That is the message United Nations Under-Secretary-General Amina Mohammed delivered on Wednesday to a virtual event marking International Day of Sports for Peace and Development, observed annually on April 6.
This year’s theme examines how sport can help promote human rights and sustainable development through Tackling the climate emergency.
A strong foundation
Ms. Mohammed pointed to the power of sport to unite and inspire people worldwide, acting as an effective catalyst to promote respect, equality, diversity and inclusion. .
“Sport also provides a platform to tackle some of the most serious global threats to people and the planet, such as climate change, which are now ravaging all nations, with devastating impacts on the world. greatest to the poor and the vulnerable,” she speaks.
The UN Deputy Chief of Staff called for urgent and transformative action from all sectors, “including sport and the billions involved as participants, coordinators, leaders, owners, advertisers and advocates”.
She recalled that the UN Secretary General António Guterres stressed the need to switch to “emergency mode” against the climate crisis, because The battle to keep the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, will win or lose this decade.
Show real leadership
“And we’re going in the wrong direction,” she warned. “Major sporting events and tournaments, athletes and fans alike, are poised to be strong advocates of collective and cooperative political action.”
Ms. Mohammed said the sports industry must show real leadership, including by cutting carbon emissions, encouraging higher ambition from the private sector and promoting accessible solutions and Including low cost also has high impact.
“Most importantly, we need everyone involved in sport to speak out much louder and demand stronger action from governments and businesses,” she speaks.
Speak up for the planet
Noting that sports stars, professionals, sponsors and their creative partners, are among the most influential figures on the planet, Ms. Mohammed urged them to contribute to climate action. Queen.
For example, they could call on governments and businesses to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and phase out coal.
“Use your voice and your platform to connect with the people and youth of the billions and fuel their passion. Show leaders that a fair, healthy, and net-carbon-free planet is inevitable, and it must evolve quickly.” she speaks.
Ms. Mohammed described the global efforts to combat the climate crisis and achieve sustainable development as a battle in which we both win or lose.
“More than ever, we must unite as a group, working together to create a safer, more inclusive and peaceful and more sustainable future for all.” she speaks.
