A/77/PV.43 General Assembly

I wish to honour the memory of the former President of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Mr. Jiang Zemin, who passed away on Wednesday, 30 November 2022. On behalf of the General Assembly, I request the representative of China to convey our condolences to the Government and the people of China and to the bereaved family of His Excellency Mr. Jiang Zemin. I now invite representatives to stand and observe a minute of silence in tribute to his memory.

As I look over the General Assembly today, there are relatively many of us here, but not nearly the number of spectators who would be attending a major sports event. Today the World Cup is under way with shouts of “Goal” or expressions of disappointment echoing through the halls. Athletes, men and women alike, are among the most powerful and influential people in the world. They are role models looked up to by millions of young people around the globe. I do not think that any young people today are wearing jerseys with our names on them. If we want to make changes, to transform the world, we must include sports and athletes in our work. Where politics and ideology can divide, forcing animosity and separation, sport brings together people in peaceful competition. It has the ability to break down racial and other barriers, combat discrimination and defuse conflict. Sport is a platform to combat some of the gravest dangers that the world faces today. It is not surprising that our Sustainable Development Goals bring together sport, peace and development. Athletes and fans can join forces to be powerful advocates for action. As the great Latin writer Publilius Syrus once said, “Where there is unity, there is always victory”. But it is also up to us to make sporting events a model of respectable behaviour, of fighting violence against women and girls, of combating stigma, such as against people with HIV or AIDS  — just a few examples, ones that are supported by the wording of draft resolution A/77/L.28. I want to thank the co-Chairs of the Group of Friends of Sport for Development and Peace, Qatar and Monaco, for their contributions to and support for this draft resolution. I encourage all Member States to preserve the unifying spirit of sports and the Olympic movement. It is far more promising for the world if nations compete in the field of sports rather than on battlefields. The former makes us nobler and stronger; the latter leaves death and devastation in its wake. Yes, we are living in a volatile world with deep divisions. Yet in my view, sports and its organizations should remain inclusive. We should not forget that it is much more desirable to end armed conflicts than to end cooperation. Sport is a solid common base for many of us. But it is also about willpower and perseverance. Or as Pele, who needs no introduction here, stated, success is no accident. It is hard work, learning, sacrifice and, most of all, love of what we are doing. I now give the floor to the representative of Monaco to introduce draft resolution A/77/L.28.

On behalf of Her Excellency Ms. Alya Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of Qatar, and Her Excellency Ms. Isabelle Picco, Permanent Representative of Monaco, I have the honour of delivering this statement to introduce draft resolution A/77/L.28, entitled “Sport as an enabler of sustainable development”. In their capacity as co-Chairs of the Group of Friends of Sport for Development and Peace, they express their most sincere gratitude to all delegations that participated in informal consultations for their constructive participation, their flexibility and their support. The in-depth discussions held reflect the interest in this item on the agenda and its cross-cutting nature, as the draft that we are considering today has many facets. In addition to technical updates, several new elements have been added to the text, including those emanating from the report of the Secretary-General contained in document A/77/161, entitled “Sport: catalyst for a better, stronger recovery for all”. The report sets out recommendations to accelerate our work on sport for development and peace and to maximize the contribution of sport to post-pandemic recovery. It also contains a great deal of information on the potential of sport as a catalyst for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and for climate action. A reference to the guidance note of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs on fighting climate change through sport was also added. In the light of the increased awareness of the link between sport and climate change, a new paragraph was added stating that the sports sector can contribute to efforts to combat the negative impact of climate change, especially by reducing its own carbon footprint, adopting sustainability standards and raising awareness among millions of people throughout the world and by changing their behaviour. Two preambular paragraphs were included that reaffirm the provisions of resolution 70/1, “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, and resolution 69/313, on the Addis Ababa Action Agenda. The preambular paragraph on the risks linked to corruption was fleshed out to state that the General Assembly noted with appreciation the efforts of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and its publication of the Global Report on Corruption in Sport, as well as the efforts made by the International Partnership against Corruption in Sport, established in 2017. In addition, the draft resolution calls on Member States to step up their collaboration with sports organizations and civil society, especially non-governmental organizations, which are implementing initiatives based on sport for development and peace. Member States may also thus foster partnerships and strengthen local capacities as they see fit in order to track impacts and to accelerate their action. The role played by the private sector, federations and national and international sports bodies, as well as all relevant national initiatives in this area, are also mentioned. Recognizing the importance of protecting sport, a new paragraph was added to the operative part to ask Member States and the sports sector to step up their efforts to prevent and combat trafficking in persons, especially in children and women, as well as to fight forced labour, sexual exploitation, attacks and harassment and all forms of violence in sport. Lastly, the draft resolution, as was the case during previous sessions, refers to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Beijing+5 Political Declaration and Outcome and the International Convention against Doping in Sport. The role of the United Nations, UNESCO, UN- Women, the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee, as well as all major sporting events, is once again mentioned. In conclusion, as co-facilitators, Monaco and Qatar call for the adoption by consensus of the draft resolution. We thank all delegations that have already stepped forward as co-sponsors and call on those that have not yet done so to co-sponsor the text before its adoption. In my national capacity, I should make the following comments on behalf of Monaco. We are now almost at the halfway point to the deadline for attaining the SDGs, and we are forced to note that collectively we are lagging behind. We need to mobilize all actors and use all possible means to accelerate our action. Education, physical and mental health, the prevention of non-communicable diseases, the promotion of healthy lifestyles, the inclusion of people with disabilities, and the empowerment of women and girls all are areas in which sport plays a key role. The universal language of sport brings people together and promotes the values of peace, friendship and respect, especially towards children and young people. That is why the work of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that use sport in their initiatives and field programmes should be recognized and underscored. Activities for development and peace should be supported to promote good practices and expand results. The Monaco association “Peace and Sport: an organization for peace through sport”, whose annual forum is taking place this very day in Monaco, is one of those NGOs. I should like to cite as an example its programme aiming to assist educators working with almost 2,000 children in 10 countries to develop sport sessions and promote the values of peace. At the other end of the spectrum, institutional actors have major leadership capacity. Here I would like to commend the role of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of the Olympic Agenda 2020+5, the Olympism 365 strategy and the efforts deployed by the IOC to be carbon-neutral. The goals of the IOC and the United Nations are aligned, as are their values. That has never been truer than today, and the messages of peace and solidarity expressed by the President, Mr. Thomas Bach, echoes similar messages from Secretary-General António Guterres. When addressing Group of 20 leaders in Bali, President Bach reaffirmed the neutrality and unifying cause of sport, the IOC and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. He also reaffirmed two key messages: the world needs more solidarity, and we must give peace a chance. At the level of the United Nations, I would like to commend the role of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, especially the tireless involvement of Ms. Daniela Bas, Director of the Division of Inclusive Social Development, and her colleagues. The strong cooperation that we have had with Ms. Bas and her Division has helped us to increase the visibility of sport on the United Nations agenda, as shown by the increasing number of side events and discussions on sport throughout the year. I would also like to recall that in 2022 the Permanent Mission of the Principality of Monaco joined events on the role of sport in fighting inequality, the role of sport and culture for the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities, the fight against the trafficking of children in sport, and how to strengthen the role of sport to prevent youth crime. The world is facing many challenges, one of which is the crisis caused by climate change. The sports sector is a contributor to that through the environmental and climate impact of competitions as well as through the indirect impacts of sports venues, the production of sport equipment and clothing, and travel by participants and spectators, inter alia. But the sport sector can also be part of the solution. It can reduce its emissions and its carbon footprint and act as a catalyst to raise awareness among the public and to promote changes in behaviour and habits toward healthier, more eco-friendly lifestyles. In addition, sport is affected by problems such as corruption and organized crime. Trafficking in persons, especially that of children and young people, in sport is a pernicious problem that is understudied and insufficiently addressed. We must strongly fight the instrumentalization of the dreams of young people who are seeking a better future thanks to sport and who end up being held prisoner by criminal networks that live off of trafficking, exploitation and forced violence. We must protect sports from all kinds of violence. Sexual, physical and psychological violence are all unacceptable and must not go unpunished. In Monaco, sport is a major part of our identity. Access to high-quality physical education, high-level sport infrastructure and appropriate programmes allow all of us to practice our preferred sports during and after our schooling. The Principality, a land of sport, recognized for its sporting events, for its own sporting performance and for its teams’ performance, has always viewed sport as a multifaceted tool. In conclusion, this draft resolution addresses all actors concerned: Member States, the United Nations system, sports organizations, national and international federations and all other relevant actors. Sport is everyone’s business. It is our collective duty to ensure that the sports world is beyond reproach and that it see greater use as a sustainable development tool.

