High Performance Sport (HPS) and the United Nations (UN) have discussed how Papua New Guinea can aim to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through sports.
Team leaders from HPS were informed that the United Nations is keen to have an ongoing relationship through the already existing programs, services and education to build awareness about SDGs with Papua New Guinean athletes and coaches.
The focus is to inform and engage them and their communities in helping to achieve the Global Goals.
“The meeting with Chika Kondoh, a Communications Specialist from the UN Resident Coordinator's Office was very forthcoming with information about the ongoing advocacy engagement by the United Nations and partnering opportunities.
“The SDGs cover a wide range of development issues which we see as very beneficial to the HPS programs we deliver to athletes & coaches,” said HPS Talent Pathway Coordinator, Cornelius Papau.
The SDGs are a set of 17 Goals which were adopted by 193 member states in the UN in September 2015.
The Global Goals are a universal agreement to end poverty in all its dimensions and craft an equal, just and peaceful world for everyone on the globe.
As a member state for the UN, PNG aims to achieve these goals by 2030.
Sports has been always been recognized as an important tool to engage young people and as a critical channel to distribute information.
“I’ve been encouraged through interactions with some organisations and as well as programs who have been engaging with the community and sharing the message of the SDGs.
“It’s important that we in HPS now play our part to grow awareness, align outcomes and make an impact for a better Papua New Guinea.
“It’s inspiring for ourselves and others to think bigger and more universal,” said HPS Director, Aaron Alsop.
Ongoing discussion between HPS team leaders and the UN staff will identify specific strategies that can bring targeted education and awareness about the Global Goals.
Sports or athletes wishing to learn more on the SDGs or be part of some projects promoting the SDGs using sport in the community can contact:
Hannah Singut: programs.highperformancepng@gmail.com
Julie Pia: projects.highpeformancepng@gmail.com
Ph: 325-0941.