Events - 2026 International Day of Sport for Development and Peace

BuildingBridges, BreakingBarriers.

Time: 11:30 a.m.– 1:00 p.m. (EDT), Wednesday, 1 April 2026

Venue: Conference Room 12, United Nations Headquarters, New York

Programme: Click here

speaker profiles: Click here

To mark the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) at UN Headquarters in New York, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), in collaboration with the Permanent Missions of the Principality of Monaco and the State of Qatar to the United Nations (Co-Chairs of the Group of Friends of Sport for Development and Peace), together with Peace and Sport, the Department of Global Communications, and UN Women, is hosting an event on Wednesday, 1 April 2026 at 11:30 am ET in Conference Room 12.

Every year, the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is celebrated to highlight the transformative power of sport in driving social change, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and bringing together people and communities from around the world. This day serves as a reminder that sport goes beyond the playing field – it has the ability to inspire, empower, and create meaningful impact in society.

This year’s event will feature prominent athletes and leaders from the world of sport, who will share their experiences of using sport as a platform to raise awareness and address pressing social issues. The discussion will also explore how sport can break down barriers and foster inclusion across diverse backgrounds and age groups, demonstrating its unique role in uniting people and promoting positive change.

UN grounds pass holders can join the event in person. Those unable to attend in person can join online through UN Web TV

Athletes and Sporting Organization Experts

• Mr. Andrew Luria, Sports Journalist, FOX5 San Diego
• Ms. Nawal El Moutawakel, IOC Vice-President, former track and field Olympian
• Ms. Ailyn Lopez, Street Child United Young Leaders
• Ms. Mary Connor, Executive Director, Common Goal
• Mr. Julian Agliardi, Skateboarder, Champion for Peace Junior, Peace and Sport
• Ms. Alena Olsen, ChildFund Rugby
• Mr. Jassim Jaidah, Match 4 Hope
• Mr. Silvio Guareschi, Inter Campus – FC Internazionale Milano Foundation

UN Member State Representatives

• H.E. Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN
• Ms. Daphné Le Son, Permanent Representative of the Principality of Monaco to the UN

United Nations Officials

• H.E. Mr. Li Junhua, Under Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, UNDESA
• H.E. Ms. Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women
• Mr. Robert Skinner, Deputy Director, Chief of Partnerships and Global Engagement Outreach Division, UN Department of Global Communications

Please find the speaker profiles here.