Sports | International Day of Peace

Sports

Sport has an unparalleled ability to transform, empower and unify people. Involvement in sport teaches ambition, perseverance and teamwork. – U.N. Secretary General António Guterres

Sport embodies the uniting principles of participation, inclusion and citizenship. As a universal language, sport can be a powerful tool to promote peace, tolerance and understanding by bringing people together across boundaries, cultures and religions. Its intrinsic values such as teamwork, fairness, discipline, respect for the opponent and the rules of the game are understood all over the world.

Peace One Day initiated the ONE DAY ONE GOAL campaign to encourage playing soccer around the world on September 21. Thousands of matches are played globally each year for Peace Day.

FEATURED VIDEOS

Sports activities have been increasingly recognized and used as a low-cost and high-impact tool in humanitarian, development and peace-building efforts. In grassroots projects throughout developing areas of the world, sport is used as a tool in short-term emergency humanitarian aid activities, in long-term development projects and in the social re-integration of children and youth affected by violence and war.

Creating opportunities for respectful interaction can result in increased familiarity and tolerance. It also allows individual players to find constructive ways to channel emotions, communicate effectively and work as a member of a team.

U.N. International Day of Sport for Development and Peace

A Game for Life: The Global Oneness Project 17-Minute Video and Lesson Plan

Soccer for Peace Program – Building understanding and friendships between Arab and Jewish Youth through soccer