Newcastle City Council Champions Gender Equity in Sport and Physical Activity with Signing of Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration

Newcastle City Council has officially joined the global movement for systemic change in sport and physical activity by signing the IWG Women & Sport’s Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration. 

The formal signing, which took place on Sunday 22 March at St James’ Park, signals Newcastle City Council’s commitment to turning international principles into local action. By joining a network of over 600 global organisations – including the International Olympic Committee (IOC), National Governing Bodies of the British gymnastics community, and various international agencies and government organisations – the Council is reaffirming its responsibility to remove barriers and ensure women and girls can thrive in every sporting environment.

The Council is already driving participation through investments in safe, accessible, and affordable community sports facilities, and working closely with clubs, schools, community organisations, leisure partners, and the voluntary sector to all support women and girls to be active in ways that suit their lives. 

Cllr Karen Kilgour, the first female Leader of Newcastle City Council, said:

“We’re proud to stand with partners around the world in championing women and girls in sport. By signing this Declaration, we’re reaffirming our belief that sport should be a place where every woman and girl in Newcastle feels welcome, valued and able to shine. 

“Sport is in our blood, Newcastle United in particular is part of the fabric of our city, and we are proud to be a host city for both Euro 2028 and the UK’s Women’s World Cup bid for 2035. It brings a global spotlight to our city, drives economic growth but it also supports our commitment for a healthier Newcastle.”  

Newcastle’s commitment to this work extends beyond the pitch. Through their Active Newcastle initiative, the Council are working to embed gender equity in the city’s wider health and wellbeing strategies. In collaboration with local organisations, they also support inclusive programmes that cater to all abilities, as well as marketing campaigns that challenge stereotypes around physical activity and leadership. 

Annamarie Phelps, Co- Chair of IWG, added:

"We are thrilled to welcome Newcastle City Council to our global community. True progress requires leaders who are willing to challenge the status quo and build equity into the fabric of their cities. Newcastle’s focus on policy-driven change and community-led action is exactly what is needed to create a sporting system where all women and girls are valued and visible."