As highlighted in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, sport plays a growing and critical role in contributing to development and peace. It aids in empowering women, young people, individuals and communities. During these challenging and unprecedented times, sport has been a catalyst for a better and stronger recovery for all. It has brought people together, giving people hope. In that regard, the Maldives is pleased to join in adopting draft resolution A/77/L.28 today, entitled “Sport as an enabler of sustainable development”. Sports, particularly the Olympic and Paralympic movements, have played a pivotal role in promoting peace and development. That is reflected in the ideal of the Olympic Truce, where the power of sports is harnessed to encourage peace, build dialogue and, more broadly, create reconciliation. The Maldives has proudly participated in the Olympic movement since 1988. Last year, Maldivian para-athletes represented the country in the International Paralympics for the first time. Global, national and local sporting events have the power to build communities, shift attitudes and behaviours, and raise awareness of social responsibilities. For example, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics ushered in a new era for gender equality when for the first time participating countries had dual flag-bearers at the opening ceremony. Further, in the lead-up and at the Fédération Internationale de Football Association Football World Cup in Qatar, football leagues, players, the media, fans and other stakeholders were invited to become agents of change by adopting sustainable practices and acting as champions of climate action, equity and human rights, all actions that advance the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Indeed, the World Cup in Qatar is poised to be the most- watched event of all time. We applaud the Government of Qatar for the excellent arrangements made for football fans and players gathered from different parts of the world The Government of Maldives has utilized sports as an instrument for youth development and has given great priority to expanding access to sporting opportunities across the country. In September 2015, the Maldives enacted its first Sports Act, aiming to promote competitive sports and cultural activities at the international, national and local-island levels. Moreover, the Government has provided many opportunities that were not available to athletes in the past, including funding for athletes’ further education and professional training abroad. The Maldives is taking the initiative to host major regional and international tournaments as well, such as the 2021 South Asian Football Federation Championship and a leg of the Bodyboarding World Tour in 2022. The Government of Maldives is making steady progress in facilitating sports development projects across the country, including the development of 82 football pitches, 70 futsal pitches and 39 volleyball courts across the country. We also are determined to establish the Maldives as a globally viable water sports destination. There has been a growing interaction between the Government, the youth, sportspersons and the sporting community to identify needs and address the existing gaps. In that regard, there are initiatives to build sporting complexes and youth centres on various islands. The encouragement of youth participation in sports promotes the development of leadership and cooperation skills, ensuring that young people become positive role models in their communities and contribute to economic and social progress. Such initiatives will lead to the development and promotion of sports at the grass-roots as well as professional levels. During the coronavirus disease pandemic, lockdowns contributed to a decline in physical activity as well as to a spike in anxiety and depression, especially among young people. The resumption of high-quality physical education is vital to recovery. Sports programmes have been found to address mental-health challenges and facilitate sustainable development. In September, the Maldives launched its National Physical Activity Policy and the National Guidelines on Physical Activity to improve public awareness of the importance of physical activity and exercise for healthy living and ageing, as well as to encourage an active lifestyle. As outlined in the Secretary-General’s report (A/77/161), sports can be utilized as a low-cost, high- impact tool to rebuild solidarity within and between countries and to deliver concrete benefits to people in the short term. It can also generate broader societal change, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. The increase in investments in sports has already reaped benefits for the Maldives. It is our hope that the power of sports will be fully utilized to maximize development and peace all over the world.

