UNOSDP organises sports activities in developing countries and those experiencing conflict, such as North and South Korea.

Gwangju 2015, chaired by Kang Un Tae (pictured second right) and Chung Eui Hwa, held a ceremony to mark the agreement, with Kang signing alongside Wilfried Lemke (pictured second left), special adviser of the secretary general of UNOSDP.

The agreement is the first signed between UNOSDP and an international sports organising committee in Asia.

It is a key part of UNOSDP's challenge to mediate and support efforts for peace between the two countries via an Inter Korean sports exchange to help form a united Korean team at the Gwangju Universiade in 2015.

The sports exchange will be similar to last year's Peace and Sport Cup in Qatar where ten national associations competed in doubles table tennis with the aim of promoting peace and friendship between them. 

Gwangju 2015 will also host an annual Youth Leadership Camp, inviting youngsters from North Korea to attend.


Lemke said that Gwangju 2015 and UNOSDP would share their expertise and resources to promote peace in the region.

"Large sporting events have a great potential when it comes to fostering positive social change and leaving a lasting legacy benefiting the local communities, the host nations and communities abroad," Lemke said.

"It is very positive that the Gwangju Universiade 2015 Organising Committee has taken such a clear and strong stand in that respect, and I look forward to working with them in order to realise the joint vision that we have developed, for the benefit of the youth in particular."

The Universaide is a bi-annual international multi-sport event organised for university athletes. 

Around 20,000 athletes are set to be in Gwangju for the Universiade in July 2015.

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