New York, 24 September – The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and Turkish Airlines announced today their collaboration on a new initiative entitled “Sports for Peace” during a signing ceremony at the United Nations Headquarters in New York witnessed by H.E. Mr. António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, and H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Turkey.
The signing of the agreement between the leading United Nations platform for intercultural and interfaith dialogue and the national flag carrier airline of Turkey took place in the margins of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly. It was signed by the High Representative for UNAOC, H.E. Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos and the Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, Mr. M. İlker Aycı.
The “Sports for Peace” project stems from the fact that sport is a powerful tool to bridge divides and promote a culture of peace among people and nations, the core mission of UNAOC. The project will present awards to encourage and support sports activities that promote peace, mutual respect and inclusion. The contribution of sport in promoting peace and development objectives has indeed been recognized in United Nations General Assembly and Human Rights Council resolutions, treaties, Secretary-General’s reports and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which all highlight the unique potential of sport.