Mediterranean countries have a lot in common: a sea, a history, culture, food, and values that remind us that it is possible to work together and create a new common destiny. These values are what sport transmits. The multipurpose nature of sport allows it to cover educational, social, health or economic functions.

Sport is a powerful force for cooperation and peace. There are numerous examples of it. The power of sports inspires and promotes the values of teamwork, non-violence, gender equality, social integration, tolerance and justice. Values that are beyond borders, cultures, races or religions.

Sport can play an important role in the development of the Mediterranean region. Worldwide, it represents 2% of GDP, but in the Mediterranean region and Africa it does not exceed 0.5%. It is possible to develop this potential, to make sport a new growth niche through investments in infrastructure, which develop the sector and create jobs. This is also an opportunity to do business, as some former athletes prove in the humanitarian, associative and, especially, business fields.

Two more key words: youth and women. On one hand, a third of the Mediterranean population is between 15 and 34 years old. States can mobilise public policies to develop sport as an economic sector that generates employment, local industries that are a window of opportunity for youth. On the other hand, sport is also a vector of women’s emancipation. Therefore, it would be advisable to promote and support the practice of women’s sports in the region and offer better opportunities to young  people.

Companies that focus their strategy, products or services around sport are growing and many sectors benefit from associated cultural, economic or recreational activities, such as telecommunications, construction or tourism.

The transformation of the Mediterranean region towards a knowledge economy is needed. This could be achieved by creating centres of excellence for education, health and sports, partnering with the best, to build a brand with investments aimed at creating an international reputation. Sport should be made a new growth niche through investments in infrastructure, helping in the creation of jobs for young people. Sport can boost the ability to acquire and produce knowledge, which is a fundamental factor in competitiveness.

Growth in the sport industries is likely to continue as data improves and teams look for strategic advantage. In economic terms, the global sports industry certainly is much more than a game. But we are ready to play and win.