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The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is celebrated annually on April 6th to recognize the power of sport in fostering positive change, bridging barriers, and transcending boundaries. In 2025, the IDSDP will focus on the theme "Leveling the Playing Field: Sport for Social Inclusion," emphasizing the role of sport in promoting equal opportunities and fostering inclusive societies.
This year's theme aims to challenge stereotypes and enable inclusive sport for all, regardless of age, gender, or race. It highlights sport as a unifying force that fosters inclusion and more equitable societies, serving as a powerful platform for dialogue to tackle prejudices and inspire positive change globally.
In commemoration of the International Day, an event will be hosted at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This event is a collaboration between the Permanent Mission of the Principality of Monaco, the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the Department of Global Communications, and UN Women. The event will provide an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions on the intersecting issues of sport, gender equality, healthy aging, and racial equality.
Through inspiring conversations, IDSDP strives to raise awareness, celebrate success stories, strengthen partnerships, and advocate for solutions to critical challenges. The 2025 observance will serve as a platform to explore how sport can serve as a tool towards greater social inclusion and progress.
The United Nations invites all stakeholders, including States, the UN system, international organizations, sports governing bodies, civil society, and the private sector, to observe and raise awareness of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. This collective effort underscores the potential of sport to contribute to the advancement of human rights, social and economic development, and the promotion of just, peaceful, and inclusive societies.
Events - 2025 International Day of Sport for Development and Peace:
Advancing Social Inclusion through Sport: Towards the Second World Summit for Social Development
Monday, 7 April 2025, 11:30 AM ET - 1:00PM ET
Conference Room 5, UNHQ, New York
To mark the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) at UN Headquarters in New York, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), in collaboration with the Permanent Missions of the State of Qatar and Principality of Monaco to the United Nations (Co-Chairs of the Group of Friends of Sport for Development and Peace) is hosting an event Monday, 7 April 2025 at 11:30 am ET in Conference Room 5.
Every year, we celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), highlighting the transformative power of sport in fostering positive change, enhancing social cohesion, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This day serves as a reminder of how sport can unite communities and promote values that contribute to societal development.
This year’s event will host prominent athletes and leaders in the world of sport, who will share their personal experiences of advocating for social inclusion through sport. The event will highlight the power of sport in promoting equality for all, while showcasing how sport and technology can create real, positive change in society. Their stories will highlight the challenges they've faced and the ways in which they’ve used their platforms to inspire others.
UN grounds pass holders can join the event in person.
Athletes and Sporting Organization Experts
- Mr. Andrew Luria, Sports Journalist, FOX5 San Diego
- Ms. Asma Al-Thani, Qatari mountaineer, UNHCR partner
- Mr. Jamal Hill, American swimmer, Paralympic bronze medalist
- Mr. Justin Morrow, American soccer player, social justice activist, Head of Sports Partnerships & Programs at the USC Race & Equity Center
- Ms. Veronica Sheffey, American basketballer, San Diego State University
- Mr. Luis Moreno, Member, International Olympic Committee and IOC's Permanent Observer to the UN
UN Member State Representatives
- H.E. Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN
- H.E. Isabelle Picco, Permanent Representative of the Principality of Monaco to the UN
United Nations Officials
- H.E. Mr. Li Junhua, Under Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, UNDESA
- H.E. Ms. Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women
- Mr. Charles Katoanga, Director, Division for Inclusive Social Development, UNDESA
Please find the speaker profiles here.
Here is the full event programme.