Bangkok--18 Sep--TQPR Thailand
participants of 7th unosdp youth leadership program camp get chance to meet un secretary-general in south korea
For Chisa Atthipornwattana and Chananyou Muadmanee, the opportunity to meet UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was only one of the amazing events that made the 7th United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace(UNOSDP) Youth Leadership Program an unforgettable experience.
Both Right To Play Thailand Foundation employees, the pair were in Gwangju, South Korea to participate in the 12-day UN-run camp, that helps youth develop leadership skills through sport and play workshops.
Who better to inspire than the leader of the United Nations himself.
“It was a great honour to meet the Secretary-General,” says Chisa Atthipornwattana. “It is so encouraging to know world leaders like himself are committed to the power of sport and play like we are.”
“Sport is a universal language,” said Mr. Ban. “It unites people and cultures and helps to build bridges for peace. It can be a powerful catalyst for social change.”
That belief is what has guided the UNOSDP Youth Leadership Program since its inception in January 2012. Held for the first time in Asia, the 7th edition of the camp was attended by more than 30 youth from 19 countries. All involved in Sport for Development projects in their own communities, the youth gather to share best practices with each other, and learn from some of the world’s leading sports organizations like the International Paralympic Committee and the International Rowing Federation.
“I did not only meet amazing young leaders who are determined agents of change, but this camp has provided me with the opportunity to learn and share best practices to promote social inclusion, and gender equality,” Chananyou Muadmanee said.
A pioneer of the Sport for Development and Peace movement, Right To Play has been an organizing partner through all seven camps. Not only has it seen some of its most dedicated volunteer Coaches and staff from programs around the world participate in the Youth Leadership Program, it also implements skill-building sessions that help show the youth how to use play as an effective education and development tool that they can use to improve their own projects and communities.
During the camp’s opening ceremonies, Wilfried Lemke, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace,expressed his hope that the camp’s legacy would be for the youth to carry their experiences home with them and help build the global network of Sport for Development and Peace.
“I want you to be a privileged role model, to bring this good and positive movement to your countries,” said Lemke. “This is not only a camp. It is the start of the program. You have the qualifications to be here, to be members of the family.”
The first UNOSDP Youth Leadership Program camp was held in January 2012 at the Aspire Dome in Doha, Qatar. Subsequent camps have been held in Germany, Switzerland and Sweden.