International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) 2025

The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is celebrated annually on April 6th. This day is dedicated to recognizing the potential of sport in fostering positive social change, bridging societal barriers, and transcending boundaries. The United Nations General Assembly declared this observance to highlight the role of sport in promoting peace, equality, and inclusive development. Sport is increasingly seen as a tool for empowering marginalized groups and promoting social inclusion, peace, and justice. The theme for 2025, “Leveling the Playing Field: Sport for Social Inclusion,” focuses on how sport can serve as a powerful vehicle for addressing social challenges, including gender equality, racial equality, and inclusion of marginalized groups. The day will serve as a platform for discussions on these topics, featuring global stakeholders and experts.

IDSDP and Its Significance

Date of Commemoration

• The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is celebrated on April 6th each year, emphasizing the role of sport in promoting positive change.

Theme for 2025

• The theme for 2025 is “Leveling the Playing Field: Sport for Social Inclusion,” highlighting the need for equal opportunities in sport for all individuals, irrespective of age, gender, or race.
• The theme seeks to challenge stereotypes, foster equal opportunities, and create inclusive sports environments.

Focus on Social Inclusion

• The 2025 IDSDP will focus on marginalized groups, with a particular emphasis on age, gender, and racial equality.
• The day aims to use sport as a tool to foster social inclusion and contribute to building equitable societies.

Role of Sport in Promoting Peace and Understanding

• Sport is recognized for its potential to transcend boundaries, promote tolerance, perseverance, and respect among individuals and cultures.
• It serves as a unifying force, promoting peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, even among diverse populations.

Commemorative Event in 2025

• In 2025, the UN will host a significant event at the UN Headquarters in New York, in collaboration with the Permanent Missions of Monaco and Qatar, UN Women, and the Department of Global Communications.
• This event will address intersecting issues, including gender equality, healthy aging, and racial equality within the context of sport.
• It will also showcase inspiring stories, celebrate achievements, and engage in meaningful dialogue on the impact of sport in advancing social inclusion and addressing critical global challenges.

Olympism365 Strategy

• The Olympism365 strategy, launched by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), emphasizes sport’s role in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• It supports 550 social impact programmes in 176 countries, aiming to improve health, education, and inclusive societies through sport.
• This initiative reaches tens of millions of people and works to create positive social change through year-round engagement.

Olympism365 Summit

• The Olympism365 Summit: Sport for a Better World will be held from 3 to 5 June 2025 in Lausanne, Switzerland.
• This summit will bring together representatives from the Olympic Movement, UN agencies, and various stakeholders to explore co-investment opportunities and showcase the collective impact of sport-based development policies.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) 2025
Date of Commemoration	April 6th (annually)
Theme for 2025	“Leveling the Playing Field: Sport for Social Inclusion”
Focus Areas	Age, gender, race, marginalized groups
Key Event in 2025	Event at UN Headquarters, New York with a focus on gender equality, racial equality, and healthy aging
Olympism365 Strategy	IOC’s initiative promoting the UN SDGs through 550 programmes globally
Olympism365	Summit 3 to 5 June 2025 in Lausanne, Switzerland, focusing on sport for social development
Impact of Sport	Creates inclusive societies, promotes peace, tackles social challenges, and encourages mutual respect and understanding