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
RESOURCES AND LINKS
United Nations – Sport for Development and Peace
U.N. Member States confirm sport’s role in Development and Peace Building
Role of Sport in Peacebuilding – Sportanddev.org
Right To Play – Sport and Peace
Olympic Truce – Sport promoting peace and international cooperation
Out of the ashes, Afghanistan rises: the role of sport in conflict resolution and development
Protecting Children through Sport in Uganda – Dr. Dean Ravizza
Soccer for Peace – Program for Israeli and Palestinian Children
Street Football World – Social Change through Football (Soccer)