Monaco has reaffirmed its commitment to using sport as a tool for peace and inclusion during a high-level event held alongside the United Nations ECOSOC Youth Forum in New York…
H.E. Ms Isabelle Picco, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Monaco to the United Nations, took part in the discussion titled “Fair Play for Peace: Countering Hate Speech in Youth Sports and Society,” organised by the African Union Mission to the UN.
Bringing together Member States, international organisations, sports stakeholders and youth representatives, the event highlighted the growing role of sport in promoting respect, dialogue and social cohesion. It also addressed the challenges posed by the rise of hate speech, particularly across digital platforms, and the need for coordinated responses.
Speaking during a roundtable on partnerships, Ms Picco underlined the importance of ensuring that major sporting events create lasting engagement among young people. She emphasised the value of linking sport with education, fostering community involvement and developing inclusive formats accessible to all. Drawing on the legacy of the Buenos Aires 2018 and Lausanne 2020 Youth Olympic Games, she highlighted the International Olympic Committee’s role in driving meaningful youth participation and delivering tangible results in equality and cultural exchange.
Looking ahead, the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games were presented as a key opportunity to translate these ambitions into action and strengthen sport’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Image: Government Communications Department
