United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and European Athletics have renewed a partnership to promote personal development and social cohesion.

The new agreement, which will run until 2015, is designed to build on work undertaken since the two organisations first joined forces in 2006.

Joint projects feature an anti-doping education scheme for young athletes and the promotion of gender equality, empowerment and women's leadership in sport.

UNESCO director-general Irina Bokova said: "Sport is one of the most powerful media we have to convey UNESCO's messages and ideals of peace and development, especially among youth."