AIESEP Specialist Seminar 2026 - Physical Education and Sports Pedagogy for Sustainable Development
2-3 December 2026, Vitória, Brazil
The Specialist Seminar will run over two days and be intensive with respect to focussing specifically on Physical Education and Sports Pedagogy (PESP) for Sustainable Development. An opportunity will be provided for attendees to make oral presentations on ongoing interests and work related to PESP and/for sustainable development. A significant amount of time will be spent working in the same small group on related topics that you are prompted to consider from the oral presentations and more formal delivery from three keynote speakers over the two days. There will be ample time to report back from each group discussion, with the intention that a draft version of a Position Statement on Physical Education and Sports Pedagogy for Sustainable Development will be produced at the end of the two days.
The 2026 AIESEP Specialist Seminar will be held in Vitória, Brazil, offering a unique opportunity to engage with PESP for Sustainable Development within the rich social, cultural, and educational context of Latin America. Hosting the seminar in Brazil, one of the most diverse countries in the world, creates a meaningful space to critically explore issues of equity, inclusion, and sustainability, particularly in relation to the Global South.
The Specialist Seminar provides all those interested in exploring and maximising PESP for Sustainable Development to come together and contribute to the development of a Position Statement on Physical Education and Sports Pedagogy for Sustainable Development. It is envisaged that the Position Statement will detail how research, teaching and community engagement (within and across PESP) can advance UNESCO’s priorities to ensure equitable and inclusive education and promote lifelong learning opportunities. This is a unique opportunity to form and extend connections with international colleagues and be involved in the formation of an international Position Statement that will be endorsed by AIESEP.
We encourage engagement with Brazilian and Latin American perspectives, recognising the importance of situating global conversations within diverse local realities, amplifying voices from the Global South. Presentations and keynote sessions will be delivered in English; however, a supportive and inclusive environment will be fostered to assist participants in engaging with discussions and asking questions.
Oral Presentations - Call for Abstracts
We invite researchers, practitioners, educators, and graduate students to submit abstracts for 10-minute oral presentations at the upcoming AIESEP Specialist Seminar on Physical Education and Sports Pedagogy for Sustainable Development. This event aims to explore how PE, sport-based learning, and pedagogical innovation can contribute to social, environmental, and economic sustainability.
As global challenges intensify, the fields of PE and sport pedagogy play a crucial role in shaping responsible, resilient, and health-conscious citizens. We welcome submissions that critically examine, reimagine, or advance the role of PE and sport in promoting sustainable development across diverse contexts.
Themes of Interest
Submissions may address (but are not limited to) the following areas:
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
Environmental sustainability in sport and PE settings
Inclusive and equitable pedagogies
Teacher education and professional development
Community-based sport programs
Digital innovation and sustainability
Pedagogical models
Sport for Development and Peace (SDP)
Policy, governance, and systemic approaches
Health, wellbeing, and sustainable living
Abstract Submission Guidelines
Abstracts should be 200-300 words and must include the following components that align with the oral presentation (ensuring the 10-minute presentation aligns with physical education and sports pedagogy for sustainable development):
Title, presenter(s) and affiliation(s)
The big question or problem
Why it matters
What you did
What you found
Why it’s important
What comes next
Important Dates
Abstract submission deadline: 28 May 2026
Notification of acceptance: 4 June 2026
Submission
Please submit your abstract by completing the online submission form