Secretary-General, in Message to EPICS Forum, Praises Initiative for Inspiring Global Youth Leaders to ‘Drive Positive Change’

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message, as delivered by Wilfried Lemke, Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace, to the EPICS (Eco, Peace, IT, Culture, Sports) Forum 2014, in Gwangju, Republic of Korea, today:

I am pleased to send my warm greetings to the participants and distinguished guests of the EPICS Forum.  For the third consecutive year, this outstanding initiative has brought together emerging young leaders from around the world so they may be inspired to drive positive change.

You are part of the largest generation of youth in history — more connected than ever before to each other and the issues of our day.  You have both the potential and the responsibility to use your influence to promote global harmony and sustainable progress that respects the ecological limits of our planet.

Among the tools available to you is the power of sport.  Throughout history, sport has provided a platform to heal rifts, break down barriers and build bridges of understanding and respect.  It has helped promote the Millennium Development Goals and will be an important asset as the United Nations makes the landmark transition this year to a post-2015 development agenda.

For the city of Gwangju, this year also marks a milestone.  In less than five months, Gwangju will welcome the participants of the twenty-eighth Summer Universiade.  I wish the Organizing Committee every success, and I convey my deep appreciation for its contribution to our common goals of peace, human rights and sustainable development.

We live in an era of profound test and turmoil, with extremism and inequality threatening to undermine our aspirations for a better future.  In the face of these challenges, we must join hands in solidarity and act together for a world where dignity and opportunity are available to all.

As you return to your families and communities, I count on you to represent the values and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.  Practise tolerance, live together in peace and promote social progress in all your actions.  To that end, I wish all participants a fruitful and enlightening Forum.