The International Canoe Federation is joining forces with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) to support the growing demand for global emergency response capabilities and promote sustainable development.
As part of this collaboration, the ICF and UNITAR will develop training programmes on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the realm of sport, incorporating programmes such as a dedicated 'Paddlers for Disaster Response' initiative.
The partnership aims to incorporate paddle sports into UNITAR’s efforts in leveraging sport as an enabler of the SDGs. For example, when it comes to bolstering urban resilience and sustainable city planning, Olympic Canoe Slalom venues, both past and present, serve as key locations for these initiatives.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been agreed with UNITAR and the ICF to provide a cooperative framework to achieve sustainable development objectives set out in both the ICF’s Fit for Future Evolution strategy and the United Nations’ Pact for the Future.
ICF Vice President Lluis Rabaneda and Secretary General Richard Pettit met with Rabih El-Haddad, Director of UNITAR’s Division for Multilateral Diplomacy, Senior Programme Specialist Philippe Aubert and Project Coordinators Marçal Jané Garcia and Elodie Pearson in Geneva, Switzerland to sign the cooperation agreement and outline plans.
UNITAR is the dedicated training arm of the United Nations, providing innovative learning solutions to individuals, organisations and institutions to help shape a better future. The institute specialises in enhancing the effectiveness of diplomats, Government officials and international civil servants, delivering training programmes on a wide range of topics within multilateralism. In line with the Kazan Action Plan and the UN General-Assembly’s call for organisations to raise awareness of “Sport for Development and Peace”, UNITAR offers an array of training activities in the field of sports designed to foster international relations, promote peace, and advance the SGDs.
Sharing common goals and objectives in sustainable development, the ICF and UNITAR will implement impactful training initiatives to athletes, coaches, officials and wider stakeholders.
Whitewater venues continue to act as powerful catalysts for positive change in societies, offering huge potential to balance community engagement and social foster inclusive, safe and sustainable communities as well as support sport delivery from recreation to Olympic level competition.
These special facilities play a significant role in promoting citizen welfare, generating economic growth and accelerating climate and environmental objectives.
Beyond making social and environmental impact, sport also serves as unique platform for diplomacy. Whether through grassroot initiatives or international competitions, sport acts as a universal language that encourages dialogue, strengthens cross-cultural understanding, and opens pathways for diplomatic cooperation.
This approach aligns closely with the recommendation in the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Agenda 2020+5 to strengthen the role of sport as an important enabler for the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
With the support of UNITAR, the ICF will leverage whitewater centres to deliver world-class safety training, environmental education and community outreach programmes.
Collaborating on waterway protection, restoration and paddle sports safety initiatives, the ICF and UNITAR will enhance flood preparedness and water safety training for athletes, volunteers and emergency services personnel.
Both parties will share resources and best practices to create guidelines and training content.
The goal is to develop expertise and enhance the skills and knowledge of athletes, coaches, volunteers, emergency services and wider stakeholders in sustainable development and promoting paddle sports as a tool for peace and diplomacy.
Mr. Rabaneda said: “This Memorandum of Understanding with UNITAR opens the door for the ICF to develop many new educational strategies as we strive to make a positive impact on our global paddling community.
“Working in collaboration with UNITAR, we will be able to achieve our Sustainable Development Goals, partnering on waterway protection and restoration initiatives.
“Sharing our expertises, we will create interactive training courses to build important knowledge and awareness in areas such as the environment and water safety for athletes, coaches, event organisers and emergency services personnel.
“Co-creating the ‘Paddlers to Disaster Response’ programme, we will be able to utilise our amazing network of whitewater venues that not only offer fantastic facilities for athletes to train and compete but crucially contribute to the safety and welfare of their citizens.
“We are excited to continue to grow with UNITAR and the UN as we look to cooperate in the future on many other strategic objectives that we share."
Mr. Rabih El-Haddad highlighted the significance of UNITAR’s collaboration with the ICF: “Partnering with the International Canoe Federation is a crucial step in our efforts to ride waves in the global sporting community.
“This partnership is not just about enhancing sports diplomacy – it’s about inspiring leadership, fostering positive change, and empowering communities and athletes through sports.
“By joining forces with the ICF, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and development that align with the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Check out the ICF's Whitewater Venues – Advancing Urban Sustainability report by clicking here.
Check out UNITAR’s Sports Diplomacy portfolio and upcoming activities by clicking here.
