Mayors for Peace France (AFCDRP) discusses the role of sport in peace efforts with students and experts at conference, “Sport, an Answer for Peace”

Report by Ms. Loréna Schlicht, AFCDRP–Mayors for Peace France

Philippe Rio, Mayor of Grigny and President of AFCDRP–Mayors for Peace France, discussed the role of sport in efforts for peace with students and other experts at a conference, “Sport, an Answer for Peace,” in University of Paris–Nanterre on April 6, 2022. The conference was organized by students of the Master 1 Sport and Social Sciences program of the University of Paris–Nanterre and Peace and Sport to celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. It was followed by a meeting with Jean-Jérôme Perrin-Mortier, CEO of Peace and Sport.

In the context of high tensions in Ukraine, the conference addressed the role of sport in conflict prevention, reconciliation and coexistence, as well as crisis management, particularly with refugee populations.

Young students were joined by experts from the worlds of sport and politics, including: Philippe Rio, Mayor of Grigny and President of Mayors for Peace France (AFCDRP); Laurence Fischer, Champion of Peace and Ambassador for Sport at the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs; Diana Gadega, Champion of Peace and African Champion; and Vincent Pasquini, Head of International Cooperation at Paris 2024.

Philippe Rio (second from right) with other elected officials and representatives of AFCDRP–Mayors for Peace France member cities including Dugny, Villejuif, Nanterre, and Vitry-sur-Seine.

The event ended with a collective photograph #WhiteCard, symbol of peace through sport in the world.
Photos: courtesy of AFCDRP–Mayors for Peace France

Article in French (AFCDRP–Mayors for Peace France website)