Dubai: The former UN Secretary General yesterday hailed the leadership and resilience shown by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in sustaining development through sport.
"It is only fitting that this important convention is being held here in Dubai. This is a stunning example of what true and sustained governance can do to building up a legacy using sport as a tool," Kofi Annan said.
Speaking at the closing key note address on "The role of sport as an agent for social change", the former UN secretary general said Shaikh Mohammad stood out among the world's leaders as a true motivator of change through sport.
"He has believed in a vision and he has vigorously pursued this vision," Annan said.
"And today we see Dubai as a true centre of sporting excellence through a whole range of sport and allied activities. And this offers the world a real and unified vision of Shaikh Mohammad," Annan added.
"Dubai has had the best sporting events in the past and it continues to pursue this same path for the future."
