Lewis to discuss sport diplomacy at global conference
Jonathan Ramnanansingh
FORMER President of the Olympic Committee of Trinidad and Tobago (TTOC), Brian Lewis, is set to give a presentation on sport diplomacy at the International Center for Protocol and Diplomacy’s global online conference on Monday.
Lewis, an advocate against racial and gender discrimination, is one of over 25 speakers who will address hundreds of professionals from over 55 participating countries.
This year’s theme is “The Role of Diplomacy in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Agenda 2030”.
The aim of this conference is to use modern diplomatic potentials and promote the achievements of the 2030 Agenda, especially for peace-building, prosperity for people and the planet, now and in the future.
Lewis said: “Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the 17 that are currently at risk if you look at the global and country (TT) levels, with the high levels of crime and the economic challenges, the SDGs are at risk.
“The importance of the SDGs for the poor and vulnerable and in terms of eradicating poverty, with genuine and genuine inclusion and diversity within society, is imperative given all that is happening.
“The role and power of sport to be part of change is crucial and so if you look at the issue of sport diplomacy and diplomacy in general and the role they play in conflict resolution, that’s one aspect , which is underestimated and underestimated and undervalued, especially here in the Caribbean and especially TT where we still see sport as a pastime and hobby.”
He believes that this opportunity to speak about the role of diplomacy in achieving the SDGs, with a focus on sports diplomacy, in relation to social justice and human rights, is a privilege, an honor and a challenge.
“It’s also about representing TT in another forum and acknowledging the organizers the role sport can and should play in working to achieve the SDGs. A responsibility and a challenge that I am happy to take on.”
Lewis also thinks his invitation to speak is a clear acknowledgment of his advocacy on issues such as women in sport, gender and racism, and other related elements.
“It’s also an important organizer appreciation for the advocacy I do. But time is not on our side. Anything that affects the risk of not meeting these goals affects the sport.
“Sport needs to have its voice heard when it comes to the power of sport to make a positive difference and effect change to promote sustainable development.”
Lewis recently successfully lobbied the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to lift former American athlete Vince Matthews’ (74) life ban after he and the late Wayne Collett protested racial discrimination at the 1972 Olympics.
Though Lewis never met the men, he was committed to the cause, telling Newsday last December that at times it felt like he was the lonely voice in the wilderness.
Describing their ban as an injustice, he added, “I would hope or believe that if it were a Caribbean athlete someone would take up the matter.”