Launch of the joint Programme on Security of Major Sporting Events and Promotion of Sport to Prevent Violent Extremism
¡°Through our joint programme, we will focus on the exchange of information and best practices, and on sharing resources and facilitating partnerships. We will explore how to develop and implement operational collaboration between Member States, and undertake joint initiatives with private stakeholders,¡± said Mr. Voronkov, the Under-Secretary-General of United Nations Office of CounterTerrorism (UNOCT), at the launch.
Assistant-Secretary-General Coninsx assured that ¡°CTED will work with the programme partners to identify and develop innovative policies and practices to strengthen the protection of major sporting events through enhanced international cooperation, public partnerships and sustainable security approaches.¡±
Ms. Bettina Tucci Bartsiotas, Director of UNICRI said that for ¡°15 years, we have pioneered actions resulting in a huge knowledge capital and a wide global network. We cooperated with 57 Member States to design new tools and deliver capacity building on major events security and terrorism prevention.¡±
Speaking on behalf of Mr. Mohammed Hanzab, Chairman of the International Centre for Sport Security, Mr. Massimiliano Montanari, ICSS CEO, added that ¡°Protecting major sporting events means protecting opportunities for international dialogue and socio-economic development. Through the Global Programme, we will promote sustainable approaches to security, ways to preserve the legacy of major sporting events as a common good of the international community and advanced policies grounded on the principle of shared responsibility.¡±
"Sport can be an engine for positive change. It is a viable tool for inclusiveness and diversity. The power of sport rests in its ability to break down the walls between people whether they are players or spectators regardless of their faith, race or culture," stressed Mr. Moratinos, High Representative of the UNAOC.