Singapore thanks Monaco and Qatar for their work on draft resolution A/77/L.28, entitled “Sport as an enabler of sustainable development”. We congratulate Qatar on its hosting of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association World Cup and wish all teams participating the very best of luck. Sport facilitates the building of community and the coming together of nations. At the national level, sport helps to forge a deeper sense of national pride and identity, as we cheer on our national teams, celebrating their achievements and commiserating with them in their defeats. Sport has the unique ability to bring people together and inspire us towards the pursuit of excellence. Sport also allows us to inculcate important values: those of sportsmanship, fair play, teamwork and respect. Those values, in turn, are essential building blocks towards unity and amicable, rules-based interactions between nations, which is what we strive for here at the United Nations. Just as the ancient Olympians observed the Olympic Truce, sports continue to bring us together in the present day and allow nations to compete on the playing field instead of the battlefield. Sport also contributes to individual and community welfare. For example, sports are integral to Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 4: ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages, as well as ensuring inclusive and quality education for all. The International Olympic Committee has stated that sports can contribute to achieving 11 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It is no surprise, then, that sports have been recognized as an important enabler of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Singapore is committed to supporting the Olympic Movement and to the advancement of sports as a means to promote peace and development. The year 2022 has been a busy one for Singapore athletes, who participated in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi; the 22nd Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom; and the 11th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Para Games in Solo, Indonesia. In addition to those traditional sporting events, Singapore will host the inaugural Olympic Esports Week in June 2023, which will feature the best of virtual sports — both hybrid physical and simulated sports — broadening participation and introducing new ways to engage in sports. Another important priority for Singapore is to expand the accessibility of sports, especially to athletes with disabilities. We recognize the potential of sports in empowering persons with disabilities and are committed to supporting the needs and aspirations of disabled athletes. All upcoming, new and rejuvenated sport centres in Singapore are built in accordance with local building codes on accessibility. In addition, we are working to improve the accessibility of all public gyms for persons with disabilities by 2026. The Singapore Government has also established a Para Sport Academy to support athletes with disabilities. The Para Sport Academy will provide aspiring para- athletes with a clear pathway from recreational participation to high-performance sport. That is important because our para-athletes have achieved considerable success at the highest levels, including at the Paralympics, and are a source of inspiration and national pride. But even as we promote competition at the highest levels, countries must also develop a broad sporting culture and ecosystem to encourage greater participation in sports and support the wider sporting community. During the coronavirus disease pandemic, sports activities had to be curtailed, and the sporting community was badly affected. As we transition towards living with the virus, the Singapore Government launched the Bring Sport Back initiative, which has encouraged the return of sports activities by restarting mass participation events and providing grants to event organizers. Support for the Olympic ideal is about support not only for sport but for the ideal that sport represents — a commitment to engaging with other nations on the basis of fair play and mutual respect. Singapore will continue to uphold and promote those values as an active member of the international community.

It is my pleasure to deliver this statement during this important meeting on sport for development and peace. While addressing the General Assembly today, I am full of joy and pride as we witness a unique and historic FIFA World Cup event currently under way in the State of Qatar. At the outset, I would like to thank the representative of Monaco for introducing draft resolution A.77/L.28, entitled “Sport as an enabler of sustainable development”. We are proud that we participated in facilitating the consultations on the draft as co-Chairs, along with Monaco, of the Group of Friends of Sport for Development and Peace. That is an extraordinary draft resolution that addresses an issue of utmost importance to the State of Qatar, which is currently hosting the largest and most important world sporting event, with unprecedented success. It also reflects our aim of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and serving humankind without any discrimination. Today we are fulfilling our promise to the world. The historic opening of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup event took place on 20 November, launched by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, with strong and inspiring words. He said: “We exerted efforts and invested in the good of humankind; finally we are here at this long- awaited opening day. People from different races, nationalities, beliefs and affiliations will gather here in Qatar and around screens across the continents of the world to take part in the same moments of excitement. How great it is that people can put aside what separates them and celebrate their diversity and commonalities at the same time”. We are proud that that historic speech by His Highness is the strongest and most eloquent response possible to the unfair, selective and politicized campaigns, which are replete with racism and arrogance, that target the organization of the FIFA World Cup event by the State of Qatar. Regardless of the intensity of those campaigns, the State of Qatar will rise above them and move forward, staying true to our commitment to our national and Arab values and to established international standards that prevent the politicization of or discrimination in football and sports in general. We will continue to focus on what serves humankind by building strategic partnerships and expanding international cooperation mechanisms to achieve coexistence and disseminate a culture of tolerance and peace among all the peoples of the world. We would like to announce that the SDGs are omnipresent during the FIFA World Cup event through the launching on 21 November of an exceptional campaign entitled “Scoring for the SDGs”, which calls for solidarity and cooperation in order to achieve the SDGs on the sidelines of the World Cup event. Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairwoman of the Board of the Education Above all Foundation and member of an international group in support of the SDGs, inaugurated the SDGs pavilion in a dedicated area for fans. Many activities will be launched throughout the World Cup event, in cooperation with partners, namely, UNICEF, UNESCO and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, including seminars with world leaders, artistic performances and workshops highlighting sports as a means to promote development and peace internationally. We were honoured by the visit of His Excellency the Secretary-General to the pavilion during his participation in the opening of the World Cup event. In conclusion, the State of Qatar reaffirms its steadfast commitment to working with our regional and international partners to confront the international challenges and crises facing us and to provide effective solutions to them, especially through the implementation of the draft resolution. In that context, we commend the report of the Secretary-General entitled “Sport: catalyst for a better, stronger recovery for all” (A/77/161) and call on members to implement its important recommendations.

A healthy body and mind are fundamental to our quest for peace, and sport, indeed, plays a critical role towards that end. Under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the international community has recognized that sport is an important enabler of sustainable development. Sport is an effective way of engaging the energies of young people in a positive and constructive manner. It teaches the spirit of sportsmanship, which generates tolerance, compassion and respect for one’s opponent. It also inculcates discipline through observance of the rules of the game. It develops camaraderie and good fellowship, which enhances the ability of communities to coexist peacefully. We support the efforts made by the United Nations system to generate awareness among young people through various initiatives. The contribution of sports to furthering development is well recognized. Sport not only improves physical well-being but also brings people together for a common purpose. Sports improve productivity and foster social harmony and discipline. Indeed, sports play a subtle, positive and constructive role in sustainable development and peace. Associating sports personalities with the United Nations with the objective of creating public awareness about education, health, climate and development issues, and promoting tolerance, understanding and peace within and between communities and cultures is praiseworthy. Several Indian sports personalities have entered into association with United Nations entities to promote peace, development and the protection of the environment. We commend the leadership of Monaco and Qatar in steering our discussions and submitting a draft resolution (A/77/L.28) entitled “Sport as an enabler of sustainable development”, which aptly underlines the growing contribution of sport to the realization of development and peace. In the ancient Indian tradition, exercise, which is at the heart of sport, was considered an inseparable part of good health. An old Sanskrit proverb mentions that exercise results in good health, long life, strength and happiness. Good health is the greatest blessing. Health is the means of everything. The education system in modern India is continuing that rich heritage and respect for sports and physical education. Sport development is a national priority for us. It promotes active lifestyles, child and youth development, social inclusiveness, employment opportunities, peace and development, and, above all, a sense of belonging and national pride. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports provides the policy framework and institutional support for sports-related activities. The Sports Authority of India is the principal arm for nurturing talent and for the provision of infrastructure, equipment, coaching and other facilities. The Government of India has taken several initiatives to encourage sports activities and to improve the standard of sports in the country. The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, launched the FIT India Movement in August 2019 to encourage people to remain healthy and fit by including physical activity and sports in their daily lives. Under that initiative, the Government organizes various programmes throughout the country with the aim of bringing about behavioural change and moving towards more physically active lifestyles. The Khelo India National Programme for the Development of Sports, launched by the Government in 2017, is being implemented across the country in order to infuse sport into the culture and to encourage sport all over the country. That scheme has one major vertical, that is, “Sports for peace and development”. Under that vertical, sports activities and competitions are organized at the village, block and district levels. Special emphasis has been placed on the development of women through sport by including it as a special vertical of the Khelo India scheme. Various tournaments have also been organized to promote the participation of girls and women in sports. In the conduct of those events, the theme of “Ek Bharat, Sreshtha Bharat” has been followed to promote interaction and developing bonds between people from different regions and areas, fostering fraternity, togetherness and unity. Sport is an inalienable part of the educational process and a factor for promoting peace, friendship, cooperation and understanding among peoples. We must therefore strengthen our efforts to promote sports for development and peace. India reiterates its commitment to supporting United Nations endeavours to promote sports and a culture of sports around the world.

