The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, celebrated for the first time on April 6, underscores the significant role of sport in fostering education, health, gender equality, social inclusion, solidarity, tolerance, development, and peace.
In a message to the global community, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon emphasized the growing recognition of sport as a crucial tool for advancing the United Nations’ objectives, particularly those outlined in the Millennium Development Goals. Integrating sport more comprehensively into development and peace programs presents a cost-effective and impactful approach to creating positive change worldwide.
Athletes worldwide joined in the celebration, including Didier Drogba, UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, who actively promotes peace and development initiatives. Similarly, former Chelsea teammate Michael Essien, from Ghana, used his Twitter platform to encourage people worldwide to embrace peace.
The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace serves as a reminder of the transformative power of sport in building a better world and promoting global cooperation and understanding.
