Remarks by the President of the General Assembly,
Mr. Dennis Francis,
at the Opening of the High-level Debate on Crime Prevention and Sustainable Development through Sports
5 June 2024
[As Delivered]
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I extend my gratitude to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for their support in organizing today’s High-level Debate on Crime Prevention and Sustainable Development Through Sports – a topic that takes on heightened resonance in an Olympic year.
I also acknowledge the important role of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) – for significantly contributing to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, particularly in advancing SDG16, on peace, justice, and strong institutions.
Today’s high-level debate aims to explore how sports can be harnessed to prevent crime – particularly among youth, and prevent their victimization, recruitment, and exploitation by organized criminal groups.
Accelerating crime prevention and reinforcing the rule of law is crucial for achieving the 2030 Agenda – and UNODC’s work in this area has been critical.
In particular, the joint UNODC and International Olympic Committee (IOC) initiative – “Sport Against Crime: Outreach, Resilience, Empowerment (SCORE)” – has made great strides in integrating sports into youth crime prevention initiatives and we need to build upon this success.
Excellencies,
This world is filled with many complex challenges – from the climate crisis to growing economic inequality and social injustice – making it particularly difficult for youth to navigate, and potentially causing them anxiety and uncertainty.
In their alienation, they might be tempted – or forced – into wayward paths leading to crime and violence.
In contrast, sport can be a powerful enabler of sustainable development – as recognized in the 2030 Agenda.
We increasingly see sports contributing to development, justice, and peace; fostering tolerance and respect; empowering women and youth; and promoting health, education, and social inclusion in line with the SDGs.
Sport does not only help channel the passions of youth into healthy competition, but it also instills a sense of community.
That is why Member States must consider sport as an integral component of prevention policies and programs for youth – increasing their meaningful and inclusive participation.
Programs like Red Viral – a boxing initiative focused on the social reintegration of young offenders – exemplify this approach and showcase the transformative power of sport in young people’s lives.
Similarly, Fight for Peace, an international youth-led NGO, focuses on violence prevention through martial arts – highlighting another effective model for engaging youth and fostering positive outcomes.
On a broader scale, sport transcend borders, nations, and cultures – offering a powerful complement to the machinery of diplomacy in fostering a more inclusive, tolerant, and resilient world.
As we tap into the potential of sport, it is essential to maintain a gender-sensitive perspective – allowing women and men, girls and boys alike to benefit from its transformative potential.
Safe and accessible spaces for women and girls in sport can reinforce their empowerment and gender equality.
It is also important to protect sporting events from illicit activities.
The threats to sport come in many forms – from competition manipulation, illegal betting, and corruption to transnational organized crime linked to sport competitions, athlete transfers, and sport administration.
These issues make it all the more vital that we strengthen legal frameworks, enhance research and understanding of evolving threats, and build capacity to effectively address these issues.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Let me close by calling on all Member States to mainstream youth, as well as gender perspectives and integrate sport-based initiatives into crime prevention and justice strategies – thereby harnessing sport as an important tool to prevent crime and reduce recidivism.
Together, we can create safer, more inclusive communities and inspire positive change.
As Nelson Mandela once said, “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”
Let us take his words to heart and work together to make the world a better place through the power of sport.
I thank you.
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