Anne Larilahti, Amer Sports: The power of physical activity – Contributing to reaching the Sustainable Development Goals

Sustainability encompasses a broad range of topics—human rights, economic development, supply chains, climate, and more. One often overlooked but very impactful driver of sustainability is physical activity. Regular movement is a cornerstone of good health, directly supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3): Good Health and Well-being, while also playing a vital role in achieving several other SDGs. 

The health benefits of physical activity

The World Health Organization (WHO) has consistently highlighted that increased physical activity can prevent many chronic conditions, improve mental health, and enhance overall quality of life. We get a lot of information on this from schools, health care professionals, and the media. We know this.

Knowledge and action, however, do not go hand in hand. According to the latest WHO study, 31% of adults worldwide—approximately 1.8 billion people—did not meet the recommended levels of physical activity in 2022 (minimum 150 minutes of moderate activity per week). A worrying trend shows an increase in inactivity by about 5 percentage points between 2010 and 2022. 

It looks like the more we gain understanding and knowledge, the more we decide to ignore it.

Physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, contributing to millions of premature deaths annually. While a lot of attention is given to access to medication and health services, and increasingly to preventive measures related to nutrition, much less effort is dedicated to helping people to be more active.

Yet, physical activity is likely the easiest and cheapest way to move the needle. It is a blunt instrument, which is great. If you are exercising to improve cardiovascular health, improving your mental health at the same time is a wonderful side effect.

The interplay between SDG3 and other SDGs

While SDG3 is a natural focal point, the benefits of physical activity extend far beyond individual health, influencing many other UN Sustainable Development Goals as well:

SDG4: Quality Education – Physical activity supports cognitive development and academic performance. Schools that integrate sports and movement into their curricula help children focus, reduce stress, and improve overall learning outcomes.

SDG5: Gender Equality – Sports empower women and girls, fostering confidence and leadership skills. By ensuring equal access to sports and physical activity, we can challenge gender norms and promote inclusivity.

SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The sports industry is a major economic driver, generating employment across manufacturing, retail, and many other sectors. A physically active workforce is more productive and engaged.

SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Cities designed with cycling lanes, parks, and pedestrian-friendly areas encourage active transport and recreation, reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.

SDG13: Climate Action / SDG14: Life Below Water / SDG15: Life on Land – Active transportation modes like walking and cycling lower carbon emissions, contributing to climate resilience and sustainable urban development. If we look at even bigger picture, active people—especially those engaging in activities in nature, such as hiking, skiing, or cycling—tend to have an intuitive connection with nature, making them more likely to want to preserve it.

Our – and your - commitment to a healthier, more active future

At Amer Sports, we believe that fostering a culture of movement is essential for both people and the planet. From promoting outdoor sports to innovating sustainable products, we are committed to inspiring individuals to embrace active lifestyles. Our brands—including Arc’teryx, Salomon, Wilson, Peak Performance, and Atomic—play a crucial role in this mission, creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in physical activity.

For example, Salomon is actively reducing barriers by innovating trail running solutions for amputees, and several resell activities across Amer Sports provide quality gear at lower price points, reducing the affordability barrier. 

As part of World Federation for Sporting Goods Industry, we collaborate with our peers to reduce barriers that limit access to sports and outdoor activities. This includes engaging with nations, international organizations, and communities to advocate for infrastructure, education, communication, and more to amplify the message and create opportunities for all to engage in an active lifestyle.

Aligning business strategies with the United Nations SDGs can be challenging, but in this case, it’s a perfect fit for all companies. The best way to reach high volumes of adults is through their places of work, and it is obvious that wellbeing has a strong correlation with productivity. So, companies have both the motivation and the opportunity. Consider increasing employee sports and culture benefits, introducing lunchtime yoga sessions, or organizing quick team runs at the end of the workday. We have had great experiences with employee led trainings from cross-fit to track and field. 

SDG3 is one of our key focus areas, and it is natural for a sporting goods company. However, it is worth considering in any company as part of your responsibility towards your employees. I’m hoping we can together promote physical activity and move towards a healthier, and therefore more sustainable world.