Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei Celebrates UN Step to Make Sports Eco-Friendly Worldwide

Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei has lauded a new United Nations resolution as a pivotal moment for the future of sports development.

The resolution, which advocates for using sport as a platform for environmental advocacy, was adopted by the UN Environmental Assembly (UNEA) in Nairobi.

Last Friday, the seventh session of the UNEA concluded, approving 11 of the 15 proposed draft resolutions. Kenya played a leading role, successfully championing three motions, including the landmark proposal to leverage sport for environmental awareness and climate action.

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This initiative aims to harness the immense global influence of sports to promote environmental education and sustainability at every level of competition.

Speaking to the Daily Nation, Jack Tuwei described the resolution's adoption as a significant achievement for the global sports industry. "It is a milestone in terms of sports development," he stated.

Jack Tuwei explained that the resolution will have far-reaching implications across the entire sports ecosystem, affecting event organisers, officials, athletes, and even the equipment used for training and competition.

He emphasised the need for a comprehensive review to ensure all international sports federations adhere to the new standards.

"We have to go back to the drawing board and see how we need to comply with the resolution," Tuwei said, adding, "I believe all international federations will come up with different rules, regulations and policies."

The goal is to foster a culture of environmental responsibility within sports, inspiring a worldwide movement toward sustainability.

Jack Tuwei noted that the specific requirements will differ between various disciplines, depending on whether they are indoor or outdoor sports.

"Every sport will have to look at how they are affected and how they are going to match the requirements of the resolution," he explained.

Looking forward, Jack Tuwei suggested that significant changes are on the horizon, including the potential phasing out of certain materials like plastic.

"Some of the things that are plastic today will have to be eradicated completely. This will affect even the manufacturers," he remarked.

Philip Osano, Chief Operating Officer at the Centre for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), highlighted the resolution's significance, particularly given Kenya's reputation as a global athletics powerhouse.

He pointed out that environmental issues such as air pollution and rising temperatures are already impacting both professional and amateur sports.