainable development across the globe.
For media inquiries, please contact IBA Communications Department via press@iba.sport
Comments
Share your thoughts on the above article.