Study Tour for African National Focal Points to Strengthen Major Sporting Event Security in Rome, Italy
The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), through its Global Programme on Security of Major Sporting Events and Promotion of Sport and its Values as a Tool to Prevent Violent Extremism, organized a four-day study tour in Rome, Italy, from 12 to 15 January 2024. The initiative was specifically designed for the Programme¡¯s National Focal Points and key stakeholders from African Member States involved in the security of major sporting events.
The study tour aimed at promoting the exchange of knowledge and good practices, while enhancing multilateral cooperation to prevent and counter terrorist threats against major sporting events. 16 experts from African Member States engaged with experts from Italy¡¯s law enforcement agencies: the African Union Sports Council, the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the Italian Olympic Committee, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), and other relevant organizations.
The discussions and site visits helped participants identify how to strengthen the security policies and security protocols of their respective countries to better safeguard major sporting events from terrorist attacks.
