Asghari, who opened day three of the 2022 UTS World Youth Festival, thanked the Thailand Government and UTS for organising the event and said that "sport builds bridges across communities."

"Today, we are here to promote peace on UN International Day for Tolerance," Asghari said.

"The IOC always stands for inclusion and equality.

"Sport builds bridges across communities.

"It drives positive social change and plays a key role in our wellbeing.

"It raises key social issues and awareness around the world.

"Coming from Afghanistan, I remember when the first Refugee Team walked in at Tokyo 2020.

"These athletes are a symbol of hope.

"This is why I am here for the conference, and I am looking forward to it."   

Stoeva also agreed on the role youth can play in changing the grim present through a virtual message, referring to the war in Ukraine.

According to her, issues like climate change and rising energy bills due to Russia’s invasion is not helping anyone.

"The picture is grim, but youth can change that," Stoeva said.

"Hate and injustice should be stopped.

"Tolerance is practiced and not preached and it starts with each one of us."

UTS President Fox took the "unique opportunity in Thailand" to "create awareness" about the principles of tolerance.

The vice-president of SportAccord stressed on the need to educate people on the values of tolerance and why the sporting community should recognise and uphold human rights.

"It is a fundamental principle of the IOC and the Olympic Charter," Fox said.

"We are living in a divided world and sport can play a role in bringing people together.

"The current world is fragile.

"Countries are going to war.

"We see disagreement.

"These create suffering.

"The tradition of Olympic Truce is very important now more than ever."