SDGs of Interest
βThe strongest teams are built not only on talent, but on trust, respect, and shared purpose.β
Sport
π€½ Water Polo
Philanthropy & Social Engagement
Josip PaviΔ is a former Croatian water polo athlete whose distinguished international career was defined by success at Olympic, World, European, and national level. Now serving as Secretary of State for Sport at the Croatian Ministry of Tourism and Sport, he brings the values forged through elite competition β teamwork, discipline, and resilience β directly into the governance and development of sport at national level.
Throughout his career and in his current institutional role, Josip has championed sport as a universal language capable of connecting people across cultures, generations, and communities. His transition from elite athlete to public office reflects a deep conviction that sport’s greatest impact extends well beyond the pool.
His initiatives and commitments include:
- Shaping national sport policy and development as Secretary of State for Sport, Croatia.
- Encouraging young people to engage in sport and community-oriented activities.
- Promoting teamwork, discipline, and resilience through water polo and public advocacy.
- Advocating for sport as a tool for connection across cultures and communities.
- Using elite athletic experience to inspire future generations of athletes.
Nationalities
Career Highlights
π₯ Olympic Champion, London 2012.
π₯ Olympic Silver Medallist, Rio 2016.
π World Champion.
π European Champion.
π Best Water Polo Player in the World (FINA), 2012.
π Water polo Champions League winner with Olympiacos CFP.
π Croatian National Champion.
π Greek National Champion (Olympiacos CFP, 2015β2018).
Professionnal Activities
- Secretary of State for Sport, Ministry of Tourism and Sport, Croatia (current).
- Former professional water polo athlete competing at Olympic, World, European, and club level.
- Former player, Olympiacos CFP, Greece (2015β2018).
- Advocate for sport policy, youth participation, and healthy lifestyles.
Portfolio
π International β Elite Water Polo Career and Youth Inspiration
A professional sporting pathway spanning Olympic, World, European, Croatian, and Greek competitions, demonstrating the role of elite sport in promoting discipline, teamwork, resilience, and international cooperation through athletic achievement.
π Croatia β Sport Policy and National Development
As Secretary of State for Sport, Josip now shapes the conditions under which sport is practised, funded, and developed across Croatia. Drawing directly on his experience as one of the world’s finest water polo players, he brings an athlete’s perspective to institutional decisions β a rare and valuable combination of lived excellence and public responsibility.
