New York, March 6, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
The International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG), under the leadership of CEO Shammi Rana, actively took part in a prestigious event hosted by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) at UN Headquarters in New York.
A Milestone Event: Securing the Legacy of Global Sporting Events
Titled “Securing the Legacy: Debriefing from Paris 2024 for Future Major Sporting Events,” the event marked the fifth anniversary of UNOCT’s Global Sports Programme. It gathered esteemed UN officials, government leaders, security experts, and representatives from major international sports organizations to discuss strategies for strengthening security and inclusivity in global sporting events.
Key Discussions: Lessons from Paris 2024 and Future Security Strategies
Participants analyzed key takeaways from the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, emphasizing the importance of robust security frameworks that uphold human rights, gender equality, and cultural diversity. Discussions focused on balancing security measures with ensuring that major sporting events remain inclusive and culturally enriching.
Distinguished Speakers and Global Representation
The event featured high-profile contributions from:
Mr. Vladimir Voronkov – Under-Secretary-General, UN Office of Counter-Terrorism
H.E. Mr. Jay Dharmadhikari – Chargé d’Affaires, Permanent Mission of France to the UN
H.E. Ms. Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani – Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN
H.E. Mr. Fu Cong – Permanent Representative of China to the UN
H.E. Mr. Dito Ariotedjo – Minister of Youth and Sports, Indonesia
H.E. Mr. Joonkook Hwang – Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the UN
Ms. Natalia Gherman – Assistant Secretary-General, Executive Director, CTED
Mr. Antonin Flament – Chief of Staff, National Coordinating Body for the Security of the 2024 Olympic Games
Lt. Colonel Ali Mohamed Al Ali – Executive Director, Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, INTERPOL Executive Committee
Commissioner Ndiage Diop – Operational Technical Advisor, National Police, Republic of Senegal
Mr. Graham Coleman – Executive Director, Olympic & Paralympic Games Group, Queensland Police Service
Mr. Aldric Ludescher – Chief Security Officer, International Olympic Committee
Mr. Andrey Reis – Director of Security Operations, FIFA World Cup 2026™
Mr. Fabien Hoëppe – Head of Competitions, FIBA (International Basketball Federation)
Mr. Valerio de Divitiis – Coordinator, UNOCT Global Sports Programme
Discussions highlighted the critical role of international collaboration, technological advancements, and a human rights-based approach in securing global sporting events while maintaining cultural inclusivity.
ICTSG’s Role: Promoting Traditional Sports on a Global Stage
ICTSG was represented by CEO Shammi Rana, Chief Financial Officer Sartaj Singh Sekhon, and Executive Board Member Aman Kumar Sharma, with Member Sukhjinder Singh and other experts, including Joao Ernani Pinho da Silva, President of Sports Jiu-Jitsu International, and Prof. Jenono P. Rotich, participating virtually.
Global Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
The hybrid-format event engaged over 2,300 experts, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world. Through panel discussions, case studies, and interactive workshops, participants explored innovative approaches to addressing emerging security challenges while fostering sustainable and inclusive sports legacies.
A central theme that emerged was the transformative power of sports—not only as a unifying force but also as a tool for building community resilience, countering violent extremism, and advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Looking Ahead: ICTSG’s Continued Global Engagement
ICTSG’s participation in this high-level UN forum underscores its growing influence in shaping the future of global sports. The organization remains dedicated to ensuring that traditional sports gain global recognition and that major sporting events become more inclusive, secure, and culturally diverse.
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