Shaikh Nasser: 'HM the King is a Man of Peace'

Monaco, Nov. 24 (BNA): Deputised by HM King Hamad bin Isa Al KHalifa, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee, headed Bahrain's delegation at the 10th Peace and Sport International Forum, held in Monte Carlo under the patronage of HH Prince Albert II of Monaco. Attending among the Bahraini delegation was HE Hisham bin Mohammed Al Jowder, Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs, as well as several senior officials from the Kingdom. The forum, organised under the theme 'Peace at stake, change the world through sport', is reputed to be one of the most attended events at international level by Olympic medalists and senior officials from various fields. This includes representatives of sports, politics, economic, private sector, NGOs and academia who gather annually to contemplate the possibilities of sport in contributing to the construction of long-lasting peace as well as help discuss how to make sport a tool to inspire integration, eliminate boundaries, and promote the principles of peace, non-violence and tolerance. Addressing the gathering, HH Shaikh Nasser said: "Your Serene Highness, Prince Albert II. Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen. I wanted to thank His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, and Mr Joël Bouzou for their wonderful efforts and their outstanding support for the great cause to activate sport as an enabler for peace. It is no secret that this issue is close to my heart not only as His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's representative for Sports or even my formal involvement in numerous capacities for the development of sports in my country and through my foundation but as a passionate triathlete from the Middle East; a region that has now been better known as one of the most troubled regions in the world. "Today after so many struggles, triumphs and moments that have tested our nations, it became clearer, now more than ever, that more needs to be done and that more can be done to bridge divides that might endanger our regional and global peace. "What unites Kelly Smith, Homare Sawa, Sergio Agüero, Zinedine Zidane, Pelé and Massut ?zil? Apart from representing some of the best male and female footballers of all times, they all possess a true passion for sport despite their diverse backgrounds and upbringings. Beyond football, we've seen this in other forms of sports, sport does indeed cross boundaries of sect, nationality, gender and religion, creating an effective and efficient vehicle for peace. As a sportsman, this is what sport continues to teach me, and this is what sport can teach millions around the globe. "Through sport, we can nurture a culture of hope, respect, dedication, discipline, and diversity. Five ingredients that form the bedrock for any long-lasting peace. If we want to promote these ingredients, we must work together to give our people a foundation for their dreams, an opportunity worthy of their dedication. We must give them that sense of limitless possibilities; the belief that the world is their oyster and there is nothing they cannot conquer, if they work hard and passionately for it. We will be there to support them and we will be there to encourage them. "The journey is long but we will talk the talk and we will walk the walk to transform our peace through sport objective into reality. Throughout this forum, we will bounce and develop actionable plans on how to learn, teach and transmit peace through sport, but this discussion should not end here. Let it continue in your homes, at your work places and at your social gatherings. As we turn our plans into tangible actions, we shall live the message we want to send across the world. Thank you." Several key statements were also delivered during the event. HH Shaikh Nasser had earlier participated with HH Prince Albert II and heads of participating delegations as well as Olympic medalists present at the event for promoting peace through sport. The forum featured several events and workshops sessions, among them was one titled, 'The toolbox required to build active partnerships', and another one titled, 'Best practices in launching a field project', and many others. The event also hosted a session on how to best capitalise on digital media and another on how to use sport to accelerate integration. The event was concluded by a documentary projecting the winners of the Sport and Peace Award.