April 6th marks the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), a day that recognizes and celebrates the power of sport as a tool for social change and development. Ten years ago, in its Resolution (A/RES/67/296), the United Nations General Assembly, with the support of the International Olympic Committee, established April 6th as a Day to raise awareness of the potential of sport to advance human rights as well as advocate for social and economic development.

IDSDP is an occasion for everyone to celebrate the power of sport to bring people together, to break down barriers and promote understanding, and to inspire positive change worldwide. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges that remain in harnessing the full potential of sport for development and peace, and to renew the international community’s commitment to making sport accessible, inclusive, and safe for all.

Scoring for people and the planet

This year, the United Nations commemorates IDSDP under the overarching theme of “Scoring for People and Planet”, emphasizing the impact and contribution of sport to sustainable development and environmental protection. Sport can play a critical role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including those related to health and well-being, gender equality, education, and environmental sustainability.

#ScoringforOneHumanity

On this day, UNAOC, through its Sport for #OneHumanity campaign, aims to promote and support sport-based grassroots initiatives through the hashtag #ScoringforOneHumanity.

Throughout the week, sports entities are likewise encouraged to organize activities around the world, including sports events, seminars, workshops, and social media campaigns, to raise awareness of the positive impact of sport on development and peace and to promote the use of sport as a tool for social change.

These activities also aim to promote the values of respect, inclusion, and non-discrimination in sports, and encourage the participation of all as #OneHumanity, regardless of their gender, race, ability, or socio-economic status.

Let us work together to promote the values of solidarity, respect, and fair play in sports, and to leverage the potential of sports to promote sustainable development and peace.

Together, we can score for people and the planet. We are #ScoringforOneHumanity.