UN Requests Input on Sport for Sustainable Development
February 25, 2022
As we approach the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) on April 6, we’re calling on our sport for social change network to help contribute to an upcoming United Nations (UN) report on sport as an enabler of sustainable development.
The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) is leading on gathering information and is encouraging individuals, community groups, organizations, businesses and academics in the space to share their input via a short survey by March 7. The report was requested by UN Member States, and will be delivered by UN Secretary-General, António Guterres during the 77th Session of the General Assembly which opens September 13.
According to the UN's 2020-2021 report on the subject, "sports, the arts and physical activity have the power to change perceptions, prejudices and behaviors, as well as to inspire people, break down racial and political barriers, combat discrimination and defuse conflicts.” The new report will further promote sport as an innovative social impact tool and a powerful tool to leverage in advancing gender equality, climate action and more.
The UN wants as wide representation as possible and is especially interested in information on initiatives undertaken or planned over the last two years that aim to:
- Safely harness sport to advance sustainable development, peace and wellbeing in the context of the pandemic (including use of technology).
- Integrate sport as a driver of sustainable development and peace in COVID-19 recovery strategies, policies and programs.
- Leverage sport events to promote sustainable development, climate action and peace initiatives.
- Safeguard sport from corruption and crime.
- Advance research, data collection and data dissemination on the contributions of sport for development and peace.
Please take part in the online survey by March 7 in honor of IDSDP, an annual celebration of the power of sport to drive social change, community development and to foster peace and understanding.
The impacts of the pandemic have demonstrated the importance of sport and physical activity in helping countries, communities and individuals navigate challenging times by staying physically and mentally fit.
Source: SportandDev