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

DESA is pleased to announce the upcoming high-level event “Sport as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development: Innovative Financing and International Cooperation in Action”, taking place on Thursday, 12 June 2025, at 3PM at UN Headquarters, organized by the Permanent Missions of Italy, Albania, the Dominican Republic, Lebanon and UNDESA.

Held on the margins of the 18th Session Of The Conference Of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP18), this event will explore how sport can be leveraged as a dynamic tool to drive progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly for persons with disabilities. The event will showcase initiatives and partnerships that integrate sport into policy, highlighting its transformative impact on education, health, disability inclusion, and social cohesion. The event will also address how sustainable financing models can expand the reach and impact of sport for development programs. 

Opening Remarks will be delivered by: 

H.E. Mrs. Suela Janina, Permanent Representative of Albania 

H.E. Mr. Gianluca Greco, Permanent Deputy Representative of Italy 

Mr. Flavio Medina, Minister Counselor/Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Permanent Mission of the Dominican Republic 

Moderated by Mr. Robert Venne from UNDESA, the panel will bring together leading voices from government, academia, civil society, and health sectors. Speakers will present case studies and experiences that demonstrate how sport-based programs are addressing real-world challenges, particularly for marginalized groups such as persons with disabilities. 

Featured panelists include: 

Nicola Pintus, President of Progetto Filippide 

Benny E. Metz Muñoz, President of the National Council on Disability of the Dominican Republic 

Professor Agron Kasa, Rector of Tirana University of Sports 

Professor Pasquale Moliterni, University of Rome “Foro Italico” 

Dr. Aseel El Zein, Clinical Dietitian and Research Scientist 

For further details and access information, please contact: sport4dev@un.org.