“Sport can no longer be considered a luxury within any society but is rather an important investment in the present and future, particularly in developing countries.” (UNESCO)

Sport plays a vital role in advancing sustainable development, promoting social inclusion, and fostering international cooperation, and it is universally recognised as a powerful driver of peace and human rights. This is reflected in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, where sport is endorsed as “an important enabler of sustainable development” that can contribute to inclusive societies and promote “tolerance and respect and the empowerment of women and of young people, individuals and communities as well as to health, education and social inclusion objectives. [...] Additionally, sport can be used as a meaningful tool for the prevention of conflict and the promotion of long-lasting peace, since sport and its universality have the ability to transcend cultures (Goal 16: Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies).” This recognition underscores the essential role of sport ethics and integrity in achieving peaceful and just communities.

At the same time, the growing economic and geopolitical impact of sport has increased its exposure to corruption, organised crime, and governance failures. At the heart of safeguarding sport integrity are international legal and normative frameworks that promote fairness, transparency, anti-corruption, and ethical governance practices. The UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport (2005) provides the only global multilateral treaty in this field and establishes a legal basis for harmonising anti-doping legislation, strengthening monitoring mechanisms, and protecting universal sport values. This Convention is ratified by nearly all UNESCO Member States and aims to uphold ethics in sport while encouraging cooperation among governments, sport authorities, and civil society.

Similarly, the International Charter of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport explicitly integrates the need to protect sport integrity from abuse while promoting access, inclusion, and the ethical practice of sport for all.

In line with the United Nations commitment to promoting the rule of law, integrity, and good governance, in particular under Goal 16 of the SDGs, and consistent with its mandate in the areas of crime prevention and criminal justice, the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), together with the Rome City Institute (RCI), is hosting the first edition of the Summer School on Sport Governance and Ethics: Integrity in Practice. This unique and specialised training dedicated to these critical topics will be delivered from 29 June to 3 July 2026 in Rome.

The initiative builds on UNICRI’s longstanding expertise in preventing and countering corruption, organised crime, and emerging integrity risks in sport through research, capacity-building, and international cooperation activities, and draws on RCI’s strong academic and applied focus on sport as a driver of education, leadership, and social development, as well as its experience in advancing sport’s diplomacy and innovation.

Participants will engage with the latest international norms, policy responses, and case studies, preparing them to contribute effectively to upholding integrity in sport organisations, public institutions, and collaborative multi-stakeholder environments.

Throughout the course, participants will engage with a range of key issues. Some of the topics that will be addressed include:
• Understanding global frameworks shaping integrity in sport
• Strengthening ethical leadership and good governance
• Exploring sport’s role in diplomacy and international relations
• Tackling corruption and protecting the social value of sport
• Addressing match-fixing and betting-related threats
• Leveraging data, technology, and AI for integrity protection
• Building effective investigation and enforcement strategies
• Empowering whistleblowing and safeguarding transparency
• Combating financial crime and emerging risks in sport
• Developing practical policy solutions for real-world impact

The Summer School provides a comprehensive and practice-oriented exploration of integrity in sport by addressing emerging risks and challenges while equipping participants with the tools needed to strengthen transparency, accountability, and ethical standards across sport systems.

The programme adopts a multidisciplinary approach, combining legal, policy, and operational perspectives. It draws on international standards and frameworks, including those developed under the auspices of the United Nations and other relevant international instruments, and promotes knowledge-sharing among practitioners, policymakers, and experts.

1. Entry Requirements

The course is intended for university and post-graduate students in Sports Management, Law, Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Social Sciences, and other related fields. Professionals working in governmental bodies, local authorities, as well as international and non-governmental organizations, who wish to deepen their understanding of sport governance, integrity, and ethical challenges, including issues related to corruption, match-fixing, financial crime, and accountability in sport, will benefit from the course.

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled in, or have completed, a first university degree programme (bachelor’s level or equivalent).

• Possess a strong command of the English language.

   

2. Course Methodology and Attendance

Classes take place at the Rome City Institute Campus in Rome (Italy), Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm CEST. The class schedule may be subject to change for additional activities, which will be communicated before the course begins.

Absences resulting from inadequate planning will not be considered justified. Participants who do not complete the course will not be entitled to the certificate award, refunds, or reductions in the registration fee.

3. Certificate of Participation

Upon successful completion of the entire Summer School programme, participants will be awarded a certificate of participation jointly issued by the United Nations and Rome City Institute. The Organisers reserve the right to take into account duly justified and exceptional reasons for absences when determining eligibility for the certificate.

4. How to Apply

Application deadline: 15 June 2026. The selection is carried out on a rolling basis.

Application Procedure

• Online application via the INDICO platform (UN):
  Applicants are required to register on the INDICO platform of the United Nations and submit their application exclusively through the online system. PLEASE CLICK HERE to apply.

Required documents:

• Upload a recent photograph (which can be taken directly through the platform using the website tools).
• Upload a scanned copy of a valid passport or another valid identification document.

5. Selection and Acceptance

• Confirmation of acceptance: Applicants will be notified of the selection outcome by e-mail within seven (7) days of application submission.
• Enrolment of the candidate: Enrolment is finalised only upon receipt of full payment (see sections 6 and 7).

6. Registration Fee and Payment

The registration fee is €1,000 and includes tuition and course materials.

• Payment procedure: Payment details will be provided upon approval. Payment is accepted by bank transfer only.
• Payment deadline: Full payment is due within seven (7) days of confirmation of acceptance.
• Proof of payment: Applicants must send a copy of the payment receipt to unicri.courses@un.org.

7. Refund and Cancellation Policy

In the event of a participant cancellation for any reason, including visa denial, the registration fee will not be refunded.

8. Accommodation

Accommodation is available in double rooms for an 8-night stay at the Rome City Institute Housing facility.

Check-in and check-out

• Check-in: Friday, 27 June 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Check-out: Saturday, 4 July 2026 by 12:00 p.m. (noon)

Check-in outside the designated time frame is not permitted. Check-in on Saturday and Sunday is not allowed. Exceptionally, Saturday check-in may be granted upon prior request and approval. Participants are kindly requested not to purchase flight or train tickets before receiving confirmation from the Summer School Administrative Office and/or RCI Housing Office.

Late check-out is not permitted, and it is not possible to extend the stay beyond the end of the programme.

Deadlines

• Application deadline: 15 May 2026
• Payment deadline: 1 June 2026

How to apply

Participants duly enrolled in the Summer School can apply for accommodation by sending an email to housing@romecityinstitute.com.

Accommodation fees

• €350 per person

The fee applies to double rooms in shared apartments. Full payment is required in advance at the time of online registration.

Accommodation Refund and Cancellation Policy

The accommodation fee is refundable only for requests submitted to the RCI Housing Office by 15 June 2026. Cancellations made after this date will not be refunded for any reason, including visa denial or health issues.

9. Visa Requirements (Important)

Applicants requiring a visa are strongly encouraged to apply early (preferably by 30 April 2026) and inform the Summer School’s Administrative Office. Visas are issued by the relevant Italian Diplomatic Authorities or Visa Application Centres. Appointments may take up to 3 months, and visa processing takes about 30 days.

UNICRI and RCI cannot be held responsible for any delays, denials, or refusals in the issuance of visas by the relevant authorities.