”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.”
This statement is according to the UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J., as the global community marked International Sports Day, April 6.
On this Day, the UN would like every one to reflect on the amazing opportunity sport presents and to ”recognize the positive role sport and physical activity play in communities and in people’s lives across the globe”.
Indeed, Sport has the power to change the world; it is a fundamental right and a powerful tool to strengthen social ties and promote sustainable development and peace, as well as solidarity and respect for all, according to the United Nations.
The global theme for the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2023 is “Scoring for People and the Planet”. As in previous years, this overarching theme allows for IDSDP activities to broadly focus around the impact and influence of sport on sustainable development and peace.
Sport is seen as a tool for empowering women and girls, young people, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups, ”to advancing health, sustainability, and education objectives.
Promoting sport also offers the avenue for promoting the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs and, ”for promoting peace and human rights”.
Realizing this, the UN has positioned to support sport for development through initiatives and campaigns.
This is through ”participating in events from the global to the grassroots level, and developing its own sports-related campaigns and initiatives”.
