UFEC Joins the Global Movement for Gender Equality

We are delighted to welcome the Unió de Federacions Esportives de Catalunya (UFEC) as a signatory to the Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration.

The 8th edition of the European Sport Platform took place from 23–25 October 2025 in Barcelona, Spain, marking a historic moment for gender equality in sport. Organised by ENGSO and hosted by UFEC, the three-day event brought together sports leaders, policymakers and experts from across Europe to explore the future of grassroots sport, with a focus on innovation, inclusion and sustainability.

Stepping Up for Equality: IWISC 2025

The 2025 Platform began with the 3rd International Women in Sport Congress (IWISC 2025), Europe’s leading congress for gender equality in sport. From an IWG perspective, this event represented a key platform to advance our mission of promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion for women and girls in sport. Over 200 leaders, executives, coaches, communicators, lawyers, and athletes came together to share experiences, discuss challenges, and celebrate achievements in women’s participation and leadership in sport.

A resounding success for the 3rd edition of IWISC 2025!

A key highlight from an IWG perspective was UFEC officially signing the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, reaffirming their commitment to advancing gender equity and equality in sport. The declaration unites institutions, organisations and leaders worldwide under one vision: a fairer and more inclusive sporting future for everyone.

The signing took place in the presence of Annamarie Phelps CBE OLY, Chair of the IWG Global Executive, and was signed by Gerard Esteva, President of UFEC, alongside Maribel Zamora (UFEC Vice President), Isabel Pérez (UFEC Secretary General), and six members of UFEC’s Women’s Commission.

Annamarie Phelps CBE OLY commented:

"We are delighted to welcome the Unió de Federacions Esportives de Catalunya (UFEC) as a signatory to the Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration. This is an important moment to bring their reach and influence across Catalonia to the cause of gender equality in sport. Their commitment to promoting inclusion and equality sets an inspiring example for the sporting community and beyond."

As IWG’s European representative, ENGSO, through Tarja Krum, Chair of the ENGSO Equality Within Sport (EWS) Committee, continues to support initiatives that advance equality, diversity and inclusion for women and girls in sport.

The next European Sport Platform will take place in Split, Croatia, on 16–17 October 2026, hosted by the Croatian Olympic Committee.

The 8th edition of the European Sport Platform took place from 23-25 October 2025 in Barcelona, Spain, and was hosted by ENGSO’s associated member, the Catalan Sports Federations Union – UFEC.

We warmly celebrate UFEC’s commitment and look forward to seeing their continued leadership in advancing gender equality in sport.