INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE

Staffan de Mistura, former UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy to war zones: “I raise my #WhiteCard because I believe in the unifying power of peace-through-sport initiatives”

by | Apr 7, 2021 | Intercultural and interreligious understanding, Reconciliation and co-existence | 0 comments

Many years ago, I was part of a magical moment that I will never forget and that is still giving me hope for the future. The Israeli-Palestinian football team was competing with a very popular italian team in a big stadium in Rome. Yasser Arafat was on one side and Shimon Peres was sitting on the other side. I was supporting the Israeli-Palestinian team, while representing the UN.

  • « Every time the Israeli-Palestinian were scoring a goal, the members of the team were putting their hands together. By doing so, they were showing symbolically that, when they play together, they can win.
    A lot of water has gone through the bridges and there have been many sad moments after that. However, that souvenir is still very much alive in my memory.
    Today, on the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, I raise my #WhiteCard because I believe in the unifying power of peace-through-sport initiatives. »

  • Italy
Communication and Press Manager at Peace and Sport, I have 5+ years of experience in political affairs, conflict prevention and resolution, and communication. A great part of my work has been conducted in the context of conflict and transition settings.

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