International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2026; April 6th.

FORUM:  “Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers". International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2026. The United Nations will mark the IDSDP on April 6th, reaffirming the transformative role of sport in promoting social inclusion, health, equality and sustainable development worldwide. This year’s observance will be held under the theme: “Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers". The theme underscores the critical role of sport as a universal language that transcends borders, cultures and socio-economic barriers. It highlights how inclusive access to sport can empower individuals and communities, particularly those in vulnerable situations, including persons with disabilities, women and girls, youth, and marginalized populations. Sport continues to serve as a powerful tool for fostering social cohesion, promoting tolerance, and combating discrimination. Across diverse contexts, from schools and communities to elite competitions, sport creates opportunities to build confidence, develop life skills, and strengthen community bonds. In line with global commitments to “leave no one behind,” this year’s Day calls for renewed efforts to ensure equitable access to safe, inclusive and accessible sporting environments for all. This includes addressing structural barriers, investing in community-based programmes, and promoting inclusive policies that enable participation regardless of age, gender, ability or background. Follow the conversations with the hashtags;: #6April, #Sport4SDGs, #SportForAll, #IDSDP2025, #sport4SocialInclusion, #SportDay, #EveryoneIncluded.

EVENTS: On April 6th. The observance of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2026 will highlight the importance of integrating sport into broader development strategies, including education, health, and social protection systems. Governments, civil society, the private sector and the United Nations system are encouraged to scale up partnerships and initiatives that harness sport as a driver of sustainable development. Building on recent global commitments, including those emerging from the Second World Summit for Social Development, the 2026 observance emphasizes the need to translate policy commitments into concrete actions that deliver measurable impact on the ground. Register to participate!

On and around April 6th, stakeholders around the world are invited to organize events, campaigns and activities that celebrate the unifying power of sport and promote its role in advancing peace and development. From grassroots initiatives to high-level dialogues, the Day provides an opportunity to showcase good practices and inspire collective action. As the international community accelerates efforts toward the 2030 Agenda, the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace serves as a timely reminder: sport is not only a game, it is a catalyst for inclusion, equality and lasting social change.

On April 8th, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM EST, at United Nations Headquarters, conference room II, a side-event entitled ''Sports for Peace and Development: Leveraging Sport for Youth Empowerment and Prevention of Violent Extremism'' will be held. This event will examine how sports development initiatives can be leveraged more systematically as part of broader strategies for youth empowerment, prevention of violence and extremism, and the promotion of inclusive and peaceful societies. It will provide a platform for Member States and stakeholders to exchange experiences, highlight best practices, and explore opportunities for strengthened partnerships. Read the concept note!

LIVESTREAM : Across many regions, young people living in conditions of poverty, marginalization, an limited access to education and employment remain particularly vulnerable to recruitment by violent extremist groups and involvement in crime and violence. These structural conditions, compounded by social exclusion and lack of opportunity, create environments where youth may be drawn toward destructive pathways, with implications for peace, stability, and sustainable development. In this context, sport has emerged as a practical and effective tool for prevention. There is increasing recognition within the United Nations system of the role of sport in advancing peace and security objectives, including in preventing violent extremism and promoting social cohesion. Well-designed sports programs can strengthen community resilience, support youth engagement, and contribute to addressing root causes of instability. 01:26:28

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2025; April 6th.

FORUM: "Leveling the Playing Field: Sport for Social Inclusion." International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2025. In the lead up to the Second World Summit for Social Development in 2025,  The celebration will focus on the theme of ‘Social Inclusion’. This year’s theme aims to challenge stereotypes, promote equal opportunities, and enable inclusive sport for all. It will highlight the role of sport as a unifying force that fosters inclusion and more equitable societies, while being a powerful platform for dialogue to tackle prejudices and inspire positive change across the world. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #6April, #Sport4SDGs, #SportForAll, #IDSDP2025, #sport4SocialInclusion, #SportDay, #EveryoneIncluded.

EVENT: On and April 6th, at UN Headquarters in New York, in collaboration between the Permanent Mission of the Principality of Monaco, Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the Department of Global Communications and UN Women an event will be hosted in commemoration of International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2025, The event will be an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions on the intersecting issue of sport and social inclusion. Through inspiring conversations, IDSDP strives to raise awareness, celebrate success stories, strengthen partnerships, and advocate for solutions to critical challenges. The IDSDP 2025 will serve as a platform to explore solutions on how sport can serve as a tool towards greater social inclusion and progress. The United Nations General assembly invites States, the United Nations system and, in particular, the United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace, relevant international organizations, and international, regional and national sport organisations, civil society including, non-governmental organizations and the private sector, and all other relevant stakeholders to cooperate, observe and raise awareness about the benefits of sport in an appropriate manner.

CAMPAIGN: Sport, and more than sport. It empowers, bridges cultures, and builds peace. Let's emphasize the role of sport in order to promote equal opportunities and foster inclusive societies.

