European Athletics is taking its sustainability commitment to the next level with the launch of the Sustainability Ambassador Programme — a bold new initiative designed to turn strategy into action across all member federations.
This pioneering project aims to build a network of dedicated Ambassadors — passionate, trained individuals who will drive environmental and social responsibility in athletics from the inside out.
Working hand in hand with national federations, these Ambassadors will share best practices, offer tailored guidance, and inspire sustainable transformation at every level of the sport.
Turning Ambition into Action
The Ambassadors Project supports the implementation of the European Athletics Sustainability Strategy — a long-term vision to embed sustainability in all aspects of our sport.
By developing a strong network of skilled professionals, European Athletics will help every federation:
- Understand where they stand today
- Act on clear sustainability priorities
- Grow through shared expertise and collaboration.
Each Ambassador will serve as a bridge between European Athletics and national federations, ensuring that sustainability is not just an idea but a daily practice that shapes how we train, compete, and inspire the next generation.
A Roadmap for Progress
Every journey starts with understanding the current situation. That’s why the programme begins with a Level Assessment — a 22-question survey covering four key areas of sustainability.
Each federation will complete this assessment alongside its assigned Ambassador, gaining insights into their current performance and identifying opportunities for improvement.
Results will be reviewed by the European Athletics Sustainability Working Group, providing each federation with:
- A clear picture of their sustainability status,
- A tool to monitor progress over time, and
- A foundation for collaboration and targeted action.
The Sustainability Ambassadors Programme was officially launched at the European Athletics Convention in Batumi in October 2025.
Federations are invited to nominate their sustainability contact person, and Ambassadors will begin onboarding shortly thereafter.
Early next year, federations will choose their start date (2026 or 2027). Ambassadors will begin training through online, e-learning, and in-person modules. By mid to late 2026, Ambassadors will conduct Level Assessments and start working directly with federations.
By the final quarter of 2026, a first progress review and evaluation will take place. Then, in 2027, a second wave of federations will begin their sustainability journey, followed by another evaluation.
How Federations Can Get Involved
Federations have been invited to:
- Nominate their sustainability contact person
- Choose a start date
- Complete the Level Assessment in collaboration with their assigned Sustainability Ambassador,
- Begin developing their Sustainability Plan
- Stay engaged — following a continuous improvement process together with European Athletics and fellow federations.
Time to Apply
Applications are open until 27 November 2025.
Selections will be made based on eligibility, fulfilment of criteria, and the applicants’ motivation. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview, taking place on 9 and 11 December 2025, after which the final selection will be announced.