SECRETARY-GENERAL APPOINTS ADOLF OGI, FORMER PRESIDENT OF SWITZERLAND, SPECIAL ADVISER ON SPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE

SECRETARY-GENERAL APPOINTS ADOLF OGI, FORMER PRESIDENT OF SWITZERLAND,

SPECIAL ADVISER ON SPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE

The Secretary-General has decided to appoint Adolf Ogi, former President of Switzerland, as his Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace.  The Special Adviser will assist the efforts of the Secretary-General to reach out to the world of sport in order to promote understanding and support for the work and ideals of the United Nations.

In this mission, the Special Adviser will engage the leadership of sports organizations and other key figures in the world of sport, as well as represent the Secretary-General at sport-related conferences and in contacts with the sports media.  He will consult with entities of the United Nations system engaged in development, peacemaking and peace-building, to identify tasks and programmes that might benefit from the involvement of sports organizations and the United Nations, and make recommendations to the Secretary-General.

Born in Kandersteg, Canton Bern, Mr. Ogi has been a member of the Swiss People’s Party since 1978.  He served as President of Switzerland in 1993 and 2000, and as Vice-President in 1992 and 1999.  His other posts have included those of head of the Federal Department of Transport, Energy and Communication; head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports; and Director-General of Intersport Switzerland.  He served as Director of the Swiss Ski Federation from 1969 to 1981, and as Vice-President of the World and European Committee of the International Ski Federation from 1971 to 1983.  His father was a forester, mountain guide and ski instructor.

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