Kofi Annan in Dubai
Kofi Annan, former United Nations Secretary General, extolled the unifying potential of sport as he gave the closing keynote address at SportAccord.
Noting that the International Olympic Committee and FIFA both have more members than the UN, Annan said sport can be used more effectively to achieve global development goals.
In the address, titled "the Role of Sport as an Agent of Social Change," Annan said the IOC has been working closely with the UN to develop joint programs "on a whole range of important issues, from rebuilding Haiti to reintegrating refugees into society.
"But we need together to build on these projects, to learn the lessons of what works and provide support and encouragement to expand initiatives within communities and countries," said Annan, now Chairman of the Kofi Annan Foundation, who received standing ovations from a packed ballroom both before and after his speech.
He also said there is much more to be done to eliminate racism.
"It is sadly, not yet the case that racism has been rooted out of the sport," said Annan, who led the UN from 1997-2006 and received the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize.
"But without sport, I believe racism would be much more prevalent in many of our societies. It is hard to continue thinking of yourself superior to those of other races or background if your sporting hero has another skin color, another religion or is from somewhere else."
He also said sport is important in breaking down gender barriers and providing role models for girls and women, pointing out Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein’s role as president of the International Equestrian Federation.
Annan, who ran track and played football growing up, said he is passionate about sports in general, but "I must admit I'm somewhat of a football fanatic."
The Ghana native said the entire continent of Africa has tremendous pride in hosting the World Cup and has an opportunity to show how it has changed for the better.
"There are of course, countries with problems, conflicts, wars, but these are in the minority. There are many more where democracy and human rights have taken root."
He declined to make a prediction about the World Cup, but said he wished an African team would get to the final. "I'm not going to say Ghana," he said, "just getting one to the final would be fine for me."
SportAccord for London in 2011
The next edition of SportAccord takes place in London at the new Park Plaza hotel at the foot of Westminster Bridge on the South Bank.
Dates are April 3 to 8.
Opening ceremony is planned for the O2 arena in Greenwich. Delegates will travel by boat to the venue on the Thames shoreline.
"London is delighted to be the next host city for SportAccord and this is a truly fantastic opportunity for the capital. Delivering a legacy for London after the Games is crucially important and hosting the convention next year will play a significant role in helping us achieve this," said London Mayor Boris Johnson in a statement.
More than 1500 delegates are expected for what will be the ninth edition for the event.
"With London preparing to welcome the world for the Games in 2012, there is no better time for the SportAccord convention to come here and witness the final preparations taking place in your city," said SportAccord president Hein Verbruggen.
Check Out Video from SportAccord 2010
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Written by Ed Hula.
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