LUNEX University (Luxembourg) & Howest University of Applied Sciences
Belgium
Dr. Charlotte Van Tuyckom is an Innovation Manager at the Sports Innovation Campus and a lecturer in sport sociology and innovation at LUNEX (Luxembourg) and Howest University of Applied Sciences (Belgium).
Her work explores how sport, play, and digital innovation can respond to contemporary societal challenges, with a particular focus on generational dynamics and Generation Z.
Through research, teaching, and applied projects, she investigates how sport and (exer)games can act as powerful connectors between generations, fostering inclusion, mutual understanding, and social cohesion.
She strongly believes in Sport for All as a shared space where generations meet, learn from one another, and build bridges towards a more equitable and harmonious society.
Prof. Fiona Chambers
University College Cork
Ireland
Fiona Chambers is a Professor of Education, Sport and Innovation at University College Cork in Ireland, bringing over 30 years of transformative experience to the role.
Throughout her career, she has held many positions of note, including her current roles as President and Chair of the Board of Directors of the International Association for Research in Physical Education in Higher Education (AIESEP), Vice President of the European Council for Research in Physical Education and School Sports (CEREPS), Senior Advisor to the UNESCO Global Observatory for Gender Equality and Sport, Observer to the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Physical Education and Sport (CIGEPS), and member of the Sport Ireland Coaching Committee.
She is the co-founder of the global movement to bring physical education into OECD PISA – #PE4PISA.
She was the recipient of the inaugural Women in Business in Sport Award at the Irish Sport Industry Awards in 2023 and was named one of the Sport for Business “50 Women of Influence in Irish Sport” in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Fiona is also a government-appointed member of the Board of Directors of Sport Ireland.
Prof. Marion Keim
University of the Western Cape
South Africa
Prof. Marion Keim, DPhil. LLB is the UNESCO Chair of Sport, Development and Peace (SDP) and Olympic Education based at the University of the Western Cape. Her teaching and research and community engagement areas focus on sport and development, leadership, conflict transformation, multiculturalism, youth development and sport as a means for social transformation and peace building.
She is the Chairperson of the Foundation for Sport, Development and Peace and an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa, certified in Mediation and Sports Law. She has coordinated numerous national and international sport and development projects for UNESCO, IOC, IPC, GIZ, FIFA and the Commonwealth.
Prof. Marion Keim served as member of the National Advisory Committee for Sport and of the Eminent Person’s Group for Sport and Transformation for the Minister of Sport in South Africa and on the Education and Training Commission of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee.
Since 2014 she has served on the IOC Education Commission and as President of the South African Pierre de Coubertin Committee. In 2024 she was elected Secretary General of the Association of National Pierre de Coubertin Committees of Africa. She was also elected Chairperson for Sportanddev in 2024 as well as the Co-chair of UNESCO’s global Fit for Life Knowledge Innovation Network. Marion facilitates and lectures globally, she is the author, co-author, compiler and editor of more than 30 books and serves on numerous international Sport Peace and Education boards.
Lilamani de Soysa
International Working Group on Women and Sport (IWG) & Independent Consultant
Sri Lanka
Lilamani de Soysa is an international expert in sport management, gender equality in sport, and the development of Sport for All initiatives.
She has worked with several major international sport organizations, including the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU), where she has contributed to the strategic development of sport, the organization of major sporting events, and programs supporting youth and women in sport.
Within the Tsukuba International Academy for Sport Studies (TIAS), established as part of the legacy of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, she developed international cooperation between sport federations, universities and organizations and taught in the field of gender and sport.
She is a member of UNESCO consultative structures and is actively involved in initiatives promoting gender equality in sport.
As a former international table tennis player and a member of executive bodies of several international organizations, she brings together academic research, practical sport management experience and international cooperation in sport.
