To further consolidate the International Geneva platform as a hub of global governance and to strengthen synergies between international actors based in Switzerland, the FDFA supports the project to foster partnership between international sports federations located in the Canton of Vaud and international organizations based in Geneva, initiated by both hosting Cantons with the involvement of the United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP) and the Geneva Welcome Centre (CAGI). A one-day seminar was organized in Geneva on 21st January 2016, gathering more than 70 representatives of 15 international organizations and 20 sports federations to brainstorm on opportunities and challenges of a partnership between these organizations. The discussions highlighted the crucial role of developing inclusive partnerships built on common principles. It was stressed that sport represents a universal vector to increase public awareness and support the implementation of development or humanitarian actions.
The seminar was introduced by Ambassador Alexandre Fasel, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations Office in Geneva and Mr. Wilfried Lemke, UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace. Mr. Philippe Leuba, State Counsellor and Head of the Department of Economy and Sport in the Canton of Vaud also took part in the event. Participants underscored the added value of collaboration between international organizations and sports federations particularly in the framework of goal 17 of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, which calls for the implementation of global partnerships. “Partners who share the same values of peace and inclusive participation are pooling their skills and their resources” said Ambassador Fasel reminding that “these collaborations help to overcome difficult situations and to promote reconciliation as well as furthering the general well-being of societies”.
For any further information on this matter, the focal point at the Swiss Mission is Mr. Richard Lukacs, section of specialized institutions (Richard.lukacs@eda.admin.ch).
