Address by Amb. Vaqif Sadiqov, Permanent Representative of the Republic of

Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) Special Session

28 November 2017, PdN, Room XXIV

Mr. Chairman, Excellencies, Dear colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the outset, I would like to thank Mr. Franco Frattini and Amb. Maurizio Enrico Serra for organizing this important meeting. The main topic for today’s discussions, which is safeguarding the integrity of , is timely in terms of a global need for a dialogue, cooperation, unity and integrity.

The current state of affairs in modern interconnected, fast changing and turbulent world confirms a vital need for joint efforts. Thus, contribution of each country or organization is very important. And, at global level, the role of the United Nations is indispensable in strengthening international cooperation and dialogue.

Evidently the dialogue among civilizations deserves our greater attention. We firmly believe that the dialogue of civilizations is the key for ensuring peace, security and sustainable development. In this respect, due to its invaluable social, educational and cultural functions we consider sport as a tool to address the modern challenges.

Due to its geographical location, Azerbaijan has always been at the crossroads of continents and civilizations. Located in Eastern Europe – specifically in South Caucasus, Azerbaijan performs the role of political, economic and cultural bridge between East and West, North and South. For many centuries, the ancient Silk Road passed through modern-day Azerbaijan and this route served as an important channel for sharing knowledge and skills that has significantly shaped the history and culture of my country.

Living in multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious environment Azerbaijan has naturally attracted and became host country for numerous international events, including in the field of sport. Among them are 7th Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, World’s Religious Leaders Forum, 4 International Forums on Intercultural Dialogue, 5 International Humanitarian Forums and other important events.

Being a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Council of Europe, Azerbaijan has been striving to strengthen dialogue, partnership and cooperation between the civilizations through some important initiatives and activities. With this aim, in 2015, Azerbaijan hosted the first-ever . 6000 athletes from 50 countries participated at these Games. Two years later, in 2017, Azerbaijan hosted 4th Islamic 2

Solidarity Games with almost 3000 athletes from 54 countries. Since 2016, Baku City Circuit has been annually hosting Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe “Grand Prix of Azerbaijan”.

After restoration of its independence Azerbaijan took part in the in 1996 in Atlanta the first time as an independent state. At that time we won only one medal. Twenty years later, at the in Rio in 2016, Azerbaijani athletes won 18 medals and took 14th place for the number of medals in team standings. Since that time, the Olympic movement and have been developing rapidly in Azerbaijan. Sport has been state policy in Azerbaijan. All relevant bodies, the National Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, sports associations and federations pursue the goal of further developing sport in Azerbaijan. As a result of this joint activity and thanks to the coordination among all the responsible bodies, Azerbaijan has achieved a great success.

In order to create favorable conditions for people to do sport the Government of Azerbaijan in public-private partnership has significantly invested in the major infrastructure projects implemented both in the regions and in Baku in recent years. Numerous Olympic facilities including 50 modern Olympic sports centers in the regions of Azerbaijan have been built. Modern sports infrastructure established in Baku includes several large stadiums and sports centers and among them, the Baku Olympic Stadium with a seating capacity of about 70,000 spectators. In June 2015 the stadium served as the main venue for the European Games, hosting the opening and closing ceremonies, and the athletic games. The venue is intended to host the quarterfinals and three of the group games for UEFA Euro 2020. Moreover, the construction of such modern sports facilities as the National Gymnastic Arena, the Aquatic Palace and the Baku Shooting Center are other examples of the development projects in Azerbaijan.

Despite the fact that the many states, especially in the neighborhood of my country are facing political instability, financial crisis and civil wars, Azerbaijan kept its policy in hosting and initiating sport events for solidarity and integrity.

As a continuation of these efforts and my country’s positive experience, the Government of Azerbaijan has decided to bid capital city Baku to host the World Expo in 2025 with the theme of “Developing human capital, building a better future” because we firmly believe that similarly to all major sport competitions the WorldExpo also serves as an international platform for building cooperation and dialogue.

In conclusion, I would like to ensure you that while sharing with SIGA the same commitment to the principles and values of the Olympic Movement Azerbaijan will continue its modest contribution to global efforts with the final goal to build a peaceful and a better world.

Thank you.