Power of Sport to Counter Violent Extremism Highlighted at UN

Port can change the world, famous footballers and grassroots game-changers alike said at a roundtable discussion on Monday, highlighting a new UN podcast series to mark the first International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism, as and when Conducive to Terrorism.

“Sport has the power to convey essential values of respect, inclusion, and solidarity,” said Mauro Miedico, deputy director and chief of the special projects and innovation branch at the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). “When applied in tandem with wider preventing violent extremism (PVE) strategies, it can work against the drivers of radicalization which lead to violent extremism.”

Speakers at the roundtable demonstrated the power of sport in overcoming the devastating impact of war, displacement and strife facing millions at a time when such terrorist groups such as ISIL, Al-Qaeda and Boko Haram are still spreading messages of religious, cultural and social intolerance.

The International Day, observed on 12 February through a General Assembly resolution, and the importance of raising awareness among youth, shaped the roundtable discussion.

Isabella Echeverri, Colombia football player and ambassador for the Save the Dream movement, said athletes are role models on and off the pitch.

“In sports, it is important to respect your opponents, to be loyal to your team, to show integrity by managing a tough loss, and courage and humility when you win a game,” she said. “When we leave the pitch, we can use our platforms to inspire and help young people, for instance, to show respect, love their bodies, be kind to other people, be aware of mental health issues, eat better, and exercise.”

Bram Van Haver, speaking on behalf of the UNAOC High Representative, said sport transcends borders, is “a key tool” to prevent violent extremism, and has the potential to break down walls between people. It can also have a positive impact through diversity, he added.

Leif Villadsen, of UNICRI, said building resilience is essential, especially for young people who are marginalized and vulnerable.

“Through supporting sport and preventing violent extremism, we can help young people reach their full potential,” he said, emphasizing that more analysis on preventing violence extremism is needed to gauge how sport is playing a role.

The new UNOCT Power of the Pitch podcast highlighted during the event, is a seven-part series examining how behavioural insights are being applied to sport when addressing violent extremism factors that may swell the ranks of terrorist groups.

Episodes highlight progress on the ground in conversations with athletes, experts and local actors, as well as the work of the UN global sport and security programme, launched in 2020, to focuses on the security of major sporting events and promoting sport and its values as a tool to prevent violent extremism.

The podcast shows that across battlefields, deserts and communities in conflict, sports clubs are opening safe spaces for young people to play and learn.