Statement Attributable to the
Spokesperson for the High Representative for the
United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
In Honor of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace
6 April 2019
Today, as we celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, let’s remember that throughout history, sport has contributed to advancing the ideals of justice and progress.
Sport has the power to convey essential human values, such as respect, discipline, sacrifice, solidarity, courage, and ethics. These values seem more critical today than ever—particularly in the resolution of significant global issues.
At the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), we have worked to develop partnerships and create initiatives in which sport is used as a tool to foster social inclusion and cohesion, understanding and diversity. UNAOC is an associated partner of the EU-funded “Empowering Youth Volunteers through Sports” (EYVOL) project. Inspired by the organization Save the Dream and led by an international coalition of organizations from the Olympic Movement, the United Nations, Academia and civil society, EYVOL develops innovative educational methods to train youth volunteers on ways to utilize sport to promote intercultural dialogue, peacebuilding, and socio-economic development.
Sport can be an engine for positive change and development. It unifies those of all faiths, cultures, and languages. Join us in celebrating the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace and share your message on social media using the hashtag #IDSDP2019.
Contact:
Ms. Nihal Saad, UNAOC Chief of Cabinet and Spokesperson for the High Representative
saadn@un.org; +1 646 255 4664