The Global Physical Literacy (GloPL) Action Framework Physical literacy as a public health, education, and social inclusion concept

Despite the well-established physical, mental, and social benefits of sport participation, inactivity and sport disengagement remain major challenges across Europe. Recent European data indicate declining participation rates in many countries, highlighting the need for innovative and inclusive approaches that extend beyond traditional sport development models. In this context, physical literacy has emerged as a holistic concept that emphasizes the integrated development of physical, psychological, social, and cognitive capabilities required to engage in meaningful movement and physical activity throughout life.

This presentation introduced the newly released Global Physical Literacy (GloPL) Action Framework, developed through an international Delphi process involving representatives from 48 countries, 20 international societies, and experts from seven thematic areas. The framework aims to create a shared global vision for physical literacy and to support its implementation through five interconnected transformation areas: advocacy, practice, education, assessment, and research.

Presented at the European Commission DG EAC SHARE 2.0 Community of Practice on Health event, the session explored how physical literacy can contribute to rethinking sport participation strategies across Europe. Particular attention was given to the role of grassroots and community sport as one of Europe’s largest infrastructures for fostering lifelong engagement in physical activity. The discussion highlighted how physical literacy can support more inclusive, meaningful, and person-centred sport experiences, while strengthening links between sport, education, health, and social inclusion sectors.

Examples from countries such as Canada and Australia illustrated how physical literacy can be translated into national strategies, assessment systems, coach education, and community programmes. The presentation concluded by arguing that Europe is entering an important new phase for physical literacy: moving beyond conceptual discussions and framework development toward dissemination, implementation, and policy action capable of supporting active, healthy, and inclusive societies across the lifespan.