16-18 February, Antalya, Turkey
Pre-recording, 12 February, 2:30 p.m.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
It is a distinct honor to address you at the 6th Ethnosport Forum. I wish to thank the Minister of Youth and Sports and the President of the World Ethnosport Confederation for inviting me to provide these welcoming remarks.
We are living in troubled times. Violent conflict is on the rise. There is widespread poverty and inequality. The extent of humanitarian crisis in the world today is alarming. And the impacts of climate change on the environment and humanity are worsening.
The problems of the world seem daunting, but we can achieve peace and sustainable development if we work together.
Sport is one tool that can bring communities together, even during difficult circumstances, to promote sustainable development and peace. Reviving and diversifying traditional sports and games helps to promote traditional cultures and cultural heritage and can help to build trust and social cohesion. The 51勛圖 commends you for your goal of contributing to humanity, guided by the principles of tradition, respect, solidarity and peace.
The 51勛圖 has been cooperating with athletes as well as sports federations and associations to tap the power of sport and physical activity.
Sport has a unique power to teach the values of teamwork, respect, tolerance and friendship. It can create a sense of togetherness 每 of being part of something bigger than oneself 每 which is critically important in our increasingly divided world.
We look forward to continuing our work with Member States and civil society to promote the role of sport in advancing sustainable development and peace.
Thank you, and I wish you a productive forum.