International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2021

The United Nations have proclaimed the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on April 06, and is celebrated annually to promote peace through sports. Values of sports like tolerance, fairness, teamwork, and mutual respect support a peaceful living together in solidarity. It is a day when some sport and development actors work together with communities to bring sporting opportunities to enrich lives, particularly youth.

Sport activities and events have been particularly affected by the necessary health measures and restrictions imposed in countries around the world. Despite this challenge, this day remains a great opportunity for the sport and development community to showcase the ways sport has been helping countries, communities, and individuals to navigate these challenging times and build back better. The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace promotes healthy lifestyles and focuses on giving as many people as possible access to sport. Sport is a powerful tool to strengthen social ties and networks, and to promote ideals of peace, fraternity, solidarity, non-violence, tolerance, and justice.

We, at the World Assembly of Youth (WAY), recognise the growing contribution of sport and leisure activities to the realisation of development and peace in its promotion of tolerance and respect. This Day has a positive influence on the healthy development of the individual. Doing sports is not only good for the body but it also can support teamwork skills, increase power to motivate oneself, and at the same time have fun. Sport has the power to change the world, it is a fundamental right, a powerful tool to strengthen social ties and promote sustainable development and peace and well as solidarity, and respect.

The power of sport is to enhance life skills of young people for a better world and to advance gender equality. The World Health Organization recommends 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity per week, or a combination of both. There is an abundance of free and accessible online and digital tools targeted at encouraging people of all ages and abilities to stay active and mobile while remaining at home.

We are asking everyone to be active, stay healthy, and demonstrate solidarity during this period of physical and social distancing. Sport can cross boundaries and defy stereotypes, let us be active in building back better!