Building Bridges Through Sport: World Youth Forum, the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
These were some of the questions I reflected on during my recent visit to Azerbaijan, where I participated in the World Youth Forum in Quba and the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku, alongside the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).
Under the theme “Dialogue for a Shared Future: Building Bridges in a Fractured World,” the forum brought together international leaders, representatives of civil society, international organisations, and young changemakers to discuss intercultural understanding, peace, and cooperation.
Together with young participants from around the world, I had the opportunity to exchange perspectives on social inclusion, intercultural dialogue, and the challenges facing our societies. Through discussions, peer-led sessions, and informal conversations, we explored how our cultural backgrounds and experiences shape the way we understand the world.
These exchanges highlighted that dialogue does not require us to agree on everything. Rather, it involves mutual respect, openness, and a willingness to engage with perspectives different from our own. Yet, dialogue alone is not enough. Its value also lies in how we translate these conversations into meaningful action within our communities.
The OneHumanity football tournament offered an opportunity to put some of these principles into practice. Bringing together participants from different countries and cultures, it provided a different setting for intercultural exchange.
On the pitch, our nationalities, languages, and backgrounds mattered far less than our ability to communicate, cooperate, and trust one another. A pass, a smile, or a shared celebration could convey what words sometimes could not.
Our team even managed to finish second, taking home a silver medal. Beyond the competition, however, the tournament was an opportunity to connect with people we had only recently met.
For me, it was a practical example of how sport can contribute to intercultural dialogue by encouraging interaction, challenging stereotypes, and helping build relationships across cultural boundaries.
However, these outcomes should not be taken for granted. Sport’s contribution to social inclusion depends on creating accessible, welcoming environments that encourage participation and mutual respect.
As an ENGSO Youth Alumni, this experience reinforced my belief in the potential of grassroots sport as a tool for social inclusion, intercultural learning, and peacebuilding.
While international forums offer opportunities to exchange ideas, grassroots sport provides spaces where these ideas can be put into practice. Through local clubs, international youth exchanges, and community sporting events, we can create environments where young people meet, cooperate, and learn from one another.
Beyond the formal programme, visiting Azerbaijan was also an opportunity to discover a new country, share experiences, and establish connections with young people from around the world. It was a valuable reminder of how much can be gained from bringing people together, both through dialogue and through sport.
By Christian Hajj