« I think it's clear to everyone that we're not just fighting climate change, but a global climate emergency. “Fabio Azevedo chose strong words to accompany the presentation of the International Volleyball Federation’s sustainability plan. The FIVB wants to be a driving force, engaging its entire community with it.”
"For the people, for the planet, for volleyball"
The FIVB has identified five pillars: environmental responsibility (reducing its footprint, promoting biodiversity), integrity and inclusion (making volleyball accessible to all and supporting community well-being), transparency, a positive and lasting legacy (making volleyball a driver of social, environmental and economic benefits), and finally, collaborative leadership (partnering with athletes, communities, institutions and foundations). With this commitment, we take responsibility for shaping a future where our sport contributes to a sustainable future and helps build a better world: for people, for the planet, for volleyball. " insists Fabio Azevedo.
This year, the FIVB has already made two concrete commitments, on the one hand via Sports for Natureand, on the other hand, through the United Nations Climate Action Framework. It also collected data relating to environmental, social, and governance issues. The FIVB and Volleyball World worked with the organizing committees, national federations, and host cities involved in seven major events in 2025 to integrate sustainability into the planning and implementation of these competitions – in Slovenia, Poland, China, Thailand, the Philippines, Germany, and Australia.
« These events are assessed using a structured measurement framework designed to evaluate both their positive contributions and their environmental and social costs, including calculating the carbon footprint of each event. The aim is not only to collect data, but also to generate actionable insights, formulate recommendations for future improvements, and identify best practices that can be applied across the sport. " explains the FIVB. Mobility, social responsibility, legacy, communication, infrastructure, waste management and energy consumption are among the criteria taken into account.
The beach faces rising sea levels and extreme heat
The next step in the roadmap, in 2026, is to establish governance structures and stakeholder engagement mechanisms to support the implementation of the long-term plan; assess material sustainability impacts; and validate findings and strategic priorities through expert review and broad consultation.
From 2027 onwards, the FIVB will launch the final stage of its strategy by setting measurable, realistic objectives to be met within specific timeframes. It will implement " targeted initiatives that address identified priorities and promote systemic change will integrate sustainability into all governance structures, all operations and all decision-making processes and will monitor the progress made through rigorous evaluation systems ».
« Volleyball is directly affected by today's crises.FI reminds us. Rising sea levels threaten beach volleyball venues, while extreme heat jeopardizes the health and performance of athletes. Volleyball is guided by the belief that its values and community belong to everyone, but social inequalities can limit access to this sport we are committed to sharing. We are compelled to act decisively, reducing our environmental footprint while maximizing our positive social contribution. »
