International Day of Sport for Development and Peace

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is celebrated on April 6, 2022.

If it is not mistaken, one time or other, some of these well-known sports events one may have heard, seen, or read about in media, self-study, or through social interactions, at least some if not all. The sports include—FIFA World Cup, Olympic Games, the UEFA Champions League, Cricket World Cup, Super Bowl, Wimbledon Tennis, Tour de France Cycling, Rugby World Cup, Formula One Racing, National Basketball Association (NBA), the Master's Tournament, United States, IAAF World Championships, Hockey World Cup, the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, the UEFA Champions League, and Southeast Asian Games. 

These are just a few of them, the list could be longer. Besides, each country around the world has several sports that do happen throughout the year. 

One simple question may arise: Why is it so much time, energy, and resources spent on organizing thousands of sports events around the world throughout the year? Answers to these may vary depending on the sports events. However, there could a broad or common purpose behind international sports—sports for development and peace.

“Sport has the power to align our passion, energy, and enthusiasm around a collective cause. And that is precisely when hope can be nurtured and trust can be regained. It is in our collective interest to harness the tremendous power of sport to help build a better and more sustainable future for all,” says UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed speaking on the importance of a Sustainable and Peaceful Future for All: The Contribution of Sport.

Admittedly, sports have the power to transform society, especially sports can be used for development and peace that the world needs today more than ever. Moreover, sports help promote and strengthen “social ties” among nations, communities, and people. It also promotes solidarity and respect for all. 

That is why “The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace” (IDSDP) is celebrated every year on April 6. 

According to the UN, it is “an opportunity to recognize the positive role sport and physical activity play in communities and in people’s lives across the globe.”

Keeping in mind, sport’s broad influence, the global theme of IDSDP 2022 is, “Securing a Sustainable and Peaceful Future for All: The Contribution of Sport.”

Sports, in general, have global “reach and unparalleled popularity and foundation of positive values,” which is why the United Nations reiterates saying sports can pave a way for the UN’s goals for development and peace. 

Recognizing this broad philosophy, the UN declared the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace by the UN General Assembly. The purpose was to raise and promote sports’ potential for the common good, as sports have positive influences in advancing social and economic development that the world is in need of. 

In its Resolution (A/RES/67/296) establishing the Day, the General Assembly, urges its member States, private and public sectors, international organizations, international, regional, and national sports organizations, civil society, and all other relevant stakeholders to cooperate, observe and raise awareness of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.

There is no doubt that the world faces scores of major challenges—poverty, unemployment, Covid-19, hunger, and climate crises. Knowing sports’ wide influences on billions of people, some of these issues could be addressed through creating greater awareness, policy formulation, and actions to mitigate problems and work together for a more humane society and sustainable development and peace.