The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), through its Global Programme on the Security of Major Sporting Events and the Promotion of Sport and Its Values as a Tool to Prevent Violent Extremism, hosted a global online expert briefing on “Promoting Accessibility and Inclusion as a Core Principle of Sporting Events Security Culture”.The event took place on 5 November 2025, in partnership with the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS).
Major sporting events unite millions across the world through shared values of teamwork, respect, and inclusion. They are powerful platforms for promoting peace, solidarity, and development — values that can only be fully realized when everyone, regardless of ability, can participate safely and with dignity.
The expert briefing explored how accessibility and inclusion can be integrated into the safety, security, and service frameworks of major sporting events. Discussions addressed how stadium design, crowd management, transportation, and communication systems can be made inclusive, ensuring that accessibility is as a fundamental element of modern security culture.
In line with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Council of Europe’s Saint-Denis Convention on an integrated approach to safety, security, and service, the event underscored that inclusion is not only a matter of accessibility but a cornerstone of security and prevention.
By recognising accessibility not only as a human right but as a shared civic duty, communities cultivate solidarity and empathy, where every individual’s dignity and contribution are valued.
This culture of inclusion—rooted in awareness, respect, and mutual care—builds the foundations of peaceful, resilient societies. It enables citizens to coexist harmoniously, strengthens confidence in public institutions, and reinforces the social fabric that protects communities from polarisation and extremist ideologies. Integrating accessibility into the security frameworks of major sporting events is, therefore, both a moral imperative and a strategic investment in long-term peace and stability.
The briefing brought together representatives from Member States, sport federations, United Nations entities, and civil society organizations to share good practices, challenges, and opportunities in building inclusive and secure sporting environments.
Insightful presentations were made by representatives from:
- The International Paralympic Committee (IPC), elaborating on IPC engagement with United Nations agencies and global partnerships for advocating for disability inclusion;
- The Council of Europe, presenting the Saint-Denis Convention and its integrated model of safety, security, and service;
- Accessible, sharing lessons learned from developing inclusive stadium design and fan accessibility models;
- Integrated Dreams, sharing good practices on building safe, secure, and inclusive sporting environments for everyone;
- FC Porto (Football Club), outlining innovative measures on accessibility and inclusion.
- The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (DSS), developing on security as an enabler of inclusion;
- The Confederation of African Football (CAF), providing a regional perspective on accessibility and security at major events in Africa;
- The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), presenting on accessibility & inclusion at mega sporting events;
- The United Nations Country Team in Guyana, sharing experience on building a culture of inclusivity around sporting events.
- Guyana Council of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities.
The expert briefing builds on UNOCT’s continuing efforts to promote human rights-based and inclusive approaches across its programmes.
