At the UNICEF HQ in the Swiss city a dizzying array of diplomats, senior politicians and international press will see Murray and Emery's Fighting For Peace programme officially launched - and the former world champ Murray is still catching his breath.

The idea was conceived by Murray and Swiss counterpart Carl Emery. Like Murray. Emery is a former kickboxing world champion who has devoted his life promoting the sport and coaching generations of new talent. “Carl and I recognised that one of the best ways to promote understanding and to keep kids out of trouble was to give them something focused and organised to do – and also to give children from all walks of life the opportunity to interact and to respect each other through sport,” said Murray.

The initiative was born out of a trip to a kickboxing event in Villars Switzerland in 2006 which brought a large number of children and their families from different parts of Ireland north and south to take part in a prestigious show.

“It’s remarkable, really,” said Murray. “I was sent the list this week of people attending and it reads like an international who’s who of the diplomatic corps in Europe. And all for kickboxing! Simon Featherstone, the British ambassador to Switzerland will be there.

 The Director of the Swiss UNESCO office, the UNICEF rep for Geneva, Irish embassy officials, current and past British consul generals – they’re all gathering. It’s quite something. “When I go through the names I feel like I’m reading the new years honours list. And right there amongst them is me from east Belfast unveiling a scheme that was conceived and trailed in Belfast being rolled out and celebrated Europe-wide. I feel proud to be able to show such a gathering what sport in my native city has achieved.”

Murray and Emery’s Fighting For Peace scheme has been two years in the making. It is aimed to promote peace and respect through sport. It will bring together leading groups involved in martial arts and combat sports across Europe and organise inter-community meetings and international events including competitions, training, courses, trips and demonstrations.

It will particularly focus its activities to benefit disadvantaged children. “If we are to seriously tackle the issue of collapsing youth behaviour, we have to do it now," said Murray. "This programme is a well realised and proper leap forward. I look forward to seeing what we can do with it across the continent.”

Belfast's Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers is backing the initiative. Prior commitments have meant he is unable to attend the launch, though the city's Head of Leisure Services Cormac McCann will be there.

More on Fighting For Peace can be found here at www.ProKick.com