H.E. Mr. Kofi Annan, President Jan Eliasson, H.E. Mr. Adolf Ogi,
Excellencies, Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am honored to speak on this important occasion for presentation of the International Year of Sport and Physical Education (IYSPE) 2005 Final Report in my dual capacities, namely, the Asia/Pacific Region representative of the Group of Friends and the host of 2008 Olympics.

The International Year of Sport and Physical Education (IYSPE) 2005 was a big success. We had two strong resolutions on sport adopted at the General Assembly and one strong endorsement of the role of sport by our leaders during the World Summit. Sport is universally held as a natural and fun ingredient in the lofty task of promoting peace and development. Thanks to the sport-related events and activities of the IYSPE 2005, the value and contribution of sports in our efforts towards the MDGS have been further highlighted and strengthened. Sport has been integrated into work of the United Nations, including development, health, education, environment, ethics, gender and peace. It has also been incorporated into respective national development programs by member states.

Sports foster solidarity and cooperation. Sports promote tolerance and equality. Sports generate dialogue and harmony. All above is essential to achieve sustainable development, peace and security all over the world, which is the ultimate goal of the United Nations. The movement for Sport for Development and Peace does not stop with the end of IYSPE 2005. Sport will continue to be leveraged and explored as a tool to advance peace and development by building on what we have achieved in the past year.

China will carry on the spirit of IYSPE 2005. As the host of 2008 Beijing Olympics, Paralympics as well as 2007 Shanghai Special Olympics, China is determined to further the noble cause of sport for development and peace as well as the concept of the Olympic Truce. The goal of the Beijing Olympics which is "One World One Dream" and its fundamental concepts which are the Green Olympics, the High-tech Olympics and the People's Olympics, demonstrate our vision of better world through sport. Currently both Beijing & Shanghai are doing their utmost in preparation, so as to present the best Olympics to the world. We are confident that our joint effort today will contribute to a closer linkage between sport, peace and development.

Thank you.