Sport as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development: Innovative Financing and International Cooperation in Action

The Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), in collaboration with the Permanent Missions of Italy, Albania, the Dominican Republic, and Lebanon, hosted a side event on Thursday, 12 June, on the sidelines of the 18th Session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP18) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Titled “Sport as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development: Innovative Financing and International Cooperation in Action”, the event explored how sport can be a driver for peace, inclusion, and international development, particularly for persons with disabilities. It delved into the impact of cross-sector partnerships through a number of initiatives, including the inclusion of free sports programmes in the Municipality of Rome’s budget, inspired by Progetto Filippide, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Progetto Filippide and the Government of Albania to establish inclusive sports centers in Tirana and Shkodra.

Nicola Pintus, President of Progetto Filippide, shared insights on the project's international outreach and its role in implementing Article 30 of the CRPD. Mr. Benny Metz, President of the National Council for Disability, emphasized sport's broader impact on national development and inclusion for persons with disabilities.

Academic perspectives were provided by Pasquale Moliterni of the University of Foro Italico, calling for financial support for inclusive sport programs, and Professors Aseel El-Zein and Agron Kasa (via pre-recorded video).

The event underscored the growing momentum for global cooperation to ensure sport is accessible to all, regardless of ability.

To watch the event, please visit: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1h/k1het7zxgc