Statement Attributable to
the Spokesperson for the High Representative for
the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
In Honor of International Day of Sport for Development and Peace
Today, 6 April, we celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. In line with United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/73/24, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) highlighted sport as one of the new priority areas in its 2019-2023 action plan as we believe sport is a powerful equalizer for social inclusion, bringing together people from diverse cultures, religions, and ethnicities, and as a soft-power tool for preventing violent extremism conducive to terrorism.
UNAOC, in partnership with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), the UN Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) launched the “Global Programme on Security of Major Sporting Events, and Promotion of Sport and its Values as a Tool to Prevent Violent Extremism.”
To demonstrate the power of sports as a tool for diversity and inclusiveness, UNAOC has also initiated new partnerships with renowned soccer clubs and sports entities. Our latest project, “Beach Soccer,” promotes this tool by embracing the “One Humanity” notion that UNAOC strives to achieve.
As we face together the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s International Day of Sport for Development and Peace reminds us that practicing sport at home can help during these trying times. There is a lot that we can do to stay active and also safe, from online exercise classes to on-line dancing. UNAOC also hopes that the team spirit of sport will inspire us to mobilize social solidarity and build bridges of kindness and compassion that transcend man-made walls.
As we commemorate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, let’s stand together as a team to beat the coronavirus. We are all One Humanity, and together we can overcome anything.
For more inspiration, watch our video on the Beach Soccer project produced by our partner “Beach Soccer Worldwide” and share your message on social media using the hashtag #BeActive.
Contact:
Ms. Nihal Saad, UNAOC Chief of Cabinet and Spokesperson for the High Representative
saadn@un.org | www.unaoc.org | Twitter: @UNAOC