Encouraging the Values of Fair Play

Sport and fair play embody values of solidarity, friendship, and tolerance. Through these values, sport and fair play can lead to social cohesion, inclusion, and understanding - transcending language and borders. Fair play celebrates the values that sport provides, encouraging respect, equality and integrity. Hence, the General Assembly adopted the resolution A/78/L.85 without a vote, declaring 19 May as World Fair Play Day.

The resolution acknowledges the spirit of fair play while contributing to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It invites all Member States, the United Nations system and, in particular, the Division for Inclusive Social Development of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the Secretariat and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and all other relevant stakeholders to cooperate, observe and raise awareness of World Fair Play Day to promote the practice of sport with a spirit of friendship, solidarity, tolerance and inclusion and without discrimination. The resolution also stresses that sport, and its universal nature, has a crucial role to play in the promotion of peace ad community cohesion including for persons with disabilities and gender equality.