Sports and Peace and Development

Sports can be used to promote peace and development by fostering social inclusion, reducing conflict and violence, and improving physical and mental health. However, it is not typically used to increase economic inequality.

The United Nations uses sports as a tool for peace and development through its various agencies, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

Resolution 64/10, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2009, recognizes the positive contribution of sports to peace and development and encourages member states to use sports as a tool for achieving these goals.

Peace Players International, Right to Play, and Sport for Life are all examples of sports-based peacebuilding initiatives that use sports to promote peace and development in conflict-affected communities.

The Global Sport and Development Network is a global network of organizations that use sports for peace and development. It was established in 2007 and has over 100 members from around the world.

Inclusivity, participation, and sustainability are key principles of using sports for peace and development. Competition is not typically considered a key principle, as it can sometimes lead to conflict and division.

The United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP) is the UN agency that promotes the use of sports for peace and development. It was established in 2001 and is based in New York City.

The UNOSDP's goals include promoting peace and development through sports, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, and promoting gender equality and women's empowerment through sports. Promoting the commercialization of sports is not a goal of the UNOSDP.

The Sport for Peace and Development Initiative (SPDI) is the UNOSDP's flagship program that uses sports to promote peace and development. It was launched in 2001 and has been implemented in over 100 countries.

The SPDI has three main components: capacity building, advocacy, and research. Fundraising is not a component of the SPDI.

The Global Sport and Development Network (GSDN) is the UNOSDP's global network of sports organizations that use sports for peace and development. It was established in 2007 and has over 100 members from around the world.

Peace Players International, Right to Play, and Sport for Life are all members of the GSDN. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is not a member of the GSDN.

The World Sport and Development Forum is the GSDN's annual conference. It brings together sport and development practitioners, policymakers, and researchers from around the world to share knowledge and best practices.

The World Sport and Development Forum typically focuses on the role of sports in promoting peace and development, the challenges and opportunities of using sports for peace and development, and the latest research on the impact of sports on peace and development. The commercialization of sports is not typically discussed at the forum.

The Sport and Development Resource Centre is the GSDN's online platform that provides resources and information on sports and peace and development. It includes a database of sports and development projects, a library of research and publications, and a directory of sports and development organizations.