ICSS President delivers keynote speech at UNAOC-Turkic Council Conference
In a key-note speech given to governments and policy makers, International Centre for Sport Security President Mohammed Hanzab highlighted the power of sport in combatting violent extremism, outlining the importance of using sport as a tool to empower and educate youth and in preventing the radicalisation of young people.
Speaking at an international conference convened by the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC) and the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States (Turkic Council) in Istanbul, President Hanzab provided several powerful examples of how sport can be used as a platform to bring countries, communities and societies together and how it promotes peace, sustainable development, inclusivity and integration into society.
During his keynote address, Mohammed Hanzab, said:
“Sport has a significant and vital role to play in the lives of youth and in the prevention of them from being radicalised.
“By utilising sport, communities can ensure that they are preparing the grounds for hope and educating young people to build a brighter future. Sport can also break down social barriers and promote inter-cultural dialogue.
“It also plays a role in encouraging social inclusion and cohesion, unites people and communities and gives people in the world’s toughest environments a chance to succeed.”
As part of the ICSS participation in the conference, Save the Dream – a global programme developed by the ICSS in partnership with the Qatar Olympic Committee and Ooredoo – jointly hosted a special session with UNAOC and the Turkic Council, which explored “Sports as a Means to Prevent Violent Extremism.
The special session was chaired by Massimiliano Montanari, Executive Director of Save the Dream, and involved:
- Fikret Orman, President of Beşiktaş Sports Club
- Emre Belözoğlu, former Galatasaray, Inter Milan, Newcastle United, Atlético Madrid, Fenerbahçe and Turkish National team football player
- Oğuzhan Özyakup, football player from Beşiktaş and the Turkish national team
- Kashif Mumtaz Siddiqi, international football player and Founder of Football for Peace
- Wesley Sneijder, Dutch international footballer who currently plays for Turkish club Galatasaray.
Massimiliano Montanari said:
“This special session is a first step to promote the implementation of the Baku Declaration adopted last April with regard to the use of sport to counter violent extremism.
“Sport can address issues which can be conducive to violent extremism and radicalisation, such as segregation, discrimination and lack of opportunities.
“I trust the experiences of the sportspeople and the athletes who have attended will enable projects in the field and that what we have all learned here will inspire all to influence young people to achieve more positive behaviour.”
The UNAOC-Turkic Council conference was themed “The Role of Youth in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism: Holistic Approaches from Education to De-Radicalization” and focussed on the role of youth in preventing and countering violent extremism. The conference was attended by high-ranking United Nations officials and ministerial government representatives.
