Commonwealth Governments, representing 53 countries and more than two billion people, will use the meeting next Thursday (August 4) on the eve of the Olympic Games to address the impact of doping and corruption scandals on the integrity of sport and how greater cooperation can address these kind of issues.

The Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting, due to be chaired by Australia’s Minister for Health, Aged Care and Sport Sussan Ley, are expected to deliver a statement of intent on sport can help achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, agreed by world leaders almost a year ago.

“Commonwealth leaders have consistently recognised the potential for sport to be employed as a catalyst for human and social development and to promote respect and understanding,” Commonwealth secretary-general Patricia Scotland said. 

"As we work towards achieving the sustainable development goals it is critical that this potential is realised for the benefit of all Commonwealth citizens. 

"This will require targeted policies and dedicated resourcing focused on enhancing the contribution sport can make to the 2030 Agenda.

"This upcoming meeting is an opportunity for our governments to draw on Commonwealth analysis and guidance, share effective national policy responses and strategies, and affirm their commitment to work collaboratively to maximise the positive impact of sport."

During the meeting, Scotland will table policy guidance produced for Commonwealth Governments on enhancing the contribution of sport to this global development agenda. 

The Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sport (CABOS) will also share policy guidance produced for Commonwealth Governments on protecting the integrity of sport. 

Louise Martin, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, who is also the chair of CABOS, claimed the meeting will allow Governments to come up with policies to help combat the threats to the integrity of sport. 

"Threats to the integrity of sport contravene the values and principles outlined in the Commonwealth Charter, and undermine sport’s potential positive impact on social and economic development. 

"The meeting provides us with an opportunity to identify where further Commonwealth coordination and collaboration can add value to global efforts to combat threats to the integrity of sport.”