International Day of Sport and Development of Peace
Harnessing the power of sport for development and peace
Sport for development and peace is a concept that recognises the power of sport to drive social change, promote development and foster peace and understanding. Sport for the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies harnesses the popularity and universal appeal of sport to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including poverty, inequality, conflict and social exclusion.
Non-governmental organisations can use sports to achieve specific development objectives, such as improving health and well-being, promoting gender equality, enhancing education and building social cohesion. Such programmes are often implemented in collaboration with governments, other non-governmental organisations and international agencies. Based on the principles of inclusion, participation and empowerment, these sporting programmes frequently contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals:
SDG 3
Good Health and Well-being, where regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and promoting overall fitness. Engaging in sports and physical activities positively impacts mental health, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression and improving mood and cognitive function.
SDG 16
Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Sports and physical activities have the power to bring people together, break down barriers and promoting a sense of belonging and community. By bringing people together from different backgrounds and fostering mutual respect and understanding, sport breaks down barriers, reduces prejudice, and builds bridges between communities.
SDG 4
Quality Education through personal development. Participation in sports and physical activities helps individuals develop essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, discipline and resilience.
SDG 8
Decent Work and Economic Growth is assured through the sports industry’s significant contribution to the economy through job creation, tourism and the sale of sports-related goods and services.
SDG 10
Reduced Inequality through cultural exchange. Sports provide a platform for cultural exchange, understanding, and appreciation, transcending cultural differences and bringing people together.
One key aspect of using sports to promote peaceful and inclusive societies is its ability to reach marginalised and vulnerable populations, including children and youth, women and girls, persons with disabilities and refugees. By engaging these populations in sports and physical activity, sports programmes aim to build their confidence, resilience, and life skills and empower them to become agents of change in their communities.
It is important to document and publish these sporting activities. Publishing such events helps raise awareness, inspire action, promote learning, build networks, celebrate achievements and advocate for change. Remember to seek consent from participants to record and publish their images. To involve your immediate community, engage the community members in the recording and documentation process. This helps to ensure that the content accurately reflects the community’s perspectives and priorities. Additionally, work with local organisations, government agencies and other stakeholders to amplify the reach of your publication. Collaboration ensures your content is relevant and impactful.
This International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) reminds us to harness the power of sports to build a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable world for all. By using sports to achieve specific development objectives, such as improving health, promoting gender equality, and enhancing education, your organisation can contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, involving the community and collaborating with local organisations and stakeholders, you amplify sports’ impact on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.