At the outset, I wish to thank you, Mr. President, and representatives for their words of condolence on the passing of Mr. Jiang Zemin, former General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee and President of China. His passing is an incalculable loss for the Communist Party and the Government and the people of China. During his tenure as China’s top leader, he made outstanding contributions to the development and progress of socialism with Chinese characteristics and friendship and cooperation between China and the rest of the world. I will convey your message of condolences and sympathy, Mr. President, and those of representatives to the Government and the people of China and the family of Mr. Jiang Zemin. The Chinese delegation supports the adoption by the General Assembly of draft resolution A/77/L.28, entitled “Sport as an enabler of sustainable development” and is delighted to be a co-sponsor of the draft. China appreciates the efforts made by Monaco and Qatar as co-Chairs. Sport transcends race, religion and culture. It enhances communication, understanding and trust and helps to defuse conflict, tension and division. In sports, rivals are also partners for mutual inspiration, and competitions are also platforms for mutual fulfilment. The goal of sport is to be faster, stronger and go higher. It is not about beating or destroying one’s opponent but about excelling and bettering oneself. Even as we speak, football teams from across the globe are showing us the appeal of sport and interpret the spirit of sport as they compete in the World Cup in Qatar. The spirit of sport should become the basis for countries to coexist and serve as guiding principles for their interaction and competition. As the world undergoes changes, including the pandemic, unseen in a century, and faces geopolitical conflicts and multiple crises, the international community more than ever yearns for peace, tranquillity and development. We should rise above differences and work together to overcome difficulties and oppose coercion, bullying and imposition. We should strive for excellence and go beyond self-interest to seek common development. We must say no to the concept of a zero-sum game and bad-faith competition. We should respect and trust one another, learn from one another, embrace exchanges and integration, and reject arrogance, prejudice, isolation and division. We hope that the flourishing spirit of sport can prevail and guide us in surmounting the challenges and difficulties facing us and in ushering in a better future. After seven years of hard work, Beijing successfully hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games this year thanks to the joint efforts of China and the international community. As promised, China delivered to the world streamlined, safe and splendid Olympic Games that set many world records. Beijing is the first city in the world to host both Summer and Winter Olympic Games. For the first time, Beijing Winter Olympic venues achieved full coverage by 5G signals. The Beijing Olympic Winter Games featured over 45 per cent female athletes — a new record. Global viewership topped 2 billion, another historic high. The United Nations issued the first-ever “Sport for Peace” stamps for the Winter Olympic Games. As the first global multi-sport event delivered on schedule after the outbreak of the pandemic, the Beijing Olympic Winter Games, with the slogan “Together for a shared future”, presented the spectacular performances of athletes from all over the world as they sought to break new barriers and excel, bringing hope and warmth to people and injecting the strength of peace and unity into a pandemic-stricken world. The Beijing 2022 Games came to a successful conclusion, leaving a legacy that we will inherit and use well. It can thus become a driver for China’s endeavour to be a leading sports nation and an enduring impetus for friendship and cooperation between China and other countries and help forge a strong synergy for implementing the concept of sport for development and peace and building a community with a shared future for humankind.

The delegation of Egypt stresses the important role of sport in promoting sustainable development and its close link with enhancing the capabilities of young people, especially in the wake of the difficult circumstances that the world faced due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and its socioeconomic repercussions. As noted in the report of the Secretary-General (A/77/161), sport may prevent as many as 5 million deaths annually. There can be no doubt that sports activities are a complementary element in the maintenance of physical and mental health in societies, especially for young people and children, as it plays a role in developing their talents and skills. In the same vein, sport promotes mutual understanding among peoples, celebrates cultural diversity and strengthens dialogue. Those are concepts that have become increasingly important in the light of the major challenges facing the world, which require solidarity and cooperation. The delegation of Egypt is pleased to co-sponsor draft resolution A/77/L.28, submitted by the State of Qatar and the Principality of Monaco, entitled “Sport as an enabler of sustainable development”. We also appreciate their efforts in facilitating consultations on the draft. We also take this opportunity to sincerely congratulate the delegation of the State of Qatar on successfully hosting and organizing the Fédération Internationale de Football Association World Cup 2022 event. Egypt, which believes in the importance of sport and its role in promoting sustainable development, attaches growing importance to that vital sector as part of our efforts to achieve comprehensive development, in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030. According to the Egyptian Constitution, the right to practice sports is guaranteed to all. Both the State and society discover and sponsor talented athletes. The State also sponsors young people and children and works to develop their talents and capabilities. Egypt has set a number of goals to promote sports, including by increasing the number of youth centres as part of our efforts to build human cadres and encourage sports and group activities. In that context, the presidential “Decent Life Initiative” is aimed at developing Egyptian towns and promoting the efficiency of dozens of youth centres in recognition of the close link between physical and mental health and the success of comprehensive development. Egypt has also launched several initiatives to encourage sports, as we established new and smart cities. Through its national human rights strategy, Egypt aims to facilitate the participation of citizens with disabilities in all sports activities and to ensure that they benefit from such projects. In addition, many projects for youth facilities include innovation platforms that offer various activities other than sports, such as technical and vocational education programmes, economic empowerment and training for the labour market, especially for small and medium-sized projects. That will lead to maximize the benefits of the capabilities of young people and their full participation in development programmes. As part of its model to include sport in sustainable development and in conjunction with hosting the twenty- seventh session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Egypt launched the first phase of a new bicycle project in Cairo aimed at reducing traffic and pollution and encouraging the use of environmentally friendly transportation and daily exercise. In conclusion, Egypt continues to work towards achieving comprehensive development, including through its vital sports sector. That is based on our comprehensive, long-term vision of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in their various dimensions and ensure human development and the relevant capacity-building.

