Peace and Sport Confronts Global Challenges -- On the Scene

(ATR) UN official Wilfried Lemke and Peace and Sport founder Joel Bouzou were among those who delivered speeches at the annual forum.

The UN adviser on sport for development and peacespoke about sport's role in aiding the refugee crisis in his address to delegates gathered at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.

"What now can we do in the field of sport – definitely we can use all areas of sports in our countries, where we can invite people to take part and not be isolated," he said.

"We will invite children to our sport clubs – in some places in Germany, for example in my home city, 50 percent of the sport halls are occupied by refugees. They must feel like they are welcome."

Lemke encouraged delegates to be proactive: "We know about the value of sport, but we have to take action, we have to be involved and implement things to make change."

His speech preceded the opening plenary session titled "Preserving Peace in a World in Motion."

Bouzou has cooperated closely with IOC member from Monaco Prince Albert in developing the apolitical Peace and Sport organization. The 2015 forum is the eighth edition.

"We think that sport has a key role in society today, in this world which is moving in a very strange direction sometimes," Bouzou told Around the Rings. "The sport community has a role to play."

The theme of this year’s event 'Endangered peace, how can sport help?' boasts the slogan "Be part of what matters."

"Our goal is not to develop sport, our goal is to use sport to foster peace," Bouzou said.

In the wake of the terror attacks on Paris, he was asked what was Peace and Sport's main message and what could be accomplished. Bouzou said: "Pragmatic solutions, whatever the difficulties are and hope that we change and make a positive impact."

Policy-makers, sport leaders, Olympians, NGOs and other key figures are taking part in the two-day forum. It aims to tackle issues confronting today’s society from the rise of extremism to escalating military conflicts and the global migration crisis.

Joining Prince Albert and Bouzou in delivering speeches at Wednesday’s opening ceremony were IAAF chief Sebastian Coe, Russian NOC president Alexander Zhukov and Gabonprime minister Daniel Ona Ondo. Despite the recent turmoil in her home country, the first lady of Mali, Aminata Maiga Keita, also addressed delegates.

The Peace and Sport Gala Awards are Thursday night at Sporting Monte-Carlo, while the forum concludes with four workshops on Friday.

Peace Walk in Monaco

Prince Albert led around 1,000 people on a walk through the streets of Monaco prior to Wednesday's opening ceremony.Those taking part included sport champions, political figures, athletes and members of the general public.

Participants from the world of sport included two-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome, track and field stars Sergey Bubka, Yelena Isinbayeva, Paula Radcliffe, skiing champions Pernilla Wiberg and Florence Masnada, and cyclist Philippe Gilbert.

"The peace walk is very symbolic – when you gather everybody from all religions and all parts of the world to express positive feelings about peace that is something that we want to continue in that direction," Bouzou told ATR.

"It’s natural for professional athletes to get involved in a cause as important as peace. I can’t help but support Peace and Sport’s actions," said the cyclist Froome.

Reported in Monaco by Brian Pinelli

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