UN, IOC sign MoU to promote youth empowerment through sports

New York, Feb 7 (PTI) The United Nations agency for human settlements entered into an agreement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), aimed at promoting youth empowerment through sports by targeting disadvantaged and vulnerable communities worldwide.The landmark pact between the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) and the IOC brings two organisations together to create initiatives that encourage young people to participate in sporting activities.
Both sides have agreed to promote advocacy work and support field-level activities meant to improve the livelihoods of slum dwellers around the world.
"The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between UN-HABITAT and the IOC is an important step forward in meeting the challenges of sustainable urbanisation, especially in the developing world," said Executive Director of UN-HABITAT Anna Tibaijuka.
"We must not forget that over 50 per cent of slum populations are made up of young people and there is no better way to give direction and motivation than by encouraging them to participate in sports," she added.
The MOU was signed by Tibaijuka and IOC President Jacques Rogge during a ceremony held at the world sporting body's headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland Thursday. PTI