High-level event on “Crime Prevention and Sustainable Development through Sport”

– As delivered –

Statement by H.E. Mr. Miroslav Lajčák, President of the 72^nd Session of the UN General Assembly, at High-level event on “Crime Prevention and Sustainable Development through Sport”

Thank you very much – and good morning.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,

Let me start by saying that we are all on the same page.

We want to change the world, by 2030. We want to make the lives of people better – and to secure the future of the planet we live on.

And, we know that if we want to do this, we need to deal with the issue of crime.

That is why the 2030 Agenda draws a link between combatting crime and sustaining development.

And, that is why I am so glad we are here to examine a driver of both: sport.

As we begin today’s important discussions, I would like to make two main points:

First, I want to examine the value of sport as a tool for crime prevention.

A football match, or a race, cannot – directly – prevent a crime from occurring. But what we need to focus on are the people, playing in the match, or running in the race. In doing so, we need to ask: do they have a higher chance of being able to reject crime, and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs?

There is research, to back this up.

It says that sports can boost self-esteem.

It says that teams and associations can build strong social networks.

It says that sport can help communities put their differences aside – whether political, ethnic or religious – to cheer for the same team.

So, sport, itself, can be a driver of inclusion and peaceful societies. On top of this, it can also provide a platform for other interventions. For example, it can make educational or community-based activities, to prevent crime or radicalisation, more effective.

And, here, I want to focus specifically on young people. They need to be the torch bearers, for Sustainable Development. And they have proven themselves to be. They are advocating. They are creating new platforms. And they are developing innovations, for both planet and people.

But, while the vast majority of young people are not involved in crime, far too many become trapped in cycles of violence and criminal activity. And so, when we are talking about the role of sport in preventing crime – young people should be leading the discussion.

But, as my second point, I want to address the question: what can the rest of us – here – do?

We do not have an ice hockey rink, or a swimming pool, on the UN premises. And, by the way, it would be interesting to try to get those past the Fifth Committee!

But that does not mean that we cannot play a role, in supporting sport as a tool for both development and peace.

In 2013, the General Assembly created the International Day for Sport for Development and Peace.

That decision moved sport higher up the UN’s agenda. And, the latest initiative, on sport and crime prevention, shows that the momentum is building, even further.

I hope we see even more activities from across the UN system. Because our work, here, has an impact far beyond this building.

Last February, I was honoured to carry the Olympic torch in PyeongChang. And, I came back to New York, having learnt a very important lesson.  Which was, that what we do, in here, is seen and heard – out there.

I heard praise – from leaders to sports fans – about the call of the General Assembly to observe the Olympic Truce.

And, we have all seen the values of that truce become a reality. Despite months of high tensions, athletes from north and south participated together – under the same flag. And, this was not just ceremonial. Even more positive steps have been taken, since then.

This is not yet a success story. But it is a sign that we are moving in the right direction. And, importantly, it tells us that our work to strengthen sport, as a tool for development and peace, can, indeed, make a difference in the world outside of these walls.

Which is why we need even more of them. And that is why I am delighted to be participating in this event, today.

So, I want to thank the governments of Colombia, Italy, Monaco, Rwanda and Qatar, as well as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

The United Nations’ can make its voice heard –  on the power of sport in promoting both peace and development.

This voice can be heard, around the world. From makeshift, football pitches in remote villages – to world-class stadiums, in capital cities.

We need to bring out our inner sports fans! And we need to shout even louder, in support of this initiative!

I thank you.