The delegation of the State of Kuwait is honoured to participate in the debate today under agenda item 11, entitled “Sport for development and peace”, as we are deeply convinced of the role that sports can play in developing societies and promoting friendly relations among peoples. Sports allows us to give young people a good education, as they are the foundation of the future of developed nations and prosperous societies. My country stresses the importance of deliberating in the General Assembly the topic of sport for development and peace. Every year on 6 April, we commemorate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, because we are convinced of the many advantages that sports give us. My country therefore reiterates the importance of the call issued by the Assembly in resolution 67/296 for all Member States, international organizations and civil-society institutions to celebrate and raise awareness of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. As all are aware, health is our crowning glory. It is better to prevent than to cure. The health benefits of sports are countless. They prevent disease, promote better blood circulation and enhance mental and psychological health. No investment could be as good as investment in people, even more than in infrastructure. Young people are our future. The best way to immunize them against extremist and destructive ideologies is by harnessing their energies towards supporting their communities and countries. The values of sport, namely, solidarity, collective work, honest competition and the sporting spirit, are noble ones. They help to create healthy sporting generations and build communities and world of peace, cooperation and love. We highlight in that regard the conviction and tireless work of the State of Kuwait, which gives full attention to promoting young people. That is why many years ago we created the Ministry for Youth as well as the public authority for youth and sports in Kuwait, which work to develop and guide youth to improve their sports skills and help them participate in sporting competitions. We wish also to recall the significant role of the Kuwaiti Society for the Handicapped, which for half a century has welcomed athletes with disabilities who have strong will and determination. We pay tribute to them, as they are exemplary persons with the determination to overcome their difficulties and realize their sporting ambitions. Nothing is impossible for such resolute individuals. It is with great pride that I share with the Assembly today one of the most important aspects of the 2035 Vision of the Government of the State of Kuwait in relation to young people. It has adopted a national policy that represents a guiding framework for youth for the next five years, including all direct and indirect policies concerning young people. In that context, we are strengthening partnerships with the private sector in order to sponsor many programmes for youth, such as the Role of Innovative Youth, the Professional and Our Matches programmes. Through its 2035 Vision, the State of Kuwait also aims at creating many youth centres to harness young energies and meet the needs of all segments of society by helping young people develop their skills and capabilities. Those youth centres create an environment conducive to practicing all sporting hobbies and activities. They include many health clubs and indoor and outdoor courts that are in line with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s recommendations, including Olympic- sized swimming pools. In its 2035 Vision, the State of Kuwait stresses the pioneering role of Kuwaiti women in sporting activities. We are working to develop women’s clubs and create environments conducive to promoting their sport skills, in addition to raising women’s awareness about sports and promoting sporting activities among them by increasing their social awareness and the number of those benefiting from sporting activities, and empowering Kuwaiti women while broadening their role in society. It is important on this occasion to emphasize the harmony and great consistency between sports and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the General |Assembly in resolution 70/1, on 25 September 2015. That harmony is clearly illustrated in Goal 3, relating to good health and well-being, and in Goal 5, relating to gender equality. Sport offers equal opportunities for both men and women to work diligently and cooperate among members of the same group. Goal 13 calls for addressing climate change, while Goal 14 calls for preserving marine life. Goal 15 stresses the need to safeguard wildlife. In that respect, we must harness sporting events to raise awareness about the threat of climate change and ways to address its effects. Goal 17, which is the last of the SDGs, calls for strengthening global partnership. In order to realize those Goals, nothing can match sports in the fields of cooperation, solidarity and collective work. That is how we can achieve the highest number of SDGs. In conclusion, the Holy Koran states: “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other ... Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” (The Holy Koran, XLIX:13) It is on the basis of that honourable verse that the State of Qatar has ushered in a new era of sporting diplomacy and has become the capital of sports; all eyes throughout the world are focused on it now. It has had major success in organizing the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup event. Indeed, we consider it a Gulf achievement and an Arab success story for the State of Qatar to be hosting the twenty-second edition of the FIFA World Cup event. That event of distinction will become an example to be followed in all sporting events in future because it demonstrates the importance of sports and its role in bringing nations together, achieving human solidarity, enabling and promoting the skills of the individual, strengthening the economy and increasing investment opportunities. That underscores the importance of sport to development and peace.

Sport is a language that we all speak and understand. It is difficult to imagine a more effective tool for social integration, as it strengthens ties among peoples and promotes the ideals of humanism, brotherhood and solidarity. Sport has a unique potential to promote peace and tolerance and an immense capacity to popularize the key ideas of sustainable development through its remarkable ability to engage and to inspire. In every country of the world, sport is an integral part of the foundation of the social and cultural unity of peoples. It is regarded as a tool for developing national identity and social cohesion. Public health, the development of exercise and sports are priorities of the social policy of Belarus. The State takes a very active part in the development and financing of exercise and sport, as well as the construction and maintenance of sports facilities and sports clubs. We are training experts in the area of exercise and sport, and we are also training the highest calibre of athletes. While all of us here today reaffirm our readiness to contribute to strengthening the role of sport to achieve peace and sustainable development, we must note with regret that objective reality is casting a shadow over the aspirations expressed at this rostrum. It is no secret that sport is heavily politicized. For certain Western officials, sport has long been used as a tool to serve their own political ambitions and achieve their selfish goals. Even so, we had thought that everything had its limits, but no; lawlessness knows no limits. Resolution 67/296, which established the International Day of Sport for Peace and Development, which the Republic of Balarus was very pleased to sponsor, acknowledged the role of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in demonstrating to people throughout the world the achievements of athletes with physical disabilities. But unfortunately, two weeks ago the International Paralympic Committee once again gave a vivid demonstration of the opposite. First, the IPC, for political reasons, excluded Belarusian athletes with disabilities from participating in the Winter Paralympic Games in Beijing. On 16 November, the General Assembly of the IPC suspended our membership. That decision — which, by the way, was adopted by a minority of votes — was illegal, unjustified and politically motivated. Belarus has not violated any part of the Constitution of the International Paralympic Committee. It is especially cynical that at the same time that it suspended Belarus’s membership, the IPC General Assembly decided to amend the Organization’s Constitution, stripping “undesirable” countries of the ability to take part in the International Paralympic Games. Those who initiate such decisions are doing all they can to punish States and their athletes to further their own political ambitions. We believe that those actions should be recognized by the international community, including the United Nations leadership, for what they are. But so far the world community has remained silent, as has the sports community in response to a clear flouting of the Olympic Charter. Human rights bodies are also remaining silent in the face of those appalling violations of the rights of persons with disabilities. The politicization of international cooperation on sport community goes against the principles of friendly and civilized international relations and the ideals and principles of sport, as well as the spirit and letter of the Olympic Charter. Belarus will continue to defend humanist ideals and the principles of Olympism. Our Olympians and Paralympians, regardless of all this, will continue, through their personal example, to inspire millions of people to believe in themselves and their own strength. We reiterate that Belarus is willing to establish partnerships and to develop targeted, mutually beneficial cooperation in the area of sports with all interested parties to strengthen its positive contribution to sustainable development and lasting peace.

