The International Boxing Association (IBA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). The ceremony took place at UNITAR Headquarters in Geneva on Wednesday.

IBA President Umar Kremlev and the UN Assistant Secretary-General, and Executive Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), Nikhil Seth signed the Memorandum, which becomes the first step in the cooperation between the bodies. The two organizations agreed on opportunities to discuss a series of international high-level conferences on sports and diplomacy in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals and new sports competitions under the patronage of the United Nations.

In addition, occasions for charitable initiatives and fundraising for athletes from Least Developed Countries, Small Island Developing States, and other developing countries to create long-lasting impact and high-level diplomatic missions to selected countries organized, as well as the fundraising through NFT collections for IBA athletes from developing countries to create impact opportunities.

‘We are committed to advancing the sport of boxing around the world, and this partnership with UNITAR will allow us to do so in a meaningful and impactful way. Through our collaboration, we will be able to empower individuals and communities through the values of our sport. I believe this Memorandum with UNITAR is a crucial step towards IBA’s goal to promote values of continuous learning, which we implemented in our development programs. Together, we can create more opportunities for our boxing family, including our athletes, who can have a sustainable future after their sports career,’ President Kremlev said.

‘The power and passion of sports have the overarching aim of bringing people and the planet closer together and leaving no one behind. In light of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, IBA and UNITAR join forces to address the nexus of sports, diplomacy and the Agenda 2030,’ Mr. Nikhil Seth said.

Before the ceremony, IBA President was received at the Palais des Nations, the United Nations Office in Geneva.

The ceremony took place on the eve of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), which takes place annually on 6 April. The day presents an opportunity to recognize the positive role sport and physical activity play in communities and people’s lives across the globe.