The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), which takes place annually on 6 April, presents an opportunity to recognize the power of Sport in promoting education, health, development, and peace. The celebrations of the 2023 edition of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace took place under the global theme of “Scoring for People and the Planet”. As in previous years, the theme focuses on the impact of sport on sustainable development and peace.

By observing IDSDP, we can spread awareness about the significance of sport and physical activity in realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG4, which calls for “ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all”. Through physical activities, sports, and physical education, learners can gain physical and mental health, social skills, and a better understanding of the world, which can help them attain their educational goals. The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace also constitutes an opportunity to emphasize the necessity of physical activity and education and their contribution to the realization of SDG4 and the other SDGs.

From empowering women and girls, young people, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups to advancing health, sustainability, and education objectives, sport offers tremendous potential for advancing the SDGs and for promoting peace and human rights.