Sport and security programme

security_major_sporting_events_header.jpg

The security governance workstream of UNOCT’s Global Programme on Security of Major Sporting Events and Promotion of Sport and Its Values as a Tool to Prevent Violent Extremism is dedicated to safeguarding major sporting events as a common good of the international community.

UNOCT fosters inter-agency collaboration and partnerships among Member States, recognizing that securing these events from terrorist attacks requires a coordinated approach involving public authorities, host nations, sports federations, civil society, and private stakeholders. This collective effort is essential to addressing the multifaceted and complex security challenges associated with hosting major sporting events.

Through its Global Sports Programme, UNOCT not only addresses these security concerns but also takes proactive steps to mitigate human rights concerns related to major sporting events. By embedding the principles of safety, security, and service into event planning and management, the Programme ensures these global gatherings create a positive and lasting legacy, including enhanced security frameworks and infrastructure development.

Main Activities

  • Support to Member States in Safeguarding Major Sporting Events from Terrorist Threats
Upon request, and in cooperation with the concerned sport federations and organizing committees, the Programme provides tailored technical assistance to Member States to support the security governances of sport events.
  • Global Cooperation on the Security of Major Sporting Events
The Programme fosters inter-agency collaboration and partnerships among Member States, international and regional organizations, sports federations, civil society, and private stakeholders through a global community of over 2,300 experts, which includes 290 National Focal Points network representing over 130 Member States. Coordination is ensured through regional meetings and online expert briefings to enhance the exchange of information, good practices, and experiences.

Main Implementing Modalities

  • Needs assessment & security review — Analysis of the threat landscape and identification of security gaps in preparation for an upcoming major sporting event
  • Technical assistance packages — Customised support on venue security, perimeter and crowd management, inter-agency coordination, border control, and VIP protection
  • Capacity-building and training — Workshops and practical sessions for law enforcement, counter-terrorism centres, and event organizers on security planning and crisis response
  • Study tours — Exposure visits to live major sporting events, allowing practitioners to observe security operations and public–private coordination in action
  • Expert briefings and case studies — Access to lessons learned from past events through the Programme's community of 2,300+ experts across 134 Member States
  • Knowledge products — Free access to the Global Guide on the Security of Major Sporting Events, the Operational Guide on Crowd Management, and two dedicated e-learning courses

Key Events and Activities

29 June 2026High-level side event during the Counter-Terrorism Week 2026, together with Hungary and the State of Qatar, on "Protecting Major Sporting Events Delivery and Legacy in an Era of Complex Threats," at United Nations Headquarters in New York
18 December 2025Road to Budapest: Protecting Major Sport Events and Promoting Legacy”
5 November 2025Expert Briefing on "Promoting Accessibility and Inclusion as a Core Principle of Sporting Events Security Culture” in support of UNDIS implementation
23 July 2025Multi-Agency Coordination Tabletop Exercise for Safe Sporting Events Ahead of CHAN 2024 in Collaboration with UNOCT and British High Commission, in Nairobi
3-4 December 2024 Multi-sectoral workshop on "Enhancing the Security of Major Sporting Events" in Nairobi, Kenya
27-29 May 2024 UNOCT-NAUSS Symposium on Effective Management and Safeguarding of Major Sporting Events.
September 2024Expert briefing on the “Case Study: Terrorist Attack on Swedish Football Fans in Brussels”
March 2024Expert briefing on “Countering Terrorist Movement Across International Borders and Security Transportation on the Occasion of Major Sporting Events”
November 2023 Expert briefing on “Investigating the Nexus between New and Emerging Technologies and Major Sporting Events Protection”

Knowledge Products

Guide on the Security of Major Sporting Events: Promoting Sustainable Security and Legacies: This publication provides guidance to policy-makers and practitioners on how to prepare, organize and manage sporting events while mitigating the constantly evolving threats posed by terrorism.

This publication is available in: [AR] [CH] [EN] [FR] [RU] [SP]

dec_2025_crowd_management_paper_cover.jpg

This Operational Guide on Crowd Management for Major Sporting Event Securitywas developed by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) through its Global Programme on the Security of Major Sporting Events and the Promotion of Sport and Its Values as a Tool to Prevent Violent Extremism, with contributions from Member States, international and regional organizations, sports federations, civil society, law enforcement agencies, academia, the private sector, and experts in event operations and behavioural science. Guide available in: EN

E-learning

Do you want to strengthen your knowledge on the protection of vulnerable targets and major sporting events?

  • This UNOCT e-learning self-paced course comprises seven thematic modules that will help you enhance your skills. Read more.
  • Follow this LINK to register.

To date, beneficiaries include:

  • Cameroon, host of the Total Energies African Cup of Football in 2022
  • Costa Rica, host of the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup
  • Chile, host of the Pan American and Parapan American Games in 2023
  • Cote d’Ivoire, host of the Total Energies African Cup of Football in 2024
  • Ghana, host of the XIII African Games in 2024
  • Indonesia, host of the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup and candidate to host future major sporting events
  • Kenya, co-host of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations of Football (AFCON) together with Tanzania and Uganda
  • Maldives, candidate to host the Asian Swimming Olympics in 2025
  • Mozambique, host of 2026 African Union Sport Council Region 5 Games
  • Mexico, co-host of the FIFA World Cup 2026
  • Philippines, co-host of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup
  • Senegal, host of 2026 International Youth Olympics
  • Tanzania, co-host of the 2027 AFCON together with Kenya and Uganda
  • Uganda, co-host of the 2027 AFCON together with Kenya and Tanzania

Photo Gallery