The United Nations (UN) International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is annually observed across the globe on 6 April, to recognise the positive roles of sport and physical activity in global communities and the lives of people worldwide.
- 6 April 2024 marks the observance of the 11th edition of the IDSDP.
The global theme for IDSDP 2024 is “Sport for the Promotion of Peaceful and Inclusive Societies”.
Background:
i.On 23rd August 2013, The UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/67/296 and proclaimed the 6 April of every year as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.
- The adoption signifies the UN’s acknowledgment of sports’ positive influence on human rights, social cohesion, and economic development.
ii.The 1st ever International Day of Sport for Development and Peace was observed on 6 April 2014.
Why April 6?
i.The UNGA chose 6 April as the date for the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, creating a historical link to the first modern Olympic Games on 6 April 1896.
ii.The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece from April 6–15, 1896.
Role of International Olympic Committee (IOC):
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), serving as the Permanent Observer to the UN, has proposed and backed an initiative aimed at recognising sports organisations’ pivotal role in driving social change and human development.
IOC’s Mission: Since its inception in 1894, the IOC has championed the use of sports to promote peace and development globally.
UN’s Commitment to Sports:
i.The UN recognises sport as a universal tool for uniting people and advancing development goals.
ii.It actively engages in sports for development efforts and supports grassroots initiatives.
iii.It develops campaigns and initiatives centered around sports.
iv.Sport is ideally positioned to contribute towards the UN objectives for development and peace.
Significance:
IDSDP highlights the importance of traditional sports and games inscribed on the lists of the 2003 Convention.
- The 2003 Convention lists numerous elements related to traditional sports and games, anchoring in our daily lives.
2024 Events:
i.On 4th April 2024, the UN Headquarters in New York, the United States of America (USA) hosted an event in honour of IDSDP.
- The event convened members from the international sporting community, including participants from the United Nations Football for the Goals initiative.
ii.To celebrate the IDSDP, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Peace and Sport have joined forces to organise a unique event.
- On 4th April 2024, “Athletes Game On for Peace” a UNESCO – Peace and Sport International Dialogue took place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.
Note: UNESCO is the UN’s lead agency for Physical Education and Sport (PES).
#WhiteCard Campaign:
i.Sports Communities across the globe annually celebrate the IDSDP through the #WhiteCard Campaign.
ii.Initiated by Peace and Sport in 2014, the #WhiteCard Campaign symbolizes the positive impact of sport on peace and social inclusion.
iii.As a reference to the yellow and the red card in the sporting world, the #WhiteCard invites to promote peace, especially on the IDSDP.
