Meeting MDGs through sport
|
The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge, and United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon discussed the IOC’s commitment to the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and how the IOC can use sport as a catalyst in partnership with the UN.
The IOC has identified five development goals it believes it can help advance through sport and with its partners. These are: eradicating extreme poverty and hunger; promoting gender equality and empowering women; combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; ensuring environmental sustainability; and developing a global partnership for development. The IOC currently works with a wide array of UN specialised agencies and organisations around the world to benefit young people and the community.
“The IOC is aware that we can never do enough to support humanitarian and environmental issues today. However, the IOC is a sports organisation. We must rely on the expertise and influence of the UN to define goals and determine how they can best be met through sport.” With days to go until Beijing 2008, the meeting included a discussion of the positive effects the Olympic Games are hoped to have on China’s social and economic development. The two leaders also discussed parallels between China and benefits the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul brought to South Korea’s culture and economy. “I am very happy and satisfied by the partnership between the United Nations and the IOC and the way in which we use sport in our common efforts to promote peace, dialogue and reconciliation. Sport is a powerful tool. Specifically this year, we look forward to a very successful Beijing Olympic Games, believing that Beijing 2008 can bring much spirit, harmony, friendship, dialogue and reconciliation for the world; a true festival. You have my full cooperation and my support,” said the UN Secretary General. Source: Millennium Campaign |
Printable version
Back to top
