Executive Director Inoke Bainimarama, ONOC contributed to critical conversations around the role of sport in advancing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities. The Summit brought together a diverse global network of leaders and practitioners from sport, government, development, philanthropy, health, and education.

Reflecting on the Summit, Bainimarama said:

“This was a powerful convergence of leaders working across sectors with one purpose — to harness the full potential of sport to transform lives. Oceania was proud to share its perspectives and best practices. It was especially fulfilling to see the growing recognition of our region’s contributions to global development through sport.”

A key highlight was the spotlight on the Oceania Impact Network (OIN) — a regional partnership comprising ONOC through its Equity Commission, Team Up, UN Women, Olympic Solidarity, and Olympism365. The OIN was recognised as a compelling model of how organisations can collaborate across countries and communities to build safer, more inclusive environments.

“The Oceania Impact Network is a strong example of multisectoral partnership in action,” Bainimarama noted. “It brings together shared values, collective investment, and coordinated action  - empowering women, girls, and vulnerable communities through safe sport and leadership development.”

Inoke Bainimarama, Executive Director of ONOC with PNG’s Auvita Rapilla, Chair of the Olympism365 Commission, Andrew Lepani from Team Up and Debbie Masauvakalo from Vanuatu’s Volley4Change programme.

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Other key themes emerging from the Summit included:

• Authentic and values-based leadership
• The power of collaboration and collective impact
• Cross-sector partnerships to scale reach and effectiveness
• Innovation and locally led solutions
• Shifting power and investing in underrepresented voices
• Listening, empowering, and enabling community-led action
• A united call to action for systemic change

Bainimarama added that the learnings from Lausanne will significantly inform ONOC’s Strategic Plan 2025–2028, particularly in advancing Core Function 3: Cultivating Strategic Partners, and strengthening ONOC’s Sport for Development strategy.

“We return from the Olympism365 Summit with renewed purpose and a clearer understanding of how Oceania can continue to lead through collaboration, innovation, and inclusive values,”

Bainimarama said. “Together with our partners, we are committed to ensuring that sport serves as a driver of dignity, equity, and opportunity.