Thematic Panel 2 - 10th UNAOC Global Forum

Thematic Panel 2: "Harnessing the unifying power of sports to promote peace and inclusivity: sports diplomacy as a bridge-builder"

• Mr. Pedro Dias, Secretary of State for Sports of Portugal
• Mr. Taha Ayhan, President, Islamic Youth Cooperation Forum
• Ms. Leila Marques, Vice-Chair, Portuguese Paralympic Committee
• Mr. Emilio Gutiérrez, Academy Director of Atlético de Madrid
• Ms. Carla Silva, Board Member of the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth ("Instituto Português do Desporto e Juventude")
• Ms. Fathiaya Nzhelayim Zakari, Advocacy and Engagement Officer of YEFL Ghana
• Ms. Leila Benabdallah, ICESCO Youth Ambassador

Moderator: Mr. Valerio de Divitiis, Programme Coordinator, United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, (UNOCT)

Sport, beyond its physical competition, is a universal language that transcends cultural, social, and political boundaries. It has an unparalleled ability to promote mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation, making it a critical force for social inclusion and peacebuilding in today's world. Amid the complex global challenges of rising political polarization, social fragmentation, and violent extremism, sport stands out as a powerful tool to foster sustainable peace and development.

This breakout session will showcase and explore best practices and lessons learned from various stakeholders involved in sport for peace. It will offer a platform for discussion on how sports diplomacy can continue to serve as a bridge-builder, encouraging further collaboration among governments, civil society, and the private sector to harness the unifying power of sport for a more inclusive, peaceful world.

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The 10th UNAOC Global Forum in Cascais, Portugal will convene members of the UNAOC Group of Friends, political leaders, representatives of international and regional organizations, religious leaders and faith actors, the private sector, civil society, academia, youth, arts and media, as well as donor agencies and foundations, who will address the global issues pertinent to peace and security and call for restoring trust and for uniting in peace. 

In Cascais, participants will have an opportunity to reflect on the twenty years of the 'Alliance of Civilizations' initiative, announced by Spain at the 59th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2004, and how UNAOC grew into a vibrant and well-established United Nations entity.

The event will be an occasion to highlight and celebrate UNAOC achievements and map the blueprint for "One Humanity" in the years to come.