Remarks by the UN Rwanda Resident Coordinator at the VCWC 2024 Presentation Conference, International Tour, New York

• Your Excellency Ambassador Claver Gatete, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Rwanda in the United Nations
• Representative from the office of the Under Secretary General and Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, Ms Dalila Sadinlija,
• Football Legends
• Our Partner VCWC
• UN Colleagues
•  Ladies and gentlemen,

Distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, and football legends,

Today, I stand before you with profound humility to share an extraordinary narrative—a tale that embodies survival, resilience, and the profound teachings it imparts upon us all.

Allow me to commence by recounting the story of Eric Eugene Murangwa, a genuine hero whose life and journey exemplifies the transformative power of football in the pursuit of peace and sustainable development.

In 1994, when Rwanda was plunged into the abyss of the Genocide against the Tutsi, Eric Eugene Murangwa, a former Rwandan professional footballer who had once guarded the goalpost for the Rwandan national football team and Rwanda’s most popular football club, Rayon Sports, found himself ensnared in the horrors of the genocide. As the world around him descended into chaos, Murangwa confronted the gravest of circumstances, his life hanging by the slenderest of threads.

The pivotal moment in Murangwa's survival unfolded when he came face-to-face with a group of armed killers, intent on extinguishing his life. Astonishingly, one among the killers recognized Murangwa as the goalkeeper of Rayon Sports football club. This recognition ignited a brief pause—a moment of hesitation and reflection among the group, and Murangwa seized that fleeting opportunity to initiate a conversation.

In this extraordinary dialogue, Murangwa spoke of football, the matches he had played, and the shared experiences of supporting the national team. Through his words, he humanized himself, transcending the ethnic chasms that had ignited the genocide. He shared stories of unity and camaraderie nurtured on the football field, underscoring the message that, above all else, they were all Rwandans. This potent exchange ultimately persuaded the killers to spare his life.

Following the genocide, Eric Eugene Murangwa relocated to the United Kingdom, where he continued to pursue his passion for football. He adorned the jerseys of numerous amateur clubs. Yet, he didn't stop there; he emerged as an advocate for peace, reconciliation, and the prevention of future genocides. He laid the foundation for the "Football for Hope, Peace and Unity" organization which later became Ishami Foundation, deploying football as a potent instrument for healing and reconciliation in Rwanda and beyond. Notably, he also assumes the role of Vice President at VCWC, overseeing the Peace Forum.

From Murangwa's odyssey, we glean profound lessons:

The Unifying Power of Football:

Murangwa's saga underscores the unique capacity of football to unify people across the most daunting divides. Amidst the chaos, it was their shared love for the game that rekindled a glimmer of humanity, reminding us that sport can transcend hatred and forge connections.

The Role of Symbols:

Murangwa's life as a footballer symbolized more than athletic prowess; it epitomized the hopes and aspirations of an entire nation. His story underscores the profound influence symbols and role models can exert in shaping our collective consciousness.

Sport as a Catalyst for Change:

Murangwa's journey stands as a testament to the potential of sport as a catalyst for positive transformation. It serves as a reminder that sports can be a force for healing, reconciliation, and metamorphosis, not only within the confines of the field but across society.

The Imperative of Tolerance:

Murangwa's experience underscores the pressing need to construct societies founded on the bedrock of tolerance, inclusivity, and reverence for diversity. It brings into sharp focus the tragic repercussions of intolerance and discrimination.

The Call for Collective Action:

Murangwa's tale beckons us to action. It serves as a clarion call, compelling us to recognize our collective duty in preventing atrocities and safeguarding the vulnerable. We must labor incessantly to ensure that such horrors never again stain the tapestry of our world.

Eric Eugene Murangwa's narrative is an inspiring testament to resilience and the transformative power of sports to kindle positive change and unite communities even in the bleakest of times. Football has the ability to bring people together, instilling empathy, and dismantling the walls that divide us. His story underscores the potential for shared passions and common interests to transcend animosity and division, even amidst the darkest of hours.

As we assemble today to unveil VCWC 2024, I implore each of you not only to participate wholeheartedly but to become fervent advocates for this transformative initiative that unites the United Nations in Rwanda, The Veteran Clubs World Championship (VCWC), and the Government of Rwanda. This initiative bears the promise of advancing the ideals of sustainable development and peacebuilding.

Our shared commitment transcends the thrill of the game; it extends to the enduring impact we can achieve collectively. It mirrors our unwavering dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals and our belief in the power of sports, with its universal allure, to act as a catalyst for progress. Let us seize this unparalleled opportunity to become champions of the causes we hold dear, to foster understanding, bridge divides, and inspire generations to come. We are not mere spectators; we are active contributors to a cause that resonates with the core objectives of the United Nations. The Memorandum of Understanding that UN Rwanda and VCWC have forged sets the stage for a football tournament and a series of events that will tackle critical issues in Business, Education, Health, Peace, Tourism, and more. Each of these events represents a chance to drive change, cultivate partnerships, and magnify our collective influence.

I encourage all participants, whether you stand as a World Football legend, a member of the Business Community, a Civil Society organization, or a partner in this noble venture, to rise as advocates for the VCWC 2024 events. Be the resonant voice that champions the Sustainable Development Goals. Share the insights, innovations, and solutions emerging from these forums with your networks and communities. Embrace the role of ambassadors for the transformative potential of sports and its ability to propel positive transformation.

In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Rwanda for graciously hosting the VCWC 2024 events. This unequivocally affirms Rwanda as a global and regional hub for events and conferences, a tangible embodiment of #Visit Rwanda in action.

Furthermore, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each one of you for your presence and unwavering commitment to this initiative.

Let us unite our endeavours, raise our voices, and ensure that the VCWC 2024 events resound as an indomitable success, leaving behind a lasting legacy of sustainable development, unity, and peace.