Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The Peace and Sport Middle East Forum, powered by the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, was held 18-19 October in Riyadh, illuminating the transformative power of sports towards peace and lasting social change. The event, organised by Peace and Sport, a renowned international organisation brought together an array of global leaders from the realms of sports, politics, and business. With the aim of advocating the profound impact of sports in building peaceful communities, the forum aimed to create a safer, more equitable, and inclusive world.
THE MISSION AND VISION OF PEACE AND SPORT
Peace and Sport was founded in 2007 by Joël Bouzou, the Modern Pentathlon Olympic Medallist and World Champion, operating under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco. The organisation actively demonstrates the unifying, educational, and social influence of sports through diplomatic initiatives and on-the-ground programs, bolstered by the support of the Champions for Peace club. Their vision underlines the belief that sustainable peace can be significantly advanced through the powerful catalyst of sports.
Peace and Sport was founded in 2007 by Joël Bouzou, the Modern Pentathlon Olympic Medallist and World Champion, operating under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco. The organisation actively demonstrates the unifying, educational, and social influence of sports through diplomatic initiatives and on-the-ground programs, bolstered by the support of the Champions for Peace club. Their vision underlines the belief that sustainable peace can be significantly advanced through the powerful catalyst of sports.
PEACE AND SPORT AWARDS
This year’s forum included a special edition of the Peace and Sport Awards, recognising the efforts of organisations and individuals in promoting peace, dialogue, and social stability. The winners spanned from local initiatives to global projects, serving as inspirational models for what sports can achieve on a global scale. UTS President Stephan Fox was invited to join the awarding jury and presented the “Combat Sport Initiative” award to World Taekwondo President Dr. Chungwon Choue for their social impact in communities with refugee and orphaned youth.
UTS President Fox said:
“We witness international federations such as World Taekwondo who are actively demonstrating to the world just how important sport is, not just for our physical and mental wellbeing, but towards transforming the lives of minority and marginalised youth. I stand here proud today, to be a part of the international sports community with leaders that are making an impact by the thousands, and showing us all that together, we can do so much more.”
World Taekwondo President, Choue said:
“Combat sports implements confidence, courage, respect and loyalty. We are teaching this spirit to our refugee and orphaned youth around the world and through this philosophy we nurture global citizens around the world. This year’s world taekwondo motto is: peace in mind and taekwondo at heart. Thank you for this prestigious award.”
THE FORUM
The Peace and Sport Forum featured engaging activities, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. With Sport is an answer for peace as its central theme, the forum was guided by the expertise of Masters of Ceremony Weam Al Dakheel, the pioneering Saudi Arabian journalist, and Marc Maury, a former decathlete and rugby player. Peace and Sport acknowledged sports’ role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, particularly among its 70% youth population. One of the takeaways of the forum is that, with its fairness and neutrality, sports act as a potent catalyst, nurturing dialogue and fostering a culture of peace.
KEY PANELS AND DISCUSSIONS
The Peace and Sport Middle East Forum features crucial discussions on various aspects of sports’ transformative potential. These include exploring the integration of sports into Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 framework and the Quality of Life Program, empowering women through sports, fostering youth leadership and lifelong skills, showcasing best practices in using sports for peace-building, emphasising football’s role in promoting coexistence and peace, and examining the lasting impacts of major sporting events on communities and host nations’ economies.
DISTINGUISHED ATTENDEES AND KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
The Forum saw esteemed individuals and influential figures coming together, emphasising the significance of sports, among the notable attendees were H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud, HH Prince Fahad bin Jalawi Al Saud, Dr. Changwon Chou, President of World Taekwondo, adding his insights into the discussions on the substantial role of sports in promoting peace and unity, and H.H. Princess Delayel Bint Nahar Al Saud, Advisor at the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, bringing her valuable insights to the discussions centred on the advancement of sports and gender equality in the Middle East. The event witnessed the presence of renowned personalities such as Kailash Satyarthi, the Nobel Peace Laureate of 2014, and Didier Drogba, the Football Legend and Vice-President of Peace and Sport, each bringing their unique perspectives on the role of sports in promoting peace and social responsibility among high-level athletes. Anthony Joshua 2012 Olympic Champion and former world heavyweight champion as well as, Sadio Mane, former Liverpool player and Kailash Satyarthi, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, 2014 were also present.
CONCLUSION
With the active involvement of global leaders and inspirational figures, the forum stands as a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and harmonious world, where the power of sports transcends boundaries and fosters a lasting legacy of peace and understanding. All the Champions for Peace joined on stage to hold up the white card towards peace and at such a fragile time in our world, a call for peace is needed now more than ever.
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