Tokyo 2020 signs Letter of Intent with the United Nations promoting the contribution of sport to Sustainable Development
The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Tokyo 2020 ) and the United Nations have concluded a Letter of Intent (LOI) aimed at promoting the contribution of sport to sustainable development and supporting achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) more specifically.
The LOI was signed by Alison Smale, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, and Toshiro Muto, Tokyo 2020 Chief Executive Officer, during a UN delegation visit led by Ms. Swale to Tokyo.
The two parties agreed to cooperate by promoting activities that will help raise awareness of the contribution of sport and of the Tokyo 2020 Games towards achieving specific SDGs, as well as drive a more global understanding of the SDGs amongst the Japanese population. Tokyo 2020 and the UN will work together to leverage the United Nation’s own events and media platforms to increase the public’s knowledge of the links between the SDGs, sports and sporting events among citizens of Japan and other countries.
Commented Smale, “I am proud to sign this Letter of Intent, which will allow us to work with Tokyo 2020 to shine a light not only on the accomplishments of the athletes, but also on how the event is managed in innovative and responsible ways. This is a great opportunity to leverage our platforms to begin conversations about the contributions of Tokyo 2020 to SDG implementation and the power of the Olympic Games to promote peace and development worldwide.”
Added Muto, “Since its foundation, the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee has emphasised the importance of sustainability. In line with Tokyo 2020 ‘s vision that sport has the power to change the world, we have had a number of discussions regarding our mutual relationship and cooperation with the UN, and we are very pleased to have now signed this LOI. Through the Games, we can help to raise awareness of global issues and bequeath a sustainable society to the next generation.”
