The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has today been granted observer status by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York City. This decision pays tribute to the IOC’s efforts to contribute to the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals. By using sport as a tool, the IOC and its partners implement various activities across the globe in fields such as humanitarian assistance, peace-building, education, gender equality, environment and the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Promote sport at a new level
The IOC now has the possibility of attending all UN General Assembly meetings where it can take the floor and thus promote sport at a new level. The list of UN observers is exclusive and features states and intergovernmental organisations as well as independent and non-governmental bodies, like the International Committee of the Red Cross for instance.
Stronger IOC-UN partnership
“This is huge recognition of the role sport can play in contributing to a better and peaceful world,” said IOC President Jacques Rogge. “The Olympic values clearly match with the UN philosophy. Today’s decision further strengthens the partnership between the IOC and the UN system,” he added. The IOC already works with a wide array of UN specialised agencies and organisations around the world to benefit young people and communities.
Olympic Truce for Vancouver 2010
The UN General Assembly today also adopted the Olympic Truce Resolution for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will take place from 12 to 28 February and from 12 to 21 March 2010. Through this Resolution, the UN invites its member States to observe and promote peace before, during and after the Games in order to protect the interests of athletes and sport in general, and to contribute, through sport, to the search for peaceful and diplomatic solutions to the world's conflicts.
Inspire the young
Entitled “Building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal,” the Resolution was introduced by Canada on behalf of the IOC. The document also refers to the Youth Olympic Games, which will take place for the first time from 14-26 August 2010 in Singapore and aim to inspire young people around the world to participate in sport and adopt and live by the Olympic values.
Read the press release here
Relive the 64th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly here
Read the full text of the Olympic Truce Resolution here