UN - Monaco Drafts and Promotes the Joint Declaration on the Impact of COVID-19 on Sport, Physical Activity and Well-Being and its Effects on Social Development

118 member States supported the joint declaration drafted by the Co-Chairs of the Group of Friends of Sport for Sustainable Development, namely the Ambassador of Monaco to the United Nations, H.E. Ms Isabelle Picco, and her counterpart from Qatar, H.E. Ms Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani.

This declaration emphasises the important role of sport in the current context and the fact that, as recommended by the WHO, the regular practice of sport and physical activity has been particularly important during the lockdown, and must remain so.

In line with the United Nations General Assembly’s biennial resolution on sport, which was also negotiated by the delegation from Monaco, the declaration stresses the importance of sport for sustainable development, particularly with regard to health and education, the building of peaceful societies and socio-economic development.

While many professional and amateur sporting events have had to be cancelled or postponed, the efforts of all stakeholders, including the International Olympic Committee and international and national sporting federations and entities, should be welcomed and supported, so that these events will be symbols of unity and solidarity once they can take place again.