Remarks by Ms. Nihal Saad
Director of UNAOC
at the Launch of the UN Global Sports Programme’s
E-Learning Course on the Prevention of Violent Extremism through Sport
Online, 14 February 2024
Thank you, Andrea, Valerio and John.
Very interesting views that we’ve just heard especially from the young women and men joining us today…very refreshing indeed.
This brings me to the importance of including the voices of young people in policy making and implementation of sport-PVE strategies.
Recognizing this factor, UNAOC deliverables in the UN Global Sports Program were informed by the outcome of a series of consultations with Youth ensuring that their unique skills and perspectives on PVE through sport are effectively considered by decision-makers.
In discussing PVE strategies, we often emphasize that it is essential to explore innovative and holistic approaches to address this pressing issue.
The Global Sports Program led by UNOCT is a case in point in terms of using Sport as a vector for peace, inclusion, diversity and youth empowerment.
Today we had the opportunity to learn from the experiences and insights of the panelists who have dedicated their work to promoting peace and preventing violent extremism through sport. We also heard how sport strengthens the sense of belonging as Leyla mentioned.
Meanwhile, the launch of the E-learning course on Prevention of Violent Extremism is an important milestone in the UN Global Sports Program
The online course provides a continuous learning opportunity to a broad range of stakeholders including policymakers, civil society, sports federations, and international organizations by offering evidence-based practice, and a range of PVE and sport-for-PVE toolkits, and resources.
This new platform can be a virtual space for cross-sector collaboration, which is important for sustainable efforts for PVE through sport.
Concluding, I wish to congratulate UNOCT and all partners in the Global Sports Program, for the launch of the e learning course. UNAOC is very proud of what we have achieved together in delivering on the Global Sports Program over the past 4 years.
Let’s continue…