Olympic Movement Sustainability Leadership
This week marks the culmination of a groundbreaking journey. As the Project OCEAN final conference kicked off in Brussels, we celebrate the bold progress made by National Olympic Committees (NOCs) across Europe in setting the standard for sustainability in sport — and reflect proudly on the role we played in equipping the change-makers leading the charge.
The OCEAN Project (Olympic Committees of Europe Approaching Carbon Neutrality) has convened 18 NOCs and hundreds of stakeholders under a shared mission: to transform sport into a force for climate leadership. Through a powerful blend of science, collaboration, and capacity building, the initiative has proven that sport doesn’t just inspire — it leads.
Our Contribution: Leadership for Climate Action
We were honored to design and deliver the Leadership in Sustainability training for the Project OCEAN Climate Action Officers. Across four weekly modules and follow-up executive coaching, we focused on turning ambition into action through the power of personal agency, mindset shifts, and strategic leadership. See our Case Study here.
From stakeholder engagement plans to crafting the business case for sustainability, the training empowered participants to build trust, navigate complex challenges, and align their national strategies with global climate targets.
“The training ticked all the boxes: connection between participants, sense of belonging to the project’s objectives, and confidence building for all those trained to lead for climate action in their National Olympic Committee — all of that with great professionalism and fantastic energy from all coaches. Highly recommend!”
– Eva Rebmann, Deputy Director, EOC EU Office, OCEAN Project Coordinator
Measurable Impact: Confidence, Capacity, Community
After four weeks of intensive work and three follow-up coaching sessions per participant, the results were clear:
Stronger executive capacities in decision-making, influencing, and leading change
Enhanced emotional intelligence and stakeholder engagement strategies
Improved communication and storytelling skills to inspire action within and beyond sport
A resilient peer community of CAOs across 18 nations — united in purpose, diverse in approach
“This course gave me tools to be more efficient in communicating internally and with partners. It was very empowering and gave me courage to take the next steps.”
– Climate Action Officer
From the Playing Field to Policy Change
Beyond individual transformation, Project OCEAN has created institutional momentum. With resources like the OCEAN Carbon Footprint Tool, the Training Manual, and now, a global network of trained leaders, this project sets the standard for how sport can become a powerful vector for sustainability.
What Comes Next?
We see the OCEAN Project not as an ending, but as a starting line for what’s possible when sports organizations invest in leadership at every level.
As sport continues to face climate threats — from disrupted competitions to athlete health risks — the demand for purpose-driven leadership will only grow. We’re ready to continue this work: empowering Climate Action Officers, federations, and athletes to lead confidently and collaboratively toward a regenerative future.
To all Project OCEAN partners: thank you.
You’ve shown that with the right tools, the right mindset, and a powerful community, Olympic sport can lead not just on the podium — but in our planetary future.
Learn More: see the OCEAN Project’s Final Guide
