Throughout 2018, the City of Lausanne has put in place a series of seminars focusing on different activities at International Federations (IFs). Topics include member services, communication, finance and clean sport. The UIAA recently took part in the session dedicated to development.
This latest workshop focused on developing the connection, collaboration and synergy between the world of international sport – centred around the Olympic capital of Lausanne – and International Organisations (IOs) mainly based in Geneva. A specific spotlight focused on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and the common ground between IOs and IFs, with the debate focused on the questions: Why should IFs consider SDGs important in their work? and, How can partnering with organisations such as WWF and UNICEF practically develop your sport?
Following a presentation from Giovanni Di Cola, Special Advisor, Office of the Deputy Secretary General, International Labour Organisation (ILO), the UIAA was one of two federations – together with World Taekwondo – to present the debate from an IF perspective.
Focusing on the UIAA’s historic and present work in mountain protection, which naturally aligns with several of the 17 SDGs, Gloria Scarano, UIAA Sustainability Coordinator, introduced details of the UIAA’s engagement in this area, the specific relationship between mountain protection and the world of climbing and mountaineering, as well as the current progress of the UIAA Mountain Protection Award – whose sixth edition recently attracted 18 nominees – and the Respect the Mountains series, this year featuring seven events.
Scarano also focused on the SDGs for which UIAA activities have a particular connection with, notably:
3 / Good health and well-being.
7 / Affordable and clean energy
12 / Responsible production and consumption
13 / Climate action
15 / Life on land
17 / Partnership for the goals
Further Reading:
UN Sustainable Development Goals
