ThinkBeyond contributes insight and sharing at the 10th Peace & Sport International Forum

Beyond Sport's sister company, thinkBeyond, was part of a global speaker roster at the 10th edition of the 2017 Peace and Sport International Forum in Monaco last week.

Radha Balani, Director of Strategy & Business Development at thinkBeyond, addressed delegates as part of a roundtable discussion on the contribution of sport to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the funding challenges for sport and peace.

Balani brought thinkBeyond’s extensive experience in working with commercial organisations to create Corporate Social Responsibility strategies that provide business value whilst making a positive social impact to communities throughout the world, all through sport.

In addition, the alignment of the Beyond Sport Global Awards to the SDGs was a central part of the discussion, highlighting the importance of the Awards in demonstrating where and how sport is contributing to the global efforts to meet the Goals.

After three days of insight, knowledge sharing and meaningful discussion, the event closed with a landmark meeting of global sports ministers. The diplomatic roundtable saw ministers from 15 countries come together to discuss how best to work collaboratively to use sport as a tool for peace.

Elsewhere at the forum, Mr Ahmed Khanou, Sports Minister for Sierra Leone, discussed the power sport has in his country for inspiring youth in the face of conflict and natural disaster, while President of the Cyprus Sports Organisation, Mr Cleanthis Georgiades, opened up about the important role of Cypriot sport in helping the island nation with the refugee crisis.

South African Deputy Minister of Sport and Recreation, Mr Gert Oosthuizen, shared his experience of opening outdoor gyms to encourage youth to stay off the streets, describing that while “not everyone can become an champion of sport, everyone can become a champion of society” before Angolan Sports Minister Mrs Sacramento Neto discussed the immense growth of sport in her nation, just 42 years after gaining independence.

Throughout the landmark meeting Peace and Sport Founder and President, Joël Bouzou, discussed how the organisation could play a role in assisting nations with their peace-through-sport projects, calling upon the importance of neutrality in offering diplomatic, sport-based solutions.

The event capped off a special three days, that saw the likes of Didier Drogba, Muhammad Yunus, and Lilian Thuram discuss openly the key role sport has to play in the global peace movement, and how best athletes, international federations, sports properties and NGOs can work to ensure a more conflict-free society.

Peace and Sport also unveiled two landmark partnerships, with the Yunus Centre and the Jordanian National Olympic Committee. 

The partnership with the Yunus Centre, and it’s Grameen Creative Lab arm, will see Peace and Sport and Muhammad Yunus set up a Social Business Fund in Monaco, while the JOC agreement will see NOC support Peace and Sport’s work in the Jordanian Zaatari refugee camp.

Other highlights included a moment of diplomatic unity as Russian kickboxers faced off against Ukrainian counterparts, an organised meeting of more than 40 Champions for Peace, and a Run for Peace through the streets of Monaco.

Peace and Sport President and Founder, Joël Bouzou, said: “This has been an incredible three days, full of learning, sharing and energy. The desire for change and world peace among the people who have attended the Forum this year has been incredible. I want to thank everyone for their meaningful input, and I am excited to build upon the foundations that have been laid here.

“The Forum is a very special moment for me, and I am so happy to share it with you all. Peace and Sport continues to go from strength to strength, and this Forum has surely been one of the greatest ever. Together, we’re committed to driving change around the world, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds. Thank you all.”

Find out more about thinkBeyond, a consultancy organization which helps businesses create authentic positive social impact, whilst also generating successful commercial return through innovative strategising and implementation.