I would like at the outset to thank the President of the General Assembly for having convened today’s important meeting. The United Arab Emirates believes in the importance of harnessing sport as an effective means of promoting understanding and respect among peoples along with supporting social progress. In its endeavour to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals at all levels, including that of the sport sector, the United Arab Emirates established a national committee for sustainable development in 2017. One of that committee’s goals is to support the institutional framework of the sport sector. My country is in the process of launching a 2032 integrated strategy for sports to develop a professional, competitive sports sector as one of the most important foundations of promoting the capacities of Emirati society. As we develop our sport infrastructure to attract talent, that strategy encourages the adoption of a healthier and more active lifestyle. That was illustrated, for example, through the Dubai Challenge, a programme that encourages people to take 30 minutes of exercise a day for 30 days. The sixth version of that programme was concluded last November. Our efforts are not only local; they also include effective participation in building and developing a strong regional and international sports environment by hosting championships and sporting events, including the Global Sports Leadership Summit, which aims to benefit from the expertise of more than 400 leading athletes to discuss ways of developing the sport sector across the world. As part of our efforts, my country is committed to empowering young people in the area of sports and working to attract them thereto in order to raise a promising generation of athletes by launching programmes and strategies that help to develop their mental and physical capabilities, as well as their capacity for innovation, along with strengthening cooperation among them. My country is committed to empowering women at all levels. We have taken a quantum leap in that respect, especially in sports, at the international and national levels. Emirati women are now chairing three sports federations. We have also launched a number of initiatives and organized a number of women’s championships, including the Fatima Bint Mubarak International Award for Sports, a one-of-a-kind event in the region. It aims to highlight the achievements of women in the sport sector. The United Arab Emirates is also working on promoting the role of sports for persons with disabilities and on strengthening inclusiveness in sports. We are look forward to holding a sports event for charity in January 2023 that will benefit people with disabilities in certain Asian countries as part of social partnership and cooperation to promote various initiatives that support persons with disabilities. As the sisterly State of Qatar is hosting the Fédération Internationale de Football Association World Cup event, the world is witnessing our sports achievements in the context of international efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and promote cooperation among various civilizations. We thank the State of Qatar and Monaco for their efforts in facilitating the negotiations on draft resolution A/77/L.28, entitled “Sport as an enabler of sustainable development”. In conclusion, I would like to stress that the United Arab Emirates is committed to supporting all efforts to promote sports with a view to enhancing inclusiveness and progressing towards the advancement of nations and the civilization of peoples. In that context, we look forward to a clear vision on the part of the international community in terms of developing the sport sector globally that will contribute to building a better and more beneficial world for future generations.

My delegation is honoured to participate in the consideration of this agenda item in view of the importance and relevance of sport to development and peace. My delegation would like to thank the Secretary- General for his report contained in document A/77/161, submitted pursuant to resolution 75/18, which reflects the progress made in the implementation of the United Nations Action Plan on Sport for Development and Peace over the past two years, building on the contributions of Member States, United Nations entities and other stakeholders. Burundi welcomes the innovations and adaptations contained in the report, which reflect the important contribution of sport to sustainable human development and peace and to efforts to combat poverty. Sport is shown to serve as a catalyst for a better recovery. It should be used in every context in order to build resilient communities. My delegation is pleased to underscore that Burundi continues to value sport as a language promoting peace, tolerance, understanding, reconciliation and socioeconomic development. Beyond its importance to physical and mental health, sport also unites different peoples and the citizens of a State. It brings peoples and States together, breaks down barriers and artificial stereotypes that pit some against others and fosters greater understanding. It is a tool for promoting the values of tolerance, non-violence and solidarity within and among States. Most importantly, sport helps us to overcome our differences and obstacles and create a safer, more peaceful and more sustainable future for all. In Burundi, the Torch of Peace debuted in 2006. Its goal was to promote a message of peace throughout all the provinces of our country, with stops along the way to help carry out community development works. Burundi just concluded in November the sixteenth edition of the Torch of Peace. A ceremony was held during which all social segments of the country — its active forces, small and large, men and women, young and old — inspired by a single ideal of unity, development, tolerance and non-violence, took to the roads of Burundi, running with the Torch of Peace and stopping at places where public works were under way, including schools, hospitals, stadiums, markets and reforestation projects, to participate in development and environmental protection efforts. That was concrete evidence of the powerful link between sport, peace and development. The promotion of sporting activities, sponsored by His Excellency the President of the Republic, helps to strengthen social cohesion, peace and various socioeconomic development programmes contained in our national development plan 2018-2027. It is also a response to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 of the African Union. My delegation believes that sporting activities not only create a strong tradition between peoples, promote good health and social cohesion but also protect the environment and foster socioeconomic development. The annual ceremony of the Torch of Peace ceremony is an opportunity in my country to acknowledge the very positive role that sport and physical activity play within Burundian communities and in people’s lives. In conclusion, my delegation believes that sport has the power to change mindsets and should be used as a powerful tool to bolster social ties and promote sustainable development and peace, as well as solidarity and respect for all.

