Turkish Airlines, UN launch 'sports for peace awards'

By Aysu Bicer

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey's national flag carrier and the UN signed an agreement late Tuesday to create a platform for intercultural dialogue and cooperation through sports activities.

The agreement was signed by Ilker Ayci, Turkish Airlines chairman and Miguel Angel Moratinos, high representative of UN Alliance of Civilizations, at the UN Headquarters, New York.

Also, present at the signing ceremony were Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The project "Sports for Peace Awards" will explore how sports unifies and inspires people around the world and promotes peaceful societies.

"Sports has a strong unifying power on different societies and communities from all around the world," Ayci said in a statement.

He noted that through these activities Turkey will be able to achieve 17 Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.

As part of the project, Turkish Airlines will host an award ceremony to recognize efforts of individuals in promoting peace through sports.

"... prominent names from sports, art and business worlds along with opinion leaders will be brought together to draw the eyes of the world to global opportunities and challenges," the flag carrier added.