LIVESTREAM: This event is co-organized by the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the UN, the Permanent Mission of the Principality of Monaco to the UN and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs , in anticipation of the Second World Summit for Social Development to hold in November 2025 in Doha. It will explore how sport can address systemic barriers, foster inclusion and empower individuals, thereby advancing the objectives of the WSSD2 and strengthening the role of sport in achieving the SDGs. Get the Programme!

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2024; April 6th.

FORUM: "Sport for the Promotion of Peaceful and Inclusive Societies." International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2024.The concept of Sport for Development and Peace is rooted in the recognition that sport possesses unique attributes that enable it to contribute to development and peace processes. These attributes include: Universal popularity – transcending of national, cultural, socio-economic and political boundaries, when done right, sport is enjoyable for participants and spectators alike and can be invoked in virtually any community in the world. Capacity as a powerful global communications platform – Because sport events offer the capacity to reach vast numbers of people, they are effective platforms for public education & social mobilization. Ability to connect – sport is an inherently social process bringing together players, teams, coaches, volunteers & spectators. Cross cutting nature – sport can be used to address a broad range of social and economic challenges. Potential to empower, motivate and inspire – sport has the natural ability to draw on, develop, and showcase individual strengths and capacities.  On April 6th; Join the discussion on the role that sports and major sporting events play in communities, and the discussion on the importance of sports in our everyday lives and the impact it has on communities. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #PeacefulSocieties, #InclusiveSocieties, #Sport4SDGs, #SportForDevelopment, #Agenda2030, #SportDay, #IDSDP, #6April.

EVENTS: On April 4th, from 11am to 1pm (EST); A panel discussion will be held to celebrate the 11th anniversary of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The special event featuring elite athletes and sporting organization experts highlighting the role sport plays in helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Gain insight from leading figures in the sporting world as they discuss innovative ways sport is helping take climate action, promote sustainability and gender equality, combat racism, and foster industry partnerships.The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2024 event will recognize the role of sport in promoting peaceful and inclusive societies. In addition to UN Member State Ambassadors and UN officials, the event features elite athletes and experts from prominent sporting organizations such as the Players Coalition, Concacaf, UEFA, Generation Amazing, Protect our Winters, and FIFA. Speakers will share best practices, discuss challenges, and explore collaborative opportunities that leverage sport as a tool for sustainable development and peace. The event entitled "Sport for the Promotion of Peaceful and Inclusive Societies." is organized by the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC) and United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), with the support of the Permanent Mission of the Principality of Monaco to the United Nations and the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations. Join UN DESA for a special event; Register to participate!

The FIFA World Cup 26™ in Los Angeles will deliver one of the most diverse cities in America to support the promotion of human rights, environmental sustainability and the game of football. Australia, IR Iran, Iraq, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan have reached the third round of AFC qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with two games to spare. Bahrain, Indonesia, Korea Republic, Palestine and Saudi Arabia are also on the cusp of going through after an exciting matchday. Elsewhere, Jordan and Syria won by seven goals, Afghanistan stunned India to hike their hopes, and China PR and Oman secured impressive victories. Find out the full match schedule for World Cup 2026 in Canada, Mexico and USA with fixtures and results from each of the 104 games in the 48-team tournament. Read the latest FIFA news and ‎register your interest in ticket to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026!

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2023; April 6th.

FORUM:"Scoring for People and the Planet." International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2023.  The observance features conversations with elite athletes (Batouly Camara, Javier Zanetti, Amine Zariat, and Graham Zimmerman), leading industry figures from the NHL, FIFPRO, NBPA Foundation, USTA, Women's Sports Foundation, and PUMA. Follow the conversations with the hashtagas: #SportDay, #6April, #ScoringforPeopleandtheplanet.

EVENTS:  International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2023, April 6th, from 10:30 am to 12:15pm.

To mark the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), this year's event at UN Headquarters in New York recognizes the role of sport in addressing climate change, promoting gender equality, and tackling racism. The event is organized by the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) and Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), with the support of the Permanent Mission of the Principality of Monaco to the United Nations, and the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations.

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2022; April 6th.

FORUM: "The role of Sport in Combating Climate Change" International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2022; April 6th.

EVENTS

Join our virtual #SportDay event on the role of sport in addressing the climate crisis and hear from athletes and sporting industry experts about how they are taking #ClimateAction.  6 April, 9:30am EDT

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International Day of Sport for Peace and Development 2021, April 6

 

Theme 2021: Only Together can we play or cheer again.

Between Wednesday, 31 March, through to, and on Tuesday, 6 April, we ask you share on your social media platforms a picture or video showing the value of sport in your life and highlight the importance of ensuring we are all protected from COVID-19 so we can return to moments like this in the future. 

                        

Sport can cross boundaries and defy stereotypes and inspire hope across nations, but we will only be able to get back to this, if we recover better and help end the pandemic by helping ensure everyone is protected from COVID-19.

Ahead of International #SportDay, join our call for solidarity to make sure everyone is protected against #COVID19 so we can get back to the things we love - like sport.

To raise awareness of sport,  6 April was declared as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) by the United Nations General Assembly. The adoption of this Day signifies the increasing recognition by the UN of the positive influence that sport can have on the advancement of human rights, and social and economic development.