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Press Release

Sport for Development and Peace on the agenda at the World Economic Forum

2 February 2012

Hosted in Davos, Switzerland last week, the field of sport for development and peace (SDP) featured on the agenda at the World Economic Forum.

Attended by business, political, social and academic leaders, the annual Forum aimed to address and offer new approaches to some of the world's most pressing problems, including increasing concerns around alarmingly high rates of youth unemployment.

The session on SDP, 'Street Culture: Revealing the Cracks. How can social inequalities and divided communities be reconciled through art and sports' included four panellists from the world of SDP and art. The panel explored the role of sport and art as a tool to help address social issues, connect individuals from different backgrounds, and empower disadvantaged young people and their communities.

Concern over high youth unemployment was further acknowledged by the UN Commission on Social Development this week.

Right To Play commends the appearance of SDP on the agenda at the World Economic Forum, as well as increasing recognition of the important role that young people play in accelerating progress towards development goals.

Stacey Cram, Advocacy Manger, Right To Play said:

"In a diverse setting like the one at the World Economic Forum, where heads of states, CEOs, NGOs and young leaders come together, and where inspiration, innovation and cross-sectoral partnerships are central, it is incredibly encouraging that Sport for Development and Peace has been recognised for its ability to address global issues and achieve international development goals.

"It is also very positive that youth participation is being prioritised and acknowledged as crucial in our efforts to reduce global inequalities. At Right To Play our sport and play based programmes encourage the active participation of young people therefore facilitating wider community engagement and enabling these young people to make informed decisions about their futures.

"Sport is an incredibly powerful tool and it has the ability to inspire and empower youth. The increased presence of Sport for Development and Peace and young people on the international agenda therefore creates a real opportunity for innovative sport-based development programmes to continue growing, while also contributing to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals."



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