The IOC and the UN have enjoyed very strong ties for many decades

Taking place from 21-22 May, the event was titled “The Importance of Partnership”, bringing together sporting officials and UN representatives in connection to the IOC’s recently obtained UN observer status and to strengthen co-operation in the field of development through sport. IPC President Sir Philip Craven and IPC Governing Board Member Ann Cody were both on hand at the event, representing Paralympic Sport and the Paralympic Movement.

The forum looked into several subject areas, including connecting sport and Millennium Development Goals, targeting youth in development, gender equality, healthy lifestyle and promotion, peace-building and humanitarian assistance and actions, and looking to the future.

Speaking at the opening session, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary General on Sport for Development and Peace Wilfried Lemke said that the forum was important in that it not only serves as a venue for discussing approaches to achieving the Millennium Development Goals, but it is also an example of the organization realizing the creation of global partnerships.

“Through collaboration and partnerships between the UN System and the IOC, we can use sport to play a crucial role in achieving each of these important goals,” he said.

President of the IOC Jacques Rogge said that the IOC and the UN have enjoyed very strong ties for many decades.

“In recognition of the role sport can play in contributing to a better world, the IOC was granted observer status by the UN General Assembly last year,” he said. “The aim of this Forum is to generate further action on the ground that contributes to the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals. We cannot change the world but we believe that, through sport, we can make better citizens.”

For more information about the UN, please visit www.un.org.