Former IOC president Rogge named UN chief's envoy

Jacques Rogge, former International Olympic Committee (IOC) president, has been named Special Envoy for Youth, Refugees and Sport by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Ban said Rogge will focus primarily on promoting sport as an empowerment tool, with an emphasis on peace, reconciliation, security, health, education, gender equality and inclusiveness, reports Xinhua.

The appointment was announced at an event "Celebrating Sport for Development and Peace" held at the UN headquarters Monday.

"We are all keenly aware that in Syria, the Central African Republic, South Sudan and elsewhere, conflict, unrest and other circumstances have forced many young people to flee their homes, placing their futures on hold. Sport has a role to play in helping to restore at least some sense of normalcy," said Ban.

The UN estimates that over 44 million people in the world are forcibly displaced. Among internally displaced population and refugees, children and youths are especially affected and at risk.

Rogge is the honorary president of the IOC. He held the top position in the Olympic movement from 2001 to 2013. During his term, the IOC was granted permanent observer status at the UN General Assembly.