UN chief urges mega sport event hosts to help promote sustainable development goals

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said here Tuesday that so-called mega sport events "can spread that spirit of unity in mega-ways," and voiced his hope that the holding of such events as Olympic Games will be conducive to promoting sustainable development in the world at large.

The secretary-general made the statement at a meeting here on value of hosting mega sport events as a social, economic and environmental sustainable development tool. The event was jointly organized by the Permanent Missions to the UN of Germany, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Russia and Tunisia.

"These events gather thousands of athletes and millions of fans," Ban said. "They attract media attention and inspire people from all over the globe."

"It is a privilege for countries to host such events," said the secretary-general. "Their influence can also extend far beyond the world of sports."

A mega event also involves political decision-making and involves the strategies of a country's government. Mostly on a direct basis but the policy can also be indirect.

"With planning and vision, mega sport events can advance social development, economic growth, educational opportunity and environmental protection," he said.

"They also provide a platform to promote the values and objectives of the United Nations, including peace and human rights," said Ban. "As we look ahead, mega sport events can and should contribute to realizing the newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals," approved by world leaders here in September 2015 to serve as the blueprint for the global development efforts for the next 15 years.

"This will not happen on its own," he said. "Ample experience has shown that the benefits of mega sport events have not always been long-lasting, sustainable or widely shared. It is therefore crucially important that we learn the lessons of this history."

Starting from day one of the planning stage, mega sports events should prioritize developmental and environmental considerations, he said. "Our aim must be to reap the benefits of such events while limiting their carbon footprint, upholding workers' rights, ensuring transparency and fighting the corruption that so often accompanies endeavours in which enormous sums of money are involved."

By working jointly with local authorities and communities, mega sport event organizers should link their planning with broader projects and objectives, such as rejuvenating cities, fostering growth, stimulating employment and promoting accessibility for people with disabilities, he said.

"They need to leave durable legacies by developing equitable, inclusive and accessible facilities and infrastructure that will benefit societies long after the games and competition are over," Ban said. "Too often, people are displaced to make room for facilities that are used for a brief shining moment and then left to gather dust."

"There are many positive examples to build upon," he said. "Mega sports events have developed and implemented innovative practices, for example in tourism and transport."

Many host cities and countries of past mega sport events have taken the sustainable and inclusive developmental path, and implemented outstanding legacy initiatives at the local, national, regional and global levels, he noted.

"I encourage all hosts and bidders of mega sport events to integrate, at their core, sustainable and inclusive development strategies in every phase of their project," he said.

Meanwhile, he particularly commended the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee and Special Olympics for their valuable contributions.

In one such effort, the International Olympic Committee and the United Nations have revived the idea of the Olympic Truce, in which combatants agree to cease hostilities during the period when the Games are held.

"As we look ahead to the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games this year, I urge all warring parties to respect the Olympic Truce," he said. "I truly hope that this year's Olympic and Paralympic Games, and any future mega sport events will promote sustainability and solidarity." Ban also hoped to worke closely with future organizing committees, host cities and governments to that end.

The Olympic Games will be held in Brazil on Aug. 5-21. The Olympic Games will be held in Brazil on Aug. 5-21.

"The Olympic motto is higher, faster, stronger," he said. "Let us work together to ensure that the motto for all future mega sports will also be: cleaner, greener, and more sustainable." Endit