IPACS tackles AI and good governance at two workshops during SportAccord 2024

IPACS’ mission and activities were discussed at two dedicated workshops organised during the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit in Birmingham last week. First, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), on behalf of IPACS, was one of the key contributors to a workshop on good governance held by the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF) on 10 April. During a highly interactive session, it presented the IPACS Sport Governance Benchmark and the updated Basic Universal Principles of Good Governance to participants from the IOC-recognised organisations.

James Carr, Deputy Executive Director of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF), explained how the organisation’s member federations have embarked on International Federation governance reviews led by the ASOIF Governance Task Force. The ASOIF mechanism has also provided the foundation for the IPACS Sport Governance Benchmark. During the second part of the workshop, participants were split into smaller groups to engage in practical exercises on different governance topics, such as transparency and democracy. They discussed the findings of the exercise and had the opportunity to share their own experiences from their respective organisations.

Second, a dedicated IPACS workshop held on 11 April explored the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and corruption in sport. Discussions focused on how AI may increase the risks of corruption on the one hand, and provide benefits in fighting corruption in sport – both on the field of play and in organisational structures – on the other. The panellists, representing academic institutions, public authorities and sports technology providers, shared their insights and sparked lively discussions among the participants. The fight against competition manipulation provided the basis for successful examples of protective measures.