Sport for peace

April 6 is the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP). The adoption of this Day by the UN General Assembly signifies the increasing recognition by the United Nations of the positive influence that sport can have on the advancement of human rights, and social and economic development.

“Sport promotes health and well-being. It fosters tolerance, mutual understanding and peace. It empowers, inspires and unites,” former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared.

Meanwhile, last year twelve stamps were issued by the UN Postal Administration (UNPA) on the theme ’Sport for Peace’ to promote the contribution of sport to peace. UNPA partnered with the International Olympic Committee IOC)  and the UN Office on Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP – set up in Geneva in 2001) in developing the set of 12 colourful stamps featuring several Olympic sports. The stamps depict Track & Field, Weightlifting, Fencing, Rowing and Rhythmic Gymnastics as well as the Olympic Flame and Dive.

The issue coincided with the ‘Olympic Truce’ period which came exactly a week ahead of the 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.   

‘Olympic Truce’ is an ancient Greek tradition dating back to the 8th century BC which was renewed in 1992 by the OC.  In the following year UN General Assembly resolved that the Truce be observed from the seventh day before the opening to the seventh day following the closing of each Olympic Games. 

Observing the role played by the Olympic movement, UN says that it aspires to contribute to a peaceful future for humankind through the educational value of sport. It brings together athletes from all parts of the world in the greatest of international sports events, the Olympic Games, and it aims to promote the maintenance of peace, mutual understanding and goodwill — goals it shares with the United Nations. 

As an expression of these common objectives, in 1998 the International Olympic Committee decided to fly the United Nations flag at all competition sites of the Olympic Games. The United Nations for its part, is expanding its cooperation with the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic family at large through a number of agreements and partnerships.

In the Declaration of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development sport was recognised as ‘an important enabler of sustainable development’.

Wilfried Lemke, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace states: Sport is a cost-effective, flexible and powerful tool in promoting peace and development objectives. It brings people together regardless of their origins and backgrounds, creates strong social cohesion and bonds, and facilitates mutual understanding and dialogue. Sport promotes universal values that transcend language and culture. Therefore, sport has unique potential and can be used for social change around the world.

He adds that UNOSDP has long been bringing people together through sport and supporting sport for peace initiatives from mega sport events to the grassroots level. These initiatives help sport achieve its fullest potential in realising the global goals. Five priority areas have been identified: conflict resolution, gender equality, development of Africa, inclusion of persons with disabilities, and youth development. 

“Leading the United Nations efforts on sport development and peace, my mandate serves to advocate, facilitate and represent the use of sport as a platform for social enhancement and development around the world,” he says.