I should like to thank President Kőrösi for having convened this annual debate on sport for development and peace. I also thank the Permanent Representatives of Monaco and Qatar, the co-Chairs of the Group of Friends of Sport for Development and Peace, for having submitted and co-facilitated draft resolution A/77/L.28, entitled “Sport as an enabler of sustainable development”, which my country is proud to co-sponsor. We look forward to its adoption by consensus at the end of this debate. We align ourselves with preceding speakers to commend the role played by sport, as it not only promotes development, peace and social progress but also plays a vital role in ensuring physical and especially mental health. We are pleased at the recognition of sport as an important factor in sustainable development that contributes to, inter alia, the empowerment of women, young people and persons with disabilities. Sport also promotes peace, tolerance and mutual respect. Sport is a vector for humanist values such as tolerance and understanding among peoples and cultures and is today a key and ongoing element of our lives that we must continue to cultivate to foster peace and solidarity in the international arena. It is also a crucial factor in preventing young people from falling prey to some of the issues that undermine various societies, including violence, extremism and drug abuse. During the difficult coronavirus disease pandemic, many people turned to sport to overcome the difficulties stemming from the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, which led to the closing of many sports and recreation centres. The social and universal dimension of sport has often been underscored by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who has always endeavoured to create the conditions necessary for the sports sector to meet the various challenges facing it and to shine during major sporting events. Sport is not just about training champions but also requires the establishment of the necessary infrastructure and the enactment of the relevant laws. Thus, under the guidance of His Majesty, the goal of sport is not just entertainment or achieving well-being, or a means of taking part in regional, continental and international competitions; it also relates to major development projects and promotes the socioeconomic development of Morocco. The multifaceted role of sport is at the heart of the royal vision, which focuses on the importance of expanding access to sport for men and women throughout society. Sport is a viewed as a strong driver of human development as well as inclusiveness, social cohesion and efforts to fight poverty, exclusion and marginalization. The 2011 Constitution breathed new life into His Majesty’s efforts by endorsing sport as a right to which citizens must be ensured access by the public authorities and is thus a vital pillar of the national strategy for the promotion of sports. As a reflection of the importance Morocco places on sports, an annual race known as “10 km for peace” has taken place every 6 April since 2007 to commemorate the International Day of Sport for Peace and Development. At the global and continental levels, Morocco has successfully held numerous sporting events. It organized the largest sporting event in Africa, that is, the twelfth edition of the African Games, in 2019, providing cutting-edge sporting equipment and infrastructure in keeping with international standards, so as to meet the expectations of our continent’s athletes. In 2013 and 2014, Morocco also successfully hosted two editions of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup and is a candidate for hosting the 2025 African Cup of Nations. In addition, educating and protecting young people so that they can contribute to building a better and more peaceful world is a noble goal that the Kingdom or Morocco has always endorsed by co-sponsoring the various draft resolutions submitted in that area. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the brotherly State of Qatar on the excellent manner in which it is hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the first to be held in the Middle East and the Arab world. Qatar’s outstanding success in holding such an exceptional global event, the warm welcome provided to guests and the magnificent stadium and advanced infrastructure continue to draw the entire world’s attention to and admiration of this unprecedented edition in the history of the World Cup. Not only the Arab world but the entire world can be proud of Qatar’s success in its outstanding and historic hosting of the 2022 World Cup.

I thank President Kőrösi for having convened this important meeting on the topic of sport as an enabler of peace. I thank the delegations of Monaco and Qatar for their leadership in facilitating this important draft resolution (A/77/L.28). My delegation aligns itself with the statements made by the Groups of Friends and wishes to make a statement in its national capacity. Senegal commends the relevant initiatives of the United Nations, particularly the inclusion since 2003 of this new agenda item on sport for peace and development. My country welcomes the outstanding work of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which, through its seamless organization of international competitions and the Olympic Games in particular, works tirelessly to build peace through sporting values as tools for unity, tolerance and solidarity. Through its policy of establishing sporting programmes, the IOC, under the skilful leadership of President Thomas Bach, is also promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women while improving lives through high-quality sporting infrastructure, which provides a powerful tool to achieve healthier lifestyles through sporting activities. At a time when the world’s soccer elite are currently competing in Qatar, we should recall that sport remains a vector for many positive values for athletes and the general public alike. Sport speaks a universal language that fosters fellowship on the field while promoting the culture of success, sportsmanship and love for one’s neighbour. It is a virtuous circle that calls on all participants, both athletes and spectators, to come together in brotherhood and peace. Sport, which promotes tolerance and openness, is thus a true school of life that helps everyone achieve their potential. Keenly aware of all this, Senegal is ready to contribute to the development of sport and to the universalization of the noble values it represents. Indeed, it will be hosting the Dakar 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games, to be held in Africa for the first time, to which we invite all Member States. That is the significance of my country’s commitment to the integration of sport into various development programmes, striving to leave no one behind, as recommended in the operative part of the draft resolution before us. That is also why my delegation has co-sponsored this draft resolution, and we strongly urge its adoption by consensus.

Sport motivates all society segments to engage in good practices that promote the most noble principles and values. Therefore, it is important for the international community to attach great significance to sport and to incorporate it into the daily lifestyle of all individuals in all societies in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The Kingdom of Bahrain, under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad Bin Issa Al Khalifa and on the instructions of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister, Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, is fully participating in international initiatives aimed at promoting the role of sports in achieving peace and development in the world and is committed to delivering our message of supporting the international community in stressing the important role of sports. Every year on 10 February, the Kingdom of Bahrain celebrates the National Day of Sport because sport promotes ethical and human values, provides health benefits and is a great driver of activity. We encourage our citizens and residents to effectively engage in sport. Sport is a key pillar of the prosperity of every society. It should be among the main issues considered by decision- and policy-makers, especially at this time when recovery from the coronavirus disease pandemic is a socioeconomic need. Sport contributes to getting peoples closer, promoting peace and preventing chronic diseases. The competent authorities in the Kingdom encourage all citizens and residents to exercise so as to ensure a healthy society. Under the instructions of His Highness Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty for Humanitarian and Youth Affairs, the Kingdom of Bahrain has hosted a number of continental and global championships and competitions, which reflected our pioneering and distinguished stance regarding world sports. That has made the Kingdom a desirable destination and a centre for a number of world competitions, including auto racing, martial arts, horseback riding, triathlons and cycling. Those competitions also include persons with disabilities. We therefore stress the need to include sports in the lives of persons with disabilities. Sports can be used to achieve major humanitarian goals within a society. In that context, the Kingdom of Bahrain hosted the Bocce World Cup to raise awareness of and introduce people to that sport. It is a quality sport that can be practised by people with significant mental disabilities. The Kingdom of Bahrain also stresses the important role of sports in the lives of children and youth so as to ensure a healthy lifestyle from childhood. In 2024 we will host the International School Games, in which 5,000 people from 80 States will participate. In conclusion, we strongly believe that sport, if well invested in, constitutes one of the pillars of socioeconomic development. It is vital for post- coronavirus disease pandemic recovery and to achieve sustainable development, as well as to promote the culture of peace among all peoples of the world.

I now give the floor to the observer of the International Olympic Committee.

Please let me convey to all members the greetings and best wishes of the President of the International Olympic Committee, Mr. Thomas Bach, who asked me to deliver his statement to the Assembly. “Please allow me to express the heartfelt thanks and gratitude of the entire Olympic Movement to the members of the United Nations General Assembly for the imminent adoption of the draft resolution entitled “Sport as an enabler of sustainable development” (A/77/L.28). In particular, I would like to thank the President of the General Assembly for his words, for presiding over this meeting and for his supportive remarks. My thanks also go to the co-Chairs of the Group of Friends of Sport for Development and Peace, Qatar and Monaco, for their invaluable role in galvanizing support for the draft resolution. “The many Member States that are supporting the draft resolution as co-sponsors reflect the widespread recognition of the essential role of sport in society today. For that support and recognition, we in the Olympic Movement are humbled and grateful. The unity and consensus among all United Nations Member States on the draft resolution serve as further encouragement for the entire Olympic and sporting community for everything we are doing to make the world a better place through sport. “We also want to express our appreciation for the report of the Secretary-General entitled “Sport: catalyst for a better, stronger recovery for all” (A/77/161), as well as to the Department of Economic and Social Affairs for showcasing many dimensions of the contribution of sport to immediate-term recovery from the coronavirus disease and the positive impact of sport in a post- pandemic context. “In the difficult times that humankind is facing, it is crystal clear that we need the power of sport as a force for good in our communities more than ever before. That is why our Olympic Agenda 2020+5 reform programme is fully focused on strengthening the role of sport as an important enabler of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Encouraged by the strong acknowledgement in the draft resolution of that contribution of sport, the message from the Olympic Movement to the Assembly is that we are ready to fulfil the enabling role that Member States have assigned to sport. With our Olympism 365 strategy, we intend to strengthen collaboration between the Olympic community and partner organizations within the United Nations system and beyond to advance the SDGs through sport in areas such as peace, health, education, gender equality, climate action and many more. “In delivering on Olympic Agenda 2020+5, we have also committed to strengthening our credibility and integrity, because we know that our ability to fulfil the enabling role of sport depends on our credibility. As values-based organizations, we have the double duty to uphold good governance, fight corruption, promote human rights and safeguard within our remit and across all activities for which sport is responsible. We are therefore fully committed to living up to our role in all the dimensions called for in the draft resolution. “By adopting the draft resolution, members would also be supporting the overarching mission of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to be a unifying force, bringing the entire world together in peaceful competition with no discrimination whatsoever. In our polarized world, with divisions and conflicts on the rise, there are not many occasions whereby all of humankind can set aside differences and come together in peace. As the Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, said, the Olympic spirit is the most important symbol of peace in today’s world. That is why we are so grateful that the draft resolution specifically highlights that international sport events should be organized in a spirit of peace, without discrimination of any kind and, in particular, that the unifying and conciliative nature of those events should be respected. “We can accomplish that unifying mission only if the Olympic and Paralympic Games stand beyond all political, cultural and other differences. That is possible only if the Olympic Games are politically neutral and do not become a tool to achieve political goals. It is therefore with the highest appreciation that we welcome the unequivocal support from United Nations Member States for the political neutrality of the International Olympic Committee and the autonomy of sport, which is expressed in the draft resolution. “That is only the most recent example of numerous declarations in which the international community has thrown its weight behind our unifying mission and political neutrality. At the recent Group of 20 (G-20) Leaders’ Summit, the Chair of the G-20, Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo, expressed his support for the political neutrality of sport, while also emphasizing the unifying power of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Support also came from President Emmanuel Macron of France, the host country of the next Olympic and Paralympic Games, who said that sport should not be politicized. He went on to say that, while he did not know the context in which the Olympic Games to be held in France in 2024 would take place on a geopolitical level, such major events were meant to allow athletes from all countries — sometimes including countries at war — to live their sport. He also expressed his belief in the need to preserve the ability to find, through sport, means of discussion when people can no longer talk to each other. “We see how important that support for our mission is at this very moment with the war in Ukraine. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine blatantly violates the Olympic Truce resolution and, with it, the Olympic Charter. That gives us all the more reason to promote our unifying mission with our full determination and all our heart. “In that context, the wide support for the Olympic peace mission, as expressed in the draft resolution to be adopted today, sends a hopeful message in these dark times. It reflects our conviction that only by coming together in peace and solidarity can we overcome the manifold challenges facing humankind at this time. That is why we changed our Olympic motto to “Faster, higher, stronger  — together”. The word “together” emphasizes our belief that, no matter what obstacles we might face, we can make progress only in partnership and in solidarity with our fellow human beings. “We are heartened and humbled by the trust and confidence that the Assembly has placed in sport as an enabler for sustainable development and peace. In partnership with all members and based on our principle of political neutrality, we will continue to strengthen the contribution of sport as called for in the draft resolution. We will take the draft resolution and members’ encouragement fully into account in our current and future deliberations and actions. We also look forward to reporting back to the Assembly at next year’s session on the progress that we have made. In that Olympic spirit, let us join hands to make the world a better place through sport — together.”

We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this item. We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/77/L.28. Before giving the floor to speakers in explanation of position, may I remind delegations that explanations are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. I give the floor to the representative of the United States.

The United States strongly believes that sport and physical education contribute to the promotion of education, health, development and peace, as well as to the promotion of equal access to opportunities for physical education and physical activity for all, including for women and girls, in all their diversity, and persons with disabilities. The United States looks forward to joining the consensus on draft resolution A/77/L.28, entitled “Sport as an enabler of sustainable development”, with the understanding that, when this draft resolution acknowledges the importance of taking measures with respect to various aspects of education, it does so in terms that are mindful of, and consistent with, the Government’s framework for education in our respective federal, state and local authorities. We further understand the reference in the draft resolution to “internationally agreed development goals” to refer to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

We have heard the only speaker in explanation of position. The Assembly will now take a decision on A/77/L.28, entitled “Sport as an enabler of sustainable development”. I give the floor to the representative of the Secre­ tariat.

May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/77/L.28?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 11?

Before adjourning, I would like to draw the attention of members to the date of recess of the current session. Members will recall that, at its 3rd plenary meeting, on 16 September 2022 (see A/77/PV.3), the General Assembly decided that the seventy-seventh session would recess on Monday, 12 December 2022. However, I have been informed by the Chair of the Fifth Committee that the Committee requests an extension of its work to Friday, 23 December 2022, in view that such an extension would facilitate a comprehensive consideration of the agenda items before it. In that connection, and in view of the work that remains to be completed for this part of the session, may I take it that the Assembly agrees to postpone the date of recess to Friday, 23 December 2022?

May I also take it that the General Assembly agrees to extend the work of the Fifth Committee until Friday, 23 December 2022? It was so decided (decision 77/504).