2nd International Forum on Sport for Peace - Naciones Unidas

3.7. CLOsiNg sEssiON
Closing remarks
Page 29 / 46
mr Wilfried Lemke,
special Adviser to the uN secretary general
on sport for Development and Peace
<strong>2nd</strong> <strong>International</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> on Sport for Peace & Development
summaries
Mr Lemke concluded the <strong>Forum</strong> by thanking the organizers of the event, as well as the participants
for their dedicated involvement, and particularly the UN Secretary-General for his participation and
essential support for the work being done in the field of sport for development and peace.
For Mr Lemke, the <strong>Forum</strong> highlighted three main aspects. First, it is essential to work in close
partnership and to exchange information about the relevant and at times controversial topics in an
open and constructive way. This holds especially true towards projects on the ground to understand
both their needs and their difficulties, and to adapt assistance to address specific requirements. In
this regard, he was pleased by the offer of the Secretary General for a joint mission to the African
continent together with Dr Jacques Rogge, and encouraged participants to follow this example and
strengthen their efforts in cooperation.
Secondly, he stressed the importance of education. While the <strong>Forum</strong> inspired fruitful discussions he
made it clear that such discussions can only be meaningful if they make a difference for the children
and youth in the world. This can start with the inclusion of youth in volunteerism, as both the UN and
the IOC do very actively and with great success.
Thirdly, in line with the comments of HRH Princess Haya of Jordan, he pointed out that the MDGs
deadline is only four years away. He stressed that there is not a moment to lose in the effort to work
together towards the deadline in 2015 and that the time for serious considerations about the steps
to follow this great effort has come.
Mr Lemke concluded by saying that it is the responsibility of every participant to play a crucial role
within their local community, country and on a global scale. Using the recommendations generated
at the <strong>Forum</strong> he urged participants to work together in implementing them to enable and further
strengthen sport as a tool for empowerment and social change.
Dr Jacques Rogge,
iOC President
President Rogge ended the <strong>Forum</strong> by thanking all the organisers, speakers and participants for their
attendance and involvement. He described this <strong>Forum</strong> as one of the most productive, interactive
encounters between the sporting community and the United Nations in the field of sport for
development and peace.
Print Table of contents