UN adopts new resolution on the importance of sport for sustainable development

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution recognizing the role of sport as enabler for sustainable development and as a source of inspiration for young people across the planet.

by Chiara Aruffo

Last week, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution recognizing the role of sport as enabler for sustainable development and as a source of inspiration for young people across the planet. The resolution comes in a context dominated by global conflicts, economic uncertainty and climate change, following numerous resolutions already adopted by the assembly since 2003.

The text adopted is entitled ‘Sport as an enabler of sustainable development’ and contains numerous references to topical matters, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The resolution lists twenty-six points encouraging member states and all stakeholders to utilize sport as a means to promote sustainable development. In detail, the resolution outlines ways in which sport can be used to help young people improve their lives and generate cooperation between nations. Among the topics explicitly mentioned are education (physical and non-physical), women’s and girls’ empowerment, physical health, combating discrimination and promoting tolerance and respect for all.

During the presentation of the resolution, General Assembly President Csaba Kőrösi (Hungary) said: ‘The international community must include sport and athletes in its work to bring about the changes that transform the world. Sport unites people in peaceful conditions and can help combat some of the greatest dangers humanity faces. Nations should compete on sports fields rather than on battlefields. The former is more noble and the latter leaves death and devastation behind’.

The full text is available here.

Cover picture: 2012 / Comité International Olympique (CIO) / JUILLIART, Richard