The United Nations (UN’s) International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is observed annually across the globe on April 6 to acknowledge the role of sport in promoting human rights, fostering social inclusion, and advancing economic development.
- April 6, 2025, observance marks the 12th anniversary of IDSDP.
2025 Theme:
The theme for IDSDP 2025 is “Leveling the Playing Field: Sport for Social Inclusion”.
- The theme highlights how sport promotes equal chances and inclusion by breaking stereotypes and encouraging participation regardless of age, gender, or race.
- Align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, recognizing sports as a tool for health, education, gender equality, and social inclusion.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) formally adopted April 6 as IDSDP through Resolution A/RES/67/296 on August 23, 2013.
- This resolution underscores the UN’s recognition of sport’s positive impact on human rights, social cohesion, and economic development.
ii.The first IDSDP was observed on April 6, 2014.
iii.The date commemorates the first modern Olympic Games held in Athens, Greece from April 6 to 15, 1896.
Role of International Olympic Committee (IOC):
i.The Lausanne (Switzerland)-based International Olympic Committee (IOC), a Permanent Observer to the UN, advocates sports as a catalyst for global peace and human development.
ii.Since its establishment in 1894, the IOC has promoted sports to bridge societal divides and foster economic growth.
UN’s Initiatives for Sports:
i.The UN recognizes sports as a universal language to advance human rights, social integration, and economic progress.
ii.It supports grassroots sports programs and campaigns like #WhiteCard.
iii.Sports are integrated into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for their role in empowering women, youth, and marginalized communities.
About #WhiteCard Campaign:
i.Launched in 2014 by Monaco-based Peace and Sport organization, the #WhiteCard is a worldwide digital campaign uses a white card to symbolize peace and inclusion.
- Unlike the red/ yellow card for serious offenses, the White Card symbolizes inclusion, fairness, and peace in sports.
ii.On IDSDP, individuals and organizations globally share #WhiteCard images to promote solidarity.
2025 Events:
i.To commemorate IDSDP, an event was held at the UN Headquarters in New York, United States of America (USA), organized jointly by:
- Permanent Mission of Monaco to UN (Geneva, Switzerland)
- Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to UN (New York, USA)
- UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) (New York)
- UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) (New York)
- UN Women (New York)
ii.Discussions was focused on gender equality, healthy aging, racial equity, and sports’ role in addressing these issues.
Olympism365: IOC’s Global Impact Strategy:
i.The IOC is leading global development through its Olympism365 strategy, which emphasizes sport as a daily tool for social impact and sustainable growth.
ii.The IOC will host the Olympism365 Summit: Sport for a Better World from June 3 to 5, 2025, in Lausanne, Switzerland. whose lives are disrupted by conflict.
About International Olympic Committee (IOC):
10th President – Kristy Coventry (Zimbabwe) (First woman and first African to hold the position)
Headquarters – Lausanne, Switzerland
Established – 1894
