Can a Ball Change the World: The Role of Sports in Development

Sports, as a universal language, can play a useful role in promoting national development and improving the lives of rural and local communities, particularly youth. 1) What are some examples where the sports industry has actively played a role in development? 2) How much investment can developing countries justify in promoting sports, compared to other urgent social programmes? 3) Can sports bring other benefits, such as foreign direct investment, to developing countries? Panelists: Joseph S. Blatter,President, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Switzerland; Charles Denson, Co-President, Nike Brand, Nike, USA; Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pelé), World Cup Soccer Champion and Director, Empresas Pelé, Brazil; Jacques Rogge, President, International Olympic Committee (IOC), Lausanne; David J. Stern, Commissioner, National Basketball Association (NBA), USA; Mel Young, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Homeless Worldcup, United Kingdom; Social Entrepreneur; Moderated by Angelo Codignoni, President and Chief Executive Officer, Eurosport, France