World Athletics has reaffirmed its commitment to the Joint Sport Pledge by expanding opportunities through sport and using its global platform to highlight the talent of refugee athletes, challenge perceptions, and reshape narratives.
Vice President Jackson Tuwei said the federation remains dedicated to supporting talented refugee athletes by providing meaningful competitive opportunities.
“In collaboration with the Olympic Refuge Foundation, this will include the participation of the first athletics refugee team at the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, followed by representation at the World Athletics Championships Beijing 2027,” he said.
He added that World Athletics will encourage its Member Federations to broaden access and participation for refugee athletes, enabling them to train and compete at local, national, and continental levels.
Tuwei also noted that support will be further strengthened through the sponsorship of additional training camps for selected refugee athletes, an increase in the number of certified refugee coaches, the provision of media training, and the continuation of valuable in-kind support to refugee teams.
“Through the implementation of the World Athletics Safeguarding Policy, and in close collaboration with the Athletics Integrity Unit, we will remain vigilant and proactive in protecting the safety, wellbeing, and rights of refugee athletes within our programs,” he said.
He emphasized that athletics is about more than competition and results—it is about the physical and mental wellbeing of athletes.
Through the sport, World Athletics aims to create inclusive environments where people forced to flee can belong, grow, and thrive.
