Interview

International year of sport and physical education

In 2001, Mr. Adolf Ogi, former President of the Swiss Confederation (1993 and 2000), Federal Councillor (1987-2000) and Director of the Swiss Skiing Federation (1975-1981), was appointed by the UN Secretary-General as his Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace in order to assist him in his efforts to reach out to the world of sport to promote understanding and support for the work and ideals of the UN.
The mandate of the Special Adviser is not only oriented towards the world of sport, sports industries and governments, but also towards the UN system. It includes consulting with agencies of the United Nations system engaged in development, peace-making and peace-building as well as identifying the tasks and programmes that might benefit from the involvement of sport organisations, in order to make recommendations to the Secretary-General.

The year 2005 has been proclaimed International Year of Sport and Physical Education. Why should an entire year be dedicated to this issue?

There is not enough attention paid to the role of sport and physical education in our societies. In fact, sport is a unique tool for human, social and economic development and it can promote lasting peace. With sport, children and young adults have the opportunity to make mistakes and learn the worth of essential values that will help them throughout their lives. Sport is more than just entertainment and fun. Sport teaches lessons of social behaviour and integration; it builds character; it helps with self-knowledge and respect for others. Through sport, young people can actively prepare themselves for their professional life.
In developing countries and in post-conflict areas, sport gives hope and can alleviate psychological pain and traumata.

Aren’t there more important issues to deal with, such as poverty and hunger?

I see it differently. Covering the basic needs of suffering populations must remain the first priority. But once the most immediate needs are covered, sport and physical activity often prove to be a useful instrument to improve the quality of life of those recovering from war and other disasters.
We also have to consider that sport will not take away the attention from the most urgent issues of this world. On the contrary, it can support the most pressing matters by offering innovative and pragmatic solutions. Sport will always be present, no matter what the situation is. Our innovation is to call the world of sport to the service of people in need.

Can you give us a concrete example how sport can help achieve the objectives of the United Nations?

In February 2005, I travelled to the city of Medellín in Colombia to visit a sport project called "El Golombiao". Street soccer tournaments are organised for young girls and boys in deprived neighbourhoods. In this "football for peace" development project there are no referees, the teams are mixed (girls and boys) and girls have to score the first goal in each half-time. At the beginning of each match the players of both teams agree on the rules. After the game both teams decide together, looking back at behaviour and fair-play, who the winner is.
These sport-based development projects not only keep children and young people active, they also keep them away from violence and drugs to which they can fall easy prey in the streets of Medellín. Furthermore, the participants in these tournaments learn the necessity to respect each other and to solve conflicts in new ways.

What was the process leading to the proclamation of the International Year of Sport and Physical Education 2005?

In January 2003, at the UNESCO-Roundtable of Ministers in charge of sports, I called upon the Ministers to give stronger recognition to sport and its values. I asked them to bring a resolution to the United Nations General Assembly, which would generate worldwide attention for the positive role of sport.
Tunisia took the lead in preparing a resolution and managed to gather strong support from other Member States. On 3 November 2003, resolution 58/5 was adopted in the plenary session. Among its many important elements, it proclaims 2005 as the International Year of Sport and Physical Education (IYSPE 2005).

How did you manage to convince the delegates at the General Assembly?

I told them that there is a positive tool to help them create a better world. They are constantly dealing with wars, conflicts and other negative aspects of life. I told them that sport is an instrument that enjoys great universal acceptance, in particular among youth, the most difficult audience to reach, although they have a very strong impact on all parts of society.
I also mentioned that many agencies of the United Nations system are already using sport in their programmes. The UN system is making use of sport’s positive values to improve the quality of life of children, of refugees or of people with disabilities. Sport is also being used to convey messages about HIV/AIDS prevention, sustainable development, and respect for the environment. What is required now is a more systematic and integrated approach to the use of sport.

Which major events will take place during this International Year?

The concept of the International Year is to offer a platform to member states in order to strengthen the ties between sport and themes that can be positively influenced by sport, such as health, education, development and peace. I count on governments, sports federations, the private sector and civil society to work more closely together with the United Nations.
We have planned international conferences, each linking sport with one of the core issues (health, education, development and peace) or with other themes related to the MDGs, such as sustainable environment and women leadership (see box).
Details on the planned activities and events can be found on the website of the IYSPE 2005: www.un.org/sport2005.

Which impact do you expect for after the year 2005?

I hope that the IYSPE 2005 will be a lasting contribution toward mainstreaming sport into the development agenda of the United Nations. It should also help to generate more support for “Sport for Development and Peace” among governments, NGOs and sport-related organizations.

What are you expecting from the sports industry?

I have realised that the international sports federations and the sports industry are willing to get involved in the betterment of humanity. The sporting goods manufacturing industry is among the fastest growing in the world. That carries a tremendous potential to influence society and widely disseminate the positive values of sport that are so close to those of the United Nations Charter.

What does the support of world-class athletes mean to you?

For me, it is the sign that sport is ready to accept new responsibilities. World-class athletes are role models for our children and they have a great influence. By dedicating part of their time and effort to the United Nations activities, the athletes are setting an excellent example. Their contribution is a great asset for the IYSPE 2005.

What do you tell people who don’t like sport?

Everyone is free to decide what he or she likes or dislikes. However, there is no doubt that sport has a positive impact on the quality of our lives. If you want to live longer and better, an active lifestyle will definitely help you. The opportunity to practice sport is there for everyone to seize. It’s the same with many things in life: Take it or leave it!