The IJF Is Aligned with the UNAOC Objectives

Under the leadership of H.E. Mr Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Under-Secretary-General, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations, the motto of the UNAOC is "Many Cultures, One Humanity." UNAOC embraces and promotes cultural diversity, religious pluralism and mutual respect. For several years, the IJF, through its Judo for Peace programmes, has collaborated with the UNAOC to promote the foundations of a more just society.

On the occasion of the Forum, Nicolas Messner, IJF Judo for Peace Director, had the opportunity to talk with Miguel Ángel Moratinos, as well as with his teams, to define the best way to continue the work undertaken to date and to underline the preponderant role that sport and judo in particular can play in allowing everyone, whatever their origins and social condition, to live decently and with mutual respect.

Created in 2005 as a special initiative of the United Nations, UNAOC fills an urgent and pressing need to fill a policy gap in the governance of cultural diversity, which is constantly being threatened by growing divisions between societies, the rise of violent extremism, the polarisation of attitudes and world perception and frequent manifestations of intolerance, racism and bigotry.

During the forum, a special event took place with the inauguration of the brand new Portuguese futsal infrastructure. On this occasion, several well known Portuguese judo heroes took part in an exhibition match, including world silver medallist Barbara Timo, Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2023 winner Rochele Nunes, three-time-Olympian Filipa Cavalleri, and the winner of the first ever Portuguese Olympic medal in judo, Nuno Delgado.

During this inauguration, H.E. Mr Miguel Ángel Moratinos declared, "Sport had to be part of this forum. Through the potential of its values, sport helps to overcome oneself and create empathy. It is a way to learn how to win or to lose and it offers a sense of belonging.

There are many cultures around the world but only one humanity. Sport could be a fundamental tool to advocate for a better society. Sport has the same values that I advocate for. It is the driver of confidence and often it anticipates political and diplomatic decisions.

The world is diverse, with more than 8 billion people on this planet. We are all different but when people say that diversity is a threat, I answer the opposite. We will continue to defend sport and the values of sport."

Through all its development and social activities, the IJF and the whole judo family are committed to fostering cohesion and mutual respect. In the months to come, new initiatives will be launched to help create the conditions of a better world, in partnership with the UNAOC.