UN Declares May 19 World Fair Play Day on Hungarian Initiative

MTI-Hungary Today 2024.07.02.

In the early hours of last night, the UN General Assembly adopted by consensus of the entire membership a resolution, initiated by Hungary, declaring May 19 as World Fair Play Day, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó announced on his Facebook page.

“Today started with a great Hungarian success in New York, and in the year of the Olympics!”

Péter Szijjártó reported that 92 member states finally joined the resolution proposed by Hungary as co-authors, meaning that not only 92 UN member states supported the Hungarian initiative, but 92 countries also made a symbolic commitment by adding their names to the resolution, thus signalling their full agreement with the initiative.

The negotiations led by Hungary have resulted in a global coalition that includes the support of China, the United States, Germany, South Korea, Indonesia, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates.

“With these 92 countries behind us, we have succeeded in asserting in the largest international forum an approach that reinforces the spirit of sportsmanship and the values it represents, such as respect for the rules, respect for the opponent and action against violence and doping,” noted the politician.

“We still remember the peace-building role of the Olympics, which is not disputed by anyone, we remember the athletes of warring countries falling on each other’s necks in the arena or on the field after a match. Now we would like the whole world to remember this, which is why it is a great achievement that the negotiations led by Hungary have succeeded in bringing together such a broad coalition behind our initiative,” the Foreign Minister emphasized.

With just three weeks to go before the 33rd Summer Olympics, it is no exaggeration to say that this is the biggest global stand for the independence of sport and against the re-blocization of the world.

And it is all about us Hungarians.” The decision of the UN General Assembly on July 1 is therefore clear: May 19 is now World Fair Play Day, Minister Szijjártó concluded.

Fact

Fair play is a concept that stands for a number of fundamental values that are important in sport and active recreation. First and foremost, it is about players, athletes and participants abiding by the rules of the game. The principles of fair play include integrity, fairness, and respect for opponents, fellow players, referees and fans. With these principles, the spirit of competition thrives, fueled by honest rivalry, courteous relations and a graceful acceptance of results.

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Via MTI; Featured image via Facebook/Nemzeti Atlétikai Központ