Sport is a cost-effective, flexible and powerful tool in promoting peace and development objectives. It brings people together regardless of their origins and backgrounds, creates strong social cohesion and bonds, and facilitates mutual understanding and dialogue....
Last weekend, 180 youngsters from 9 to 16 years old were protagonists at the 7th edition of the Great Lakes Friendship Games. During three days youth from Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo gathered around friendly sport competitions that allowed...
Today, at the end of a week marked with peace-related events, I write these words with optimism. This week, three events have been taking place in different parts of the world that demonstrated peace is possible, even in the darkest moments. Last week, I had an honor...
World Mental Health Day, marked on October 10, is a day to reflect on the challenges refugee children face everyday; but especially in terms of their mental health. This day is also an important opportunity to focus our thoughts on the positive impact that sport plays...
“For as long as we invest in outdated or self-serving models of humanitarian action, we will continue to trade in missed opportunities.” – Dr. Samantha Nutt It is time for change. In 1978, UNESCO described sport and physical education as a fundamental right for all;...
Thirty-five years have passed since the United Nations General Assembly declared in a resolution the International Day of Peace, with a purpose to commemorate and strengthen the “ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples”. Today, 21st September...
While Sport for Peace is widely seen as an emerging field, its antecedents can be traced back to the Olympic Truce where it was first used to settle temporary peace between warring states, to allow for competition among their athletes (SDPIWG, 2008). Sport is a main...
With 4,350 world-class athletes representing 176 nations competing for medals in 23 sport competitions, the upcoming Paralympic Games in Rio, especially after the great successes of the London edition, have truly become one of the biggest global sport events. Yet for...
Global changes are challenging the way we mobilize for change. It’s not time to exit, but it is maybe last moment to change the way we play together. Young people can be powerful agents of change and contribute with transformative solutions. Last year at the Peace and...
During the two-week of inaction between the Olympic and the Paralympic Games we have a unique opportunity to reflect how both events can improve conditions necessary for sustainable peace. Rio 2016 Olympic Games gave us many inspiring moments of humanity and altruism....
One of the most important things that I have learned as a sport athlete came from the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona. I went there with a vision of representing my country and competing. However, it did not take me long to realize that the Olympics is more...
The traditional Olympic Truce, the sacred historical pause when nations around the world observe a period of peace, has begun. From 5th to 21st August the Rio 2016 Olympic Games will create a window of opportunity to inspire and motivate the global community to act...