PROF. CHANG UNG IN NYC WITH IOC PRESIDENT AWARDING OLYMPIC ORDER TO SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS

PROF. CHANG UNG IN NYC WITH IOC PRESIDENT AWARDING

OLYMPIC ORDER TO SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE

UNITED NATIONS

Taekwon-Do Students greet Prof. Chang Ung, ITF President upon his arrival into NYC JFK airport in the USA.

The 3rd International Forum on Sport for Peace and Development took place in New York with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) honouring United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon with the Olympic Order. The award was in recognition of the UN Secretary-General’s strong personal commitment to use sport as a tool for social change, a concept brought to life through various joint IOC-UN projects at community level. It was also under Mr. Ban that the IOC received UN observer status in 2009.

The UN Secretary-General and IOC President Jacques Rogge delivered keynote speeches at the Forum, held for the first time at the UN headquarters.

President Rogge said,  “As we meet here today, sport is at work for peace and development in countries around the world. Collaboration in this area has increased dramatically and involves a wide range of committed partners.” He added: “The relationship between the IOC and the UN goes back many years. Our organizations have two very different roles in society, but we share some core values.”

“As I have often said, sport cannot solve all of the world’s problems. It is not a panacea for all the ills that afflict society. But it can be an effective tool for education, gender equality, conflict prevention and resolution, economic development and better health.”

“It can provide hope in the face of despair, joy amid sorrow and a sense of purpose to those who have lost their way. Let us leave here more determined than ever to put sport to work for peace and development.”

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, “The link between sport, peace and development grows stronger by the year. It can be traced back in history to the original Olympic Truce, which guaranteed safe passage to athletes and other travellers attending the ancient Games. It is found in the bidding requirements for modern Olympic host cities, which are asked to provide a durable social and environmental legacy. And it is evident throughout the United Nations system, which has embraced sport as a valuable vehicle for reaching our peace and development objectives. The International Olympic Committee is a key partner.”

“Let us work to make our sports events advertisements for the principles of peace, dignity, equality, justice and fairness.”

“The International Paralympic Committee has done excellent work over years to break down negative stereotypes and build positive attitudes. It is important that we work to build societies where all people, no matter their disability, can enjoy the right to play sports – and live their lives -- in safe, inclusive environments.”

 (It should be noted that Mr. Ben Evans is doing wonderful work in this area in New Zealand. His efforts have been admired and seen first hand when the New Zealand Prime Minster, made a personal visit to witness the training of these special Taekwon-doin. Keep checking back for more information on when his book on this topic will be released!)

“I am happy to see more governments using sport and physical activity as a tool for social and economic development. The United Nations stands ready to partner with organizations such as the IOC to promote sport for all regardless of health or wealth, colour or creed.”

III Dan ITF Black Belt John Connolly welcomes Prof. Chang to NYC. Mr. Connolly volunteered his time to assist with insuring a smooth arrival & process. 

The 3rd International Forum on Sport for Peace and Development was held at the UN headquarters in New York on June 5^th and 6^th 2013. Jointly organized by the IOC and the UN Office on Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP) along with the support of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).

In the framework of promoting peace through sport and the Olympic ideal, the IOC established an International Olympic Truce Foundation (IOTF) in July 2000. Through this global and symbolic concept, the IOC in part aims to use sport to establish contacts between communities in conflict and to create a window of opportunities for dialogue and reconciliation.

The IOC undertakings for the Olympic Truce extend beyond the period of the Olympic Games and have led to the implementation of a series of "sport for peace" activities through its National Olympic Committees.

"Sport alone cannot enforce or maintain peace. But it has a vital role to play in building a better and more peaceful world." Dr Jacques Rogge, IOC President, October 2007

"Sports by its nature may be competitive, but sports can be a very powerful tool and vehicle to promote dialogue and peace and reconciliation. Unfortunately we are experiencing problems in many parts of the world, but through sports we can promote peace and dialogue and reconciliation. This is exactly what the United Nations and the IOC share - the same goals and objectives."  Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary General

International Olympic Truce Foundation is made up of IOC and UN personnel, along with certain heads of international federations, National Olympic Committees, athletes, former players, noted sports personalities as well as members of non-governmental organizations. The IOTF also appoints those people who they believe will help promote the objects of the Foundation. Among those on the committee in this category are Mr. Adolf OGI, Former President of Switzerland, HE Mr. Thorvald STOLTENBERG the Former Minister of Foreign Affairs for Norway and Dr. Ung CHANG the IOC Member from the D.P.R. Korea and President of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF).

You may remember that General Choi Hong-hi, the founder and first President of the ITF, who many look to as the founder of Taekwon-Do, personally selected Dr. Chang, PhD to succeed him as the ITF President. Of course it was General Choi’s wish to use his Taekwon-Do as a vehicle to build a more peaceful world. It is of course the ultimate goal of ITF Taekwon-Do, as clearly stated in the final line of the Student’s Oath – “I shall build a more peaceful world”!

Apparently the IOC and the UN agree with General’s Choi assessment and selection of Prof. Chang, PhD. The ITF President was an invited participant, assisting the IOC President with this all-important event.

(Above information adapted from IOC & UN Press Releases, as well as information made public via their respective websites)

View the official Olympic video for examples of how the peace through sports initiative is making a difference in uniting & building a more peaceful world!