Mr. Lemke, you have now been the UN Secretary General’s Special Advisor on Sport for Development and Peace for a number of weeks. Is it more exciting than being Bremen’s Senator for the Interior, the job you gave up to assume your new post?
I can’t say yet whether the job is more exciting, but it is certainly honourable and appealing because it brings me into contact with people from all over the world. It will be my responsibility to foster health, education, development and peace in the world through sport. For someone like me, who has been active in both sport and politics, it represents a highly satisfying job that will enable me to contribute my decades of experience.
It was possible to read that your new post is unpaid. Isn’t that also indirect proof that sport is not really valued at the United Nations? In reality, isn’t this post only symbolic?
As you’re aware, the United Nations is permanently plagued with money troubles. That’s why I consider it good that it focuses attention on this issue despite its financial difficulties. That shows that sport is definitely considered important in our society. And if the job is then taken on by someone who does it not for the money but for the content of the work itself, then in my view that can only be positive. In my previous posts I repeatedly spoke in favour of voluntary work, so it is only natural that I should make myself available for a post of this kind. I consider it a true honour to have been recommended for this post by the Federal Government and to now be able to fulfil this important responsibility for Ban Ki-moon.
Have you had to move your home from Bremen to New York?
Bremen will continue to be my home. But, of course, I am and will be travelling a lot to attend international sporting events, congresses and conferences. In addition to a small office in New York, there is a main office in Geneva. Primarily, however, I shall be communicating with them both via electronic means.
What exactly does a Special Advisor do?
He puts his sporting and political experience at the disposal of the United Nations and helps the Secretary General to use sport to promote peace and development all over the world. In concrete terms, he does not only represent the Secretary General at international sporting events, but also initiates conferences and congresses as well as sporting events – for example, with young people from the world’s conflict regions. He advises the Secretary General and the committees on topical questions of sport and education policy. Moreover, as sport’s advocate, he is expected to mediate between member states, non-governmental organizations, international associations and, not least, the media.
What is your impression after your first weeks in office?
In principle, everything is as exciting as I’d hoped. However, the China-Tibet question has made it a difficult start, a jump into the deep end. Three consultations have already been held with Chinese ambassadors in Geneva and New York on this subject. I have also had to learn to express myself very circumspectly and argue in line with UN policy, because my words are now frequently equated with those of the UN Secretary General.
What is the UN line on the China-Tibet issue so shortly before the Olympic Games in China?
The Secretary General is concerned, is observing what’s going on, would like to deescalate the situation and attempt to make the Games a success for everyone concerned. Sport must not be allowed to be misused in a political way. And as a sportsman I would totally support that.
Will you be going to Beijing?
The President of the IOC, Dr. Jacques Rogge, has personally invited me to do so. An important congress that I have planned to attend will be taking place before the Games begin. Which contests I will then attend and how long I will stay is still unclear.
What goals do you have in your new job? What ideas would you like to contribute? What do you believe you can change in international relations through sport?
You can change a great deal through sport, because it moves so many people. It will be my job to employ that element of sport which brings nations together in activities against racism and violence all over the world. In the process, I would like to record, amplify and communicate positive approaches and signals from different countries. Sport already offers a global network that must be used for humankind’s peaceful development. Yet I also consider it my job to combat and resolve problems and false developments in sport, such as doping or betting fraud.
How many years do you plan to work towards achieving these goals?
Initially, one year. That’s how long my contract with the United Nations runs.
Mr. Lemke, thank you for this interview and good luck in your new job.
The interview was conducted by Jürgen Rollmann.
Willi Lemke
The German sports manager and politician, born in 1946, has been Special Advisor to the Secretary General of the United Nations for Sport since the middle of March 2008. Lemke was manager of Bundesliga football club SV Werder Bremen for many years and is considered enterprising, innovative and an excellent communicator. These characteristics also helped open the door for the SPD member’s entry into the world of politics: Lemke was Senator in Bremen from 1999 until 2007.
