30 replies to this topic

[gotosy]

Mario Pescante presented his appointment papers as the IOC’s Permanent Observer to UN Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon on Monday.

Pescante, IOC member from Italy, serves as IOC International Relations Commission chair, and led the IOC’s work at the UN, prior to it becoming a permanent observer last year.

His roles in sports have included serving as a supervisor of the 2006 Turin Winter Games and working as a commissioner for the Mediterranean Games in Pescara. From 2001 to 2005 he served as President of the European Olympic Committees.

In politics, Pescante has been a deputy in the Italian Parliament since 2001, and president of the Parliamentary Commission for the European Union since 2008.

As a Permanent Observer to the UN, the IOC can now participate at the General Assembly, write resolutions and speak on matters before the body, but it cannot vote.

http://aroundthering...w.aspx?id=34492

[Sir Rols]

Interesting, especially with the IOC always being at pains to keep at arm's length from the UN, and stop the likes of UNESCO having any authority over them.

I wonder if the UN could be considered for an IOC spot in return. I wouldn't see that as inappropriate.

[OneTimeOnly]

Why does the IOC need an observer at the UN?

[baron-pierreIV]

OneTimeOnly, on 16 March 2010 - 11:47 PM, said:

Why does the IOC need an observer at the UN?

Just to raise its stature that it is a legitimate "international" organization worthy of more thna just staging dazzling ceremonies and sports shows. The little dictatorial org. based in Lausanne really thinks its in the same league as legit bodies like the UN and its sub-agencies.

I now wonder if they would like a seat on the College of Cardinals as well. THe organization is sooooooooo sickening at times....

[Sir Rols]

baron-pierreIV, on 17 March 2010 - 12:00 AM, said:

I now wonder if they would like a seat on the College of Cardinals as well.

And the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences and the judging panels for Eurovision, Miss Universe and American Idol while they're at it.

And I'm sure that, after a Madrid hosting, Sama's also hoping for that Nobel as his final wish!

Edited by Sir Roltel, 17 March 2010 - 12:28 AM.

[krow]

baron-pierreIV, on 17 March 2010 - 12:00 AM, said:

Just to raise its stature that it is a legitimate "international" organization worthy of more thna just staging dazzling ceremonies and sports shows. The little dictatorial org. based in Lausanne really thinks its in the same league as legit bodies like the UN and its sub-agencies.

I now wonder if they would like a seat on the College of Cardinals as well. THe organization is sooooooooo sickening at times....

exactly the sentiment i was going to post. as if our elitist little sporting club wasn't self-important enough.

[GoNutz]

I think it's ridiculous that the IOC was granted permanent observer status in the UN, and think it should be revoked. This little sporting organization really needs a reality check. I mean hello, you're not a country. They have no sovereignty to speak of, what country is IOC?

[Dinhu4ever]

GoNutz, on 17 March 2010 - 09:12 PM, said:

I think it's ridiculous that the IOC was granted permanent observer status in the UN, and think it should be revoked. This little sporting organization really needs a reality check. I mean hello, you're not a country. They have no sovereignty to speak of, what country is IOC?

It's not like you HAVE to be a country to be a part of it. Several organizations have spots as observers in United Nations, the Red Cross/Crescent is an example. That's why they're observers with no vote power instead of member states. And there's Holy See case, which is a globaly recognized sovereing state but does not hold full member status in the UN, holding a Permanent Observer one instead.

[GoNutz]

Dinhu4ever, on 17 March 2010 - 10:05 PM, said:

It's not like you HAVE to be a country to be a part of it. Several organizations have spots as observers in United Nations, the Red Cross/Crescent is an example. That's why they're observers with no vote power instead of member states. And there's Holy See case, which is a globaly recognized sovereing state but does not hold full member status in the UN, holding a Permanent Observer one instead.

The IOC is the only solely commercial entity. The other NGO's and Organizations are non-profits, charities or development banks. There's a huge difference between doling out big sports parties and working on human rights, human development loans, charity, working towards human rights, working on the environment. The IOC doesn't belong.

[faster]

The IOC is a not-for-profit organization that is a registered charity in both the US and Switzerland.