On the occasion of the International Peace Day, the National Council for Women launches the “Women’s Sports for Peace” event in partnership with UN Women Egypt and the Government of Spain
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[Press release]
On the occasion of the International Peace Day, usually marked on September 21st of each year, and within the context of promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16―Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - the National Council for Women, in partnership with UN Women Egypt and the Spanish government represented by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, organized the "Women’s Sports for Peace" event to highlight the pivotal role of women in promoting international peace. The event aimed at raising awareness of the concepts of women, peace, and security by utilizing sports as a tool to promote international peace through highlighting the ability of sports to transcend social and cultural barriers, empower women, and promote gender equality.
The event featured keynote speeches by H.E. Ambassador Mona Omar, Member of the National Council for Women and Head of the International Relations Committee; Dr. Moez Doraid, Regional Director, UN Women Regional Office for the Arab States; H.E. Ambassador Alvaro Iranzo, Spanish Ambassador to Egypt and Dr. Rania Alwany, Obstetrics and Gynecology Consultant, 3-time Olympian and Ambassador of Sports and Peace.
In her speech, Ambassador Mona Omar emphasized that in a world plagued by wars and conflicts, women are seeking tools to achieve peace. She highlighted sports as one of the most important of these tools, due to its role in fostering openness among all people, respecting diversity, and preventing extremism. She explained that young people who engage in sports are less likely to turn to extremism or destructive ideas. She called on everyone to raise awareness about the importance of sports as a tool for achieving peace worldwide. She also expressed pride in Egypt's athletes and champions, who have always been a shining example for Egypt in achieving peace, serving as role models for young people everywhere. She concluded her remarks by saying, "Let us hope that peace will be achieved in the world through our strong will and let us never give up. Let us all raise the voice of peace for the whole world: PEACE FOR THE WHOLE WORLD."
In his remarks, Dr. Moez Doraid, Regional Director, UN Women Regional Office for the Arab States, expressed his happiness to be part of the event to discuss the role of sports in empowering women and achieving peace. He emphasized the pivotal role of women in achieving peace, stating, "A just and lasting peace cannot be achieved without women's participation in decision-making. As we have seen in the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, sports have proven to be a powerful tool for empowering women and transforming societies. The successes of our female athletes today are a source of pride for us all." In conclusion, Dr. Doraid stressed the importance of investing in women's empowerment in all areas, particularly in peacebuilding and reconstruction, stating, "Empowering women is not just a right, it is an investment in a better future for all."
In his keynote speech, H.E. Ambassador Alvaro Iranzo, Spanish Ambassador to Egypt, stated “I am extremely happy to participate today in this event, and to have the chance to meet these inspiring young sport women. Your efforts must serve as an impetus throughout the world to guarantee access for girls and women to professional sport, and to end the violence and other barriers than can prevent this.”
Dr. Rania Alwany said that sports have the unique ability to bring people together, regardless of their background or culture and that it has been a source of lifelong friendships for her. Concluding her remarks, Dr. Alwany called on every family and every home to encourage their children to play sports daily due to its positive impact on building character and leadership skills."
The event witnessed a special honoring of a group of Egyptian female athletes and champions who achieved historic achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, in recognition of their role in raising Egypt's name and inspiring future generations.
During the day, numerous sports and recreational activities were organized aimed at encouraging women's participation in sports and fostering a competitive spirit.
For more information, please contact:
- Azza Abdelhai; General Manager of Media Department, the National Council for Women at [ Click to reveal ]
- Menna Negeda; Communications Assistant, UN Women Egypt at [ Click